Nectarine, Basil & Prosciutto Salad with Chilli Fennel Halloumi
Sweet, juicy nectarines work so well with crispy prosciutto shards which add texture and a hit of saltiness. When nectarines aren’t in season, tinned peaches work really well too. Air frying some halloumi cubes and then drizzling them with some honey, fennel seeds and chilli for the last few minutes of cooking means they are lovely and crispy but still soft in the middle and totally moreish. I could eat just a bowl of these on their own. With a basil, lemon and mustard dressing for the salad leaves and some toasted seeds for nuttiness, this is a delicious salad which delivers on every level.
Tomato, Fennel and Anchovy Pasta with Pangrattato
I have been quite busy recently and craving tasty, quick pasta meals in the evening. This is one of my favourites and includes ingredients you probably have in your cupboard anyway. Anchovies add a lovely umami saltiness, while sweet tomatoes, sharp lemon, salty capers and fragrant fennel all work together to make this not just your typical bowl of midweek pasta. Pangrattato toasted in garlic, oil and parmesan add crunch and texture and is a must to sprinkle over any pasta dish. This will be on the table in minutes.
Pine Nut, Orange and Fennel Porchetta with Saffron Milanese and Nduja Butter
This is a rich dinner which would be perfect for a dinner party or comforting Sunday meal. The crispy pork crackling with soft pork flesh stuffed with plenty of herbs, orange and garlic is so easy to do and so delicious. Paired with a creamy buttery risotto full of plenty of salty, nutty parmesan and the slight hint of floral saffron goes so well and some spicy nduja butter brings it all together.
Roast Chicken Orzo with Fennel, Lemon and Parmesan
This is a true one pot dish which makes one chicken go a long way. Roasting the chicken on top of the orzo and vegetables allows all the chicken juices to be absorbed by the pasta grains, making them extra delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy a roast but without the many pots and pans and often hefty price tag. Healthy and so comforting at this time of year, this will become a regular recipe in your household I’m sure.
Peach, Fennel and Pistachio Cobbler with Lavender Creme Anglaise
I think cobblers are such underrated puddings - what’s not to love about sticky, syrupy fruit with a light and gooey sponge which soaks up all the fruit juices, a crispy topping and a creamy, rich custard on the side. I added fennel seeds because they go so well with peaches and the crunchy pistachios added more texture too. Adding some lavender to the vanilla custard is a complete game changer - it just gives a slightly floral hint which worked really well with the other flavours. Not the most refined of puddings, but definitely one of the tastiest.
Crab, Fennel and Courgette Bucatini with Anchovy, Caper and Lemon Parsley Breadcrumbs
Crab and fennel is a classic combination. Teamed with lemon, parsley, chilli, anchovies and capers, the flavours just come alive. This is the recipe for my crab bucatini which is healthy, full of flavour and so versatile. It is both a perfect quick midweek meal and a dish to impress for a dinner party. For me it’s the breadcrumbs which make this recipe so don’t miss out on those.
Lemon, Garlic and Thyme Roast Chicken with a Honey Miso Glaze, Orange Braised Fennel and Roasted Veg
There is nothing simpler than a roast chicken, but there are ways you can elevate it to the next level.