Brussel Sprout, Peanut and Soy Stir-Fry
Sprouts are still in season till the end of March and although we may all be slightly traumatised from the memories of sprouts which have been boiled to smithereens from our childhood, when cooked properly, these little green gems are full of flavour and add great texture to any meal. This is a quick, healthy and delicious vegan meal which is also budget friendly too.
Soy, Ginger & Honey Marmalade Chicken with Stir-Fried Rice and Sesame Broccoli
This soy orange marmalade baked chicken dish is so quick, easy to make and deliciously moreish. It uses ingredients which you can easily buy on your way home and it makes great leftover lunches for the next day. This will become a staple in your house.
Dukkah Chicken with Harissa, Chickpea and Spiced Tomato Bulgur with a Lemon Tahini Yoghurt
This recipe has some of my most favourite things. Dukkah, tahini, rose harissa, pine nuts all come together in this delicious and healthy chicken salad which is perfect for leftovers or for a hearty dinner. Roasting the chickpeas with the tomatoes on the vine and a mixture of whole and ground slices adds so much flavour to the bulgur wheat. The rose harissa adds a subtle heat which doesn’t overpower the chicken and the tahini yoghurt is cooling and nutty with the flavour of sesame.
Herb Falafels with Tabbouleh, Pickled Radish Salad and Tahini Dressing
I loveeee falafels and although they might seem like a faff to make, they really aren’t and once you’ve tasted these you’ll never buy them again. Full of goodness and so versatile, they’re also great for leftover lunches and a quick snack when you’re on the go. I bake mine in the oven which makes them healthier than the deep fried ones and they are still deliciously crispy. Served with a creamy tahini dressing, vibrant pickled salad and fresh tabbouleh, this is a meal packed with so much freshness, flavour and texture. And it happens to be completely plant based.
Panfried Sea Bass with Roasted Veg and Salsa Verde
This recipe is no game changer but it is a fab one to have in your repertoire. Tasty, healthy and an easy way to momentarily transport yourself to the Mediterranean, this is a great dish to make when you need to grab stuff on your way home and cannot face slaving away at the stove once you get there. I love the delicate flavour of sea bass and its crispy skin and when paired with a zingy salsa verde it is delicious. You could of course have this with any other type of fish - salmon or cod would work really well.
Smoky Bean Nachos with Paprika Potato Chips, Fiery Tomato Salsa and Sour Cream
I created this nacho recipe for Albert Bartlett which makes sure the potatoes are the star of the show. Everyone loves nachos but I find some recipes a little heavy and greasy for me. This vegetarian take on the classic party dish is much lighter and healthier than your regular versions thanks to the crispy garlic and paprika potato chips - they also just taste so much better. The smoky beans with plenty of cumin, coriander and garlic are delicious, the fiery salsa adds some heat while cooling sour cream helps to cool everything down. Full of crunch and plenty of flavour, these are perfect for sharing.
Indian Roast Chicken with Dal Makhani and Jammy Tomatoes
I haven’t posted a Sunday roast dinner recipe for a while and thought it was time to share a slightly different take on the traditional roast. The marinade on this chicken keeps it so lovely and moist, while the dal is just delicious, full of depth and flavour. This is the type of dish I could just eat and eat and eat. The tomatoes roasted with lemon, garlic and spices adds a burst of sweetness, while naan breads full to the brim of cardamom, spiced coconut and raisins are perfect to mop everything up.
Warming Mushroom and Lentil Curry
I was very kindly sent some Yondu vegetable umami seasoning and I was really impressed with the deep umami flavour it gives. I decided to create this warming and nutritious vegan mushroom and lentil curry - ideal for veganuary. It’s full of goodness, lots of veggies and plenty of flavour. Comforting, completely plant based and £1.42 per portion - perfect for brightening up a very chilly January.
Sesame Soy Chicken Salad with Cucumber Noodles and Peanuts
I made this sesame chicken salad a few weeks ago and it was so tasty and refreshing. Light, healthy and delicious this is the perfect midweek meal for when you fancy something a bit fresher which doesn’t scrimp on flavour. Also ideal for getting rid of those winter blues. Refreshing, tasty and healthy, save this recipe for when you next crave something light and delicious.
Middle Eastern Potatoes with Chickpea Mash, Zhoug, Tamarind and Pomegranate Dressing
Scotty Brand tasked me to come up with a healthy air fryer potato recipe and I couldn’t not do something Middle Eastern inspired. This would make a great side dish for any Middle Eastern feast but it was also a filling, healthy and satisfying meal on its own, full of texture and flavour. Oh, and did I mention it’s completely vegan too?
Aleppo Chilli, Prawn and Bulgur Wheat Salad with Spiced Courgettes, Feta and Lemon
This prawn bulgur wheat salad is healthy, delicious and great for leftovers the next day. It also comes out at under £4 per portion and is a great way to use up any veggies in your fridge. Its the prawns which make up most of the cost so if you would like to make it cheaper then you could use some cooked chicken or fried aubergine slices instead of the prawns which would be delicious. This is such a versatile dish which can be whipped up in no time.
Spiced Potato, Spinach and Butternut Squash Filo Pie
I created this delicious veg-packed spiced potato filo pie for Scotty Brand. It is not only vegan, it also works out at just £1.30 per portion. It would make a great centrepiece to any dinner party, but is also an easy recipe to follow for a midweek dinner. It has everything I love in a recipe - ease, flavour, texture and lots of healthy goodies.
Simple Salmon Supper
Sometimes you just need a simple dinner with minimal ingredients to get you through the midweek slump. This is the perfect dinner for when you’re short on time and energy. A lot of the ingredients you’ll have in the fridge already or can pick up easily on your way home. There are a few twists in the recipe to make it feel a bit more special than your typical salmon dinner (charring your lemon is such a simple step which really transforms the flavour and makes the dish feel that little bit fancy).
Harissa Baked Salmon with Pea, Feta and Mint Smash
This is one of my go-to meals for when I am short on time and need a healthy meal fast. The ingredients list is small and are all things which can be easily picked up on your way home or you will have them in your cupboard already. I cook this a lot, and by a lot I mean a lot, but whenever I have it I am surprised at just how tasty it is. Tasty, fresh, quick and easy, I hope this becomes a staple in your house like it has in mine.
Panfried Halibut with Romesco Sauce, Charred Broccoli with Olives and Almonds and Crispy Chorizo Capers
This is an easy meal which is packed with flavour and texture but still feels really special. The dish would work well with any meaty fish such as salmon or cod, but it would also be lovely with a chicken breast or cauliflower steak. The romesco sauce is so versatile (I use it for so many dishes) and the crispy chorizo capers make the dish.
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.
Roasted Spiced Cauliflower and Red Onion Salad with Chickpeas, Lemon Tahini Dressing and Pomegranates
I love a roasted salad and this one has some of my favourite flavour combinations. Salads don’t have to be boring, and this one certainly isn’t. For £1.67 a portion it’s also reasonably priced considering the amount of fresh ingredients. It’s a great Meat Free Monday meal if you’ve had an over indulgent weekend but doesn’t compromise on flavour and texture. It also just happens to be completely vegan.
Tandoori Venison loin with Bejewelled Pilau Rice, Spiced Turmeric Squash Puree, Coriander Mint Chutney and Chaat Masala Yoghurt
This special dish has all of the vibrant, fresh flavours of Indian cuisine. It is definitely a treat, but once you have made it once, you will want to make it again and again for any special occasion. Each of the elements can be made ahead and it is a great way to satisfy your cravings for a roast and curry in one without ruining any New Year diet plans.
Sichuan Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Peppers
This is a quick and easy recipe which is perfect for when you’re short on time. It’s also a great fakeaway meal for when those takeaway cravings come calling. Cheaper, healthier and I think tastier than your average takeaway stir fry, I hope this becomes a staple recipe for you as it has for me.
Tuna Niçoise Salad
This is the perfect dish to keep those January healthy eating intentions going. It will also bring some much-needed summery vibes to your dinner table during these dark nights.