The whole idea of this udon noodle soup recipe is simplicity - slightly chewy thick noodles in an umami rich broth that's comforting, delicious and surprisingly filling. In fact the eggs and mange tout that I've used here are optional extras. In it's simplest form, this dish can come together in the time it takes to boil a kettle. It's made super easy by using the wonderful Hamadaya ingredients. They are made in the Southern area of Japan, close the Islands largest volcano called Mount Aso.
I make Dal for supper regularly - at least once a month. It's delicious, healthy and so easy, particularly if I'm busy. It takes no time to get this recipe going and after an hour or so when you're ready to stop and eat, it's done. It's also great when you've not had much time for shopping - you just need a few fresh ingredients.
Shawarma is up there as one of my favourites, it's so tasty and the hands down winner over the Turkish Doner or the Greek Gyros. Although it's traditionally cooked on a large skewer, rotisserie style, it's easily possible to recreate this fantastic street food classic at home.
Growing up, cauliflower was generally presented to me smothered in cheese sauce and baked in the oven. It's delicious and still is a real family favourite. However, the wonderful nutty flavour that a simple cauliflower develops when roasted is a joy that I didn't discover until a few years ago. Cauliflower is widely available all year round, although they are at their peak in spring and autumn, they are a real workhorse during those drab months when not much seems to be in season.
This recipe, using our Italian Pinsa Romana pizza/flatbreads showcases some of our Middle Eastern ingredients. The flavours go brilliantly together, these flabreads are absolutely delicious and will become a firm favourite on pizza night.
This recipe is my homage to an amazing 'menú del día' of soft chorizo sausages, potatoes and beans, enjoyed in the Rioja region of Spain, where we ate and drank the most fabulous food.
Dumplings are just one of life's little joys. Juicy, succulent and full of flavour. If you don't have time to make you're own, these ready-made dumpling are totally delicious and perfect for a quick meal. Simply cook them straight from frozen for 6-7 minutes, toss them in a tasty sauce and enjoy.
I have a number of 'go to' noodle sauces - ones that I can throw together really quickly, generally from store cupboard ingredients and this is one of them. Gochujang provides the base for this sauce and also the Korean vibe...
The beauty of making a paella - NO STIRRING! Get it on and go and do something else, the results are stunning. There are so many variations of this Catalan classic and (just like a risotto) there are so many different ingredients that you can use. When by the coast, fish and shellfish rule, the further inland, chicken, rabbit, sausage are the key. To make a good paella, there are a few things that you need to get right, the rest will take care of itself.
Come on foodies... UP YOUR BURGER GAME! Our great friend Ping Coombes gave me this awesome burger recipe which incorporates our fabulous Jimmy's Satay sauce. The secret lies in good quality beef...
Fregola is a traditional pasta from Sardinia. It's made using Durum wheat semolina that's rolled into small balls and toasted in an oven, giving a nutty flavour and texture. Fregola sits somewhere between giant couscous and Levantine moghrabieh, both are wheat based. Fregola is really versatile - use it in salads, soups and risotto, or pair it with vegetables, meat or seafood.
Making a good burger is a real craft. I have to say this as I wrote the recipe, but this burger was AWESOME - everything that a great burger should be and with very little fuss. There are three things that you have to get right for your burger to taste sublime.
This dish is a classic simple lunch or light supper and so easy with just four great quality ingredients, it's done in 10 minutes (the time it takes to cook the pasta) and tastes fantastic.
Using mince is a great way to create quick and tasty meals from scratch. Mince is really quick to season - you don't need to marinade it for hours because there is more surface area for your spices to work their magic. Mince is pretty economical too...
It's fairly straightforward making a risotto but there are a few things you can do to take your risotto-making skills to the next level. Your choice of rice is key: Arborio is an obvious choice but in Italy, Carnaroli rice is the king for risotto. It has a higher starch content than Arborio which gives your risotto a creamier finish.