Recipes

A simple, fragrant South-Indian style fish curry using coconut milk, tamarind and warming spices. Ready in under an hour and perfect with steamed rice or roti. Uses white fish such as cod, haddock or pollock.

Make a batch of roast chestnuts for a festive Christmas treat to share with guests. Try this easy method and make the most of these seasonal bites.

A rich, creamy macaroni cheese baked with smoky, crispy bacon and a golden breadcrumb topping. This version uses cream cheese (and extra milk) instead of double cream — makes 6 generous portions.

A hearty British-style meat and potato pie with tender braised beef, chunky potatoes and a golden shortcrust pastry lid. Serves 6 and works well made ahead and reheated.

A classic South African bobotie — gently curried minced meat baked with a milk-and-egg topping. Mild, slightly sweet and savoury; serve with yellow rice and chutney.

A classic show-stopping centre-piece of beef fillet coated in mustard, wrapped in a mushroom duxelles and prosciutto layer, encased in golden puff pastry. Serves 4; best cooked to medium-rare and rested before slicing.

A comforting, gently spiced cauliflower soup – creamy, smooth and topped with crisp roasted cauliflower florets and parsley. Adapted from Good Food (Esther Clark). Serves 4–6 as a light meal or starter.

A classic cold pork pie made with hot-water crust pastry, seasoned minced pork filling and a clear pork jelly (aspic). Makes one 20–22 cm pie suitable for 4 people, ideal for picnics or a make-ahead lunch. (Filling is egg-free.)

Light, crisp waffles with bright lemon flavour — perfect for breakfast or brunch. The batter is easy to mix and rests briefly to give a tender interior with a golden exterior. Serve with extra lemon, icing sugar, or maple syrup.

A classic, quick cheese and onion sandwich with caramelised onions and mature cheddar. Ready in about 20 minutes — perfect for lunch or a light supper. Serves 2.

A show-stopping vegetarian centre-piece: a seasoned lentil and walnut roast coated with mustard and encased in a rich mushroom duxelles and golden puff pastry. Serves 4; rest before slicing.

A bright, refreshing lime jelly — light and tart with a clean citrus flavour. Ready in minutes and chilled until firm, this simple dessert is perfect on its own or served with cream or fruit. Uses powdered gelatine; see tips for a vegetarian alternative.

Light, chocolatey pancakes studded with chocolate chips, topped with a warm salted caramel sauce and macerated strawberries. Perfect for brunch or as a decadent breakfast-for-dinner option.

Crispy oven chips served with homemade vegetarian ‘fingers’ made from mixed veg, potato and breadcrumbs. Family-friendly, suitable for kids, and easy to adapt (can be baked or shallow-fried).

A creamy, comforting cauliflower soup enriched with crisp bacon and mature cheddar. It can be blended smooth or left chunky. Ready in about 45 minutes — great for an easy midweek meal.

Classic South African boerewors served with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich onion gravy — a simple, comforting midweek dinner for four.

A tangy, creamy baked lime cheesecake with a digestive biscuit base. Makes 4 generous slices. Best made ahead and chilled so the flavours develop fully.

Rich, slow-style beef ragu made quickly in a pressure cooker. Tender shredded beef in a tomato-wine sauce — perfect with pappardelle, polenta or mashed potato. Serves 8.

A practical, classic pepperoni pizza made from scratch for one. Includes a straightforward dough, a simple tomato sauce and clear steps for shaping and baking in a home oven.

A hearty, layered vegetarian lasagna featuring roasted aubergine, a rich tomato-vegetable sauce, creamy ricotta-spinach layer and a smooth béchamel. Serves 6 and works with oven-ready or pre-cooked lasagna sheets.

Crispy, spicy homemade fish fingers coated in seasoned panko with thick, double-fried chip-shop-style chips. Serves 4 — a satisfying pub-style meal you can make at home.

A make‑ahead, no‑bake version of the classic Viennetta: layers of creamy vanilla ice cream with thin, crisp chocolate ribbons. Easy to assemble in a loaf pan and freeze until set. Serves about 6.

A classic layered sundae combining fruity strawberry sauce and rich chocolate sauce over scoops of strawberry and chocolate ice cream, finished with whipped cream, nuts, chocolate shavings and a cherry. Easily made in about 25 minutes.

Juicy, medium-rare ribeye slices paired with crispy roasted potatoes and caramelized onions. Finished with fresh parsley for brightness and optional pan sauce for extra richness.

Oven-baked salmon and prawns layered over a smooth mashed potato and broccoli, with cherry tomatoes and chives.

A bright, one-pot South Indian squash rasam. This vegan, tangy soup uses butternut squash, tomatoes, tamarind and curry leaves for a fragrant, comforting bowl. Ready in about 45 minutes. Serves 4. Optional yogurt can be added for non-vegan servings.

A hearty weeknight pasta featuring browned sausage, onions, garlic, and a creamy tomato sauce. Simple, comforting, and serves four.

Flaky puff pastry envelops a zesty, spicy sausage filling with onion, garlic and jalapeño. Quick to assemble and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party bite.