Zuppa di Funghi  Serves 4

10g dried porcini mushrooms soaked in 400ml boiling water for 30mins – optional 150g fresh mushrooms 1 clove garlic 1 small bunch parsley 30g butter 30g plain flour 600ml milk 500ml stock ( including soaking liquid) salt and pepper 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2...

Roasted Vegetable, Lentil & Tahini Salad

3 or 4 carrots 1 or 2 red onions 2 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper 2 tins lentils, drained 2 handfuls fresh spinach, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped dates 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, optional  For the dressing 1 tablespoon tahini paste juice of 1 lemon 1...

Crispy Potato Rosti – serves 4

3 large potatoes 1 small onion 1 egg salt and pepper olive oil for frying Method Grate the potatoes on a coarse grater – no need to peel first – and place into a bowl. Do the same with the onion – but you might cry! Try using a food processor instead. Place the onion...

Savoury Galettes – makes 4 – 6

A very versatile recipe to remind you of French adventures past! 60g buckwheat flour – you can substitute wholemeal or use all 120g buckwheat 60g plain flour 2 eggs 2 tablespoons olive oil 250ml milk pinch salt Oil for frying Fillings: For the most traditional try...

Spicy Potatoes

Parboiling the potatoes really improves the texture – but they’re still good if you don’t have time. 1 kg potatoes – floury if possible 2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon chilli flakes 2 teaspoons ras el hanout – if you have it 3 springs of fresh rosemary...

Minestrone Soup

Every region and every family has a classic minestrone recipe – you can vary it depending on what vegetables you have. Here is a classic recipe to use as your starting point. 1 onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, finely chopped I stick celery 1 tablespoon olive oil 75g...