Simple to make and a great way of using up ingredients that you might have sitting in the fridge. Get creative and add additional toppings as you wish. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 1/2 red onion finely chopped 8-10 cherry tomatoes finely chopped 1 small cucumber finely chopped 1 tin of cooked chickpeas rinsed well 10-12…

Low in calories, yet tasty and filling. This giant couscous salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days so it’s perfect to prepare in advance for lunches throughout the week. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 1 red onion quartered and sliced 10-12 cherry tomatoes chopped into quarters 1 garlic clove (crushed with garlic crusher) 1…

This traditional Palestinian dish is spelled differently throughout the levant: Maqluba, Maqlooba, Makloubi, Maglooba, Magloubeh are all variations of the words ‘upside down’ in Arabic. This is typically served for the family at the weekend and won’t fail to impress. Preparation time: 30 minutes. Cooking time: 60-70 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 2-3 chicken breasts…

This beautifully simple cabbage salad is so easy to make and improves digestion. It contains lots of vitamin C and keeps your heart healthy. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Preparation time: 15 mins Ingredients 1 cabbage (red or green) shredded or finely chopped 1/2 cup of olive oil 1-2 lemons juiced…

This is one of my favourite dishes. Known as ‘Bamia’ in Arabic, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Lady’s Fingers’ and is served throughout the middle east (usually cooked with lamb but this is my vegetarian version). Okra is packed full of nutrients and antioxidants as well as being low in calories. I buy the…

Preparation time: 10 minutes Ingredients (serves 2-3 people) 1 romaine lettuce chopped 2 tomatoes chopped 4 cooked beetroot chopped 1/2 red onion finely sliced Feta cheese (more or less as you prefer) 1/2 cup of chopped coriander 3-4 tbsp. olive oil for dressing Juice of 1 lemon Half a tsp. of Dijon mustard Salt and…

This simple summer salad is delicious. It reminds me of Spain and the food served at the tapas bars that line the streets in Malaga. Preparation time: 10 minutes Ingredients (serves 2 people) 1-2 large Spanish tomatoes sliced 1 tin of tuna in olive oil 1/2 red onion sliced 6-7 mint leaves chopped 4-6 marinated…

Giant butter beans (otherwise known as ‘Gigantes’) grow in abundance in Greece. This recipe is seriously easy and oh so tasty. It’s packed full of fibre, increases energy levels and prevents diabetes amongst other benefits. This dish can be served hot, warm or at room temperature. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 30 mins Ingredients…

This simple and refreshing arugula salad reminds me of summer holidays in Italy. Mediterranean tomatoes are much juicier and tastier than the ones I seem to find in the UK. Minimal fuss and so yummy. Preparation time: 5 minutes Ingredients (serves 2 people) 1 bag of arugula leaves 1/2 red onion sliced 10-12 cherry tomatoes…

This Turkish vegetarian stew served alongside couscous is tasty and very easy to make. I usually make enough for a couple of days as it keeps well and tastes just as good if not better the next day. Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 45 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 16-20 runner beans or flat…

Couscous descends from north Africa and is a real staple throughout Africa s well as being popular in many  other countries today. It’s a healthier alternative to rice and only requires four ingredients: couscous, vegetable/chicken stock, salt and pepper. I add lemon to mine but that’s optional. Preparation time: 2 minutes. Cooking time: 10 minutes….

The ideal side dish in my opinion. Spinach strengthens your bones and your muscles, improves your eyesight, has an anti-cancer effect and so much more. Preparation time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 5 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4) Two large packets of spinach thoroughly washed 3 cloves of garlic sliced A splash of white wine A sprinkle…