Kidney beans and chickpeas are incredibly nutritious and filling. Two cups provides your entire daily dietary requirement of fibre and when we combine chickpeas with heathy fats such as olive oil, it actually enhances nutrient absorption. Coriander really makes this salad taste awesome and is packed full of vitamin C and vitamin K. Preparation time:…

Roasted chicken wings, thighs and legs with zaatar, garlic, lemon and red onion  – Another one of my ‘one tray’ recipes, creating less to wash up later. The chicken will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Preparation time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 60 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) A mix of…

Tagine is a North-African stew and the word refers to both the food and the tool used to cook it in. A tagine is a type of heavy based casserole-type dish with a tall lid (that looks like a hat). The traditional ones are terracota coloured but nowadays in the street markets of Morocco you…

This simple ‘caldo de verduras’ or vegetable soup reminds me of my childhood. Whenever we were feeling under the weather, my mum would make this. I make enough soup for 3 or 4 days and it saves me the cooking the next day. You can add whatever vegetables you have and adjust the cooking time…

An easy lunch idea for garlic and seafood lovers any day of the week. Preparation time: 5 minutes Ingredients (serves 2 people) 1 tin of mackerel in olive oil 3-4 cherry tomatoes sliced Chopped chives for garnish 2 tsp olive oil 2-3 tsp of lemon juice 1/2 garlic clove minced 2 slices of wholemeal bread…

Loubye Bzeit is a classic Lebanese stewed green bean recipe that is ever so popular in Lebanon. Different variations of this vegetarian goodness exist throughout the middle east.  Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 60 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 2 lb green beans chopped into 5-6cm long pieces 1 white onion chopped 8 garlic…

‘Tortilla Española’ in Spain is usually referred to as tortilla de patatas and can be found in most Spanish restaurants or bars. It tends to be served as a tapa or appetizer, but can also be eaten as a light dinner or placed in a sandwich. This recipe varies throughout Spanish homes and is a…

This is an Arabic staple that is commonly served with main dishes throughout the Middle East. It only requires four ingredients: butter or olive oil, white rice, vermicelli noodles and salt. I personally prefer to use olive oil instead of butter as it’s healthier, but it tastes superb with either! Preparation time: 5 minutes. Cooking…

This is really easy to make, tasty and healthy (one serving is less than 200 calories). I make this in batch during the winter to last me a few days. It can also be frozen if you wish. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 1 large white onion chopped 1…

The soup season has arrived. I make this for 3 or 4 days and save myself the cooking. It can also be frozen if you wish. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 1 large white onion finely chopped 1 butternut squash peeled and chopped into small cubes 3-4 large carrots…

Carrots support brain health and our cognitive functions as well as improving our vision, skin, hair, teeth and so much more. This is a simple side dish which you can make in under 30 minutes. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 20-25 minutes. Ingredients (serves 3-4 people) 8-10 carrots chopped 2-3 tbsp. of olive oil 1…

Roasted chicken thighs with sumac, orange juice, garlic and thyme  – Another one of my ‘one tray’ recipes, creating less to wash up later. The chicken thighs will be crispy on the outside and so tender on the inside. Preparation time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 50-60 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4-6 people) 8 chicken thighs (bone…