Braised Pork With Plums

Meltingly tender meat in a spicy, fruity sauce, this meal is guaranteed to impress

• Cooking Time Prep 25 mins
  Cook 2 hrs
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 8

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  530

• Protein

  40g

• Carbs

  11g

• Fat

  36g

• Saturates

  13g

• Fibre

  1g

• Sugar

  10g

• Salt

  2.87g

Ingredients

• about 1.6kg/3lb 8oz pork shoulder
• 5 tbsp rice wine
• 5 tbsp light soy sauce for flavour, 1 tbsp dark for colour
• generous thumb-size piece fresh root ginger
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• bunch spring onions, finely sliced
• 2 star anise
• 1 ½ tsp five-spice powder
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp sugar, any type
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 500ml chicken stock
• 6 ripe plums, halved and stoned

Directions

1. Cut the pork into big pieces about the length of your thumb and twice as wide. Put into a bowl or food bag, and add the wine, soy sauces, half the ginger, half the garlic and half the chilli. Marinate for at least 1 hr or up to 24 hrs.
2. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3, then heat the oil in a large casserole. Tip in half the spring onions, remaining ginger and garlic, the star anise, five-spice powder and cinnamon. Fry gently until fragrant and soft. Stir in the sugar, turn up the heat, then lift the pork from the marinade and turn in the oniony mix for about 3 mins until the meat is just sealed but not browned. Tip in the marinade, tomato purée and stock, give it a stir, cover, then braise in the oven for 2 hrs.
3. After the first hr is up, add the plums to the pan. Take the lid off and carry on the cooking, uncovered. The meat should be completely tender, turning golden brown where it breaks the surface of the sauce. Spoon off any excess fat from the surface, then scoop the meat and plums carefully from the pan with a slotted spoon. Turn up the heat and boil the sauce for 5-10 mins until reduced and slightly syrupy. Return everything to the pan, gently warm through, then scatter the rest of the spring onions over the top to serve.

Read More

Special Fried Rice With Prawns & Chorizo

A fusion dish that merges Spanish paella with Asian egg fried rice - a great way to get kids to eat vegetables

• Cooking Time Prep 10 mins
  Cook 18 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Easily doubled

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  404

• Protein

  19g

• Carbs

  45g

• Fat

  15g

• Saturates

  4g

• Fibre

  4g

• Sugar

  5g

• Salt

  1.3g

Ingredients

• 100g basmati rice or long-grain rice
• 85g frozen peas
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 50g finely diced chorizo, bacon or ham
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 3 spring onions, sliced on an angle
• ½ red pepper, deseeded and chopped
• good pinch five spice powder
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 100g beansprouts (optional)
• 50g peeled prawns

Directions

1. Boil the rice following pack instructions, adding the peas for the final min. Drain.
2. Heat half the oil in a wok. Pour in the egg and stir-fry until scrambled. Tip onto a plate and set aside.
3. Wipe the wok with kitchen paper, then heat the remaining oil. Toss in the meat, garlic, spring onions and pepper, and stir-fry until the pepper starts to soften. Add the five-spice, rice, peas and soy, then stir-fry for 5 mins more. Finally add the beansprouts, if using, the egg and prawns, and stir-fry to heat through.

Read More

Easy Treacle Sponge

A simple baked version of this classic childhood pudding, with a zesty treacle sauce forming an irresistible puddle at the bottom

• Cooking Time Prep 10 mins - 15 mins
  Cook 40 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 8

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  512

• Protein

  5.6g

• Carbs

  70.1g

• Fat

  23g

• Saturates

  13.7g

• Fibre

  0.9g

• Sugar

  49.6g

• Salt

  1g

Ingredients

• 250g golden syrup
• zest 1 lemon, plus juice ½ lemon
• 5 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 200g pack butter, softened
• 200g golden caster sugar
• 3 medium eggs
• 200g self-raising flour
• 5 tbsp milk

Directions

1. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Mix the syrup, lemon zest, juice and breadcrumbs and spread over the base of a 1.5 litre baking dish.
2. Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in the eggs, one by one. Stir in the flour and milk and dollop over the syrup. Bake for 35-40 mins until golden and risen, and a skewer poked into the sponge comes out clean-ish. Eat with lots of custard, cream or ice cream and extra dribbles of syrup.

Read More

BBQ Chicken With Corn Rice

Keep the kids happy with this sticky barbecue chicken dish

• Cooking Time Prep 10 mins
  Cook 40 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 4

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  635

• Protein

  44g

• Carbs

  95g

• Fat

  12g

• Saturates

  3g

• Fibre

  4g

• Sugar

  26g

• Salt

  1.79g

Ingredients

• 4 chicken leg portions, cut into thighs and drumsticks, skin removed
• 2 onions, 1 chopped, 1 cut into wedges
• 1 red and 1 green pepper, deseeded and thickly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200ml bottled barbecue sauce
• 2 tsp thyme leaves
• 250g long grain rice, rinsed
• 600ml chicken stock
• 340g can sweetcorn, rinsed and drained
• ½ red chilli, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Slash each piece of chicken 2-3 times. Put the chicken, onion wedges and peppers in a roasting tin or ovenproof pan, then toss with 1 tbsp oil and the barbecue sauce. Roast for 40 mins, turning halfway, until sticky and tender. Add a splash of water if the sauce dries up a little at the edges.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a medium pan, then soften the chopped onion for 5 mins. Stir in the thyme, rice, stock and seasoning. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 12 mins. Turn off the heat, tip in the corn, add chilli if using, put the lid back on and let the rice steam for 10 mins more. Fluff up the rice, then serve with the chicken, vegetables and pan juices.

Read More

Butternut Maple & Pecan Lattice Pie

Spiced and glowing gold, this pie is pure autumn on a plate. Use butternut squash or your Halloween pumpkin

• Cooking Time Prep 20 mins
  Cook 1 hr, 10 mins
• Skill Level Moderately easy
• Servings Cuts into 10 slices

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  628

• Protein

  7g

• Carbs

  66g

• Fat

  39g

• Saturates

  16g

• Fibre

  3g

• Sugar

  33g

• Salt

  0.51g

Ingredients

• 700g chunk butternut squash or pumpkin
• 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil
• 175g light muscovado sugar
• 250g tub mascarpone
• ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 heaped tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 heaped tsp ground ginger
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp maple syrup, plus more to serve
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 x 375g packs chilled dessert pastry
• plain flour, for rolling
• milk, for brushing
• handful pecan halves, very roughly chopped
• icing sugar and whipped cream, to serve

Directions

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut the squash into several large pieces, remove any seeds, then toss with the oil in a roasting tin. Roast for about 35 mins or until golden and soft.
2. When cold, peel the skin away, then put the flesh into a processor with the sugar, mascarpone and spices. Whizz until smooth, then add the eggs, maple syrup, vanilla and ¼ tsp salt. Whizz again.
3. Cut one-third of the pastry from one block and squash it into the other block. Shape the larger block into a smooth round then, on a floured surface, roll out to line a 23cm fluted tart tin. Line the tin, leaving some overhang, then lift onto a baking sheet. Pour in the filling, then carefully slide the pie into the oven and bake for 20 mins.
4. Meanwhile, roll the remaining pastry to a rectangle about 16 x 30cm, then cut into 8 long strips about 2cm wide. Weave the strips under and over each other on a floured, rimless baking sheet to make a lattice large enough to cover the top of the pie. Put in the fridge to chill.
5. After 20 mins, the filling will be starting to set. Take pie out of the oven, brush pastry rim with milk, then slide the chilled lattice off its sheet and onto the pie. Press the edges down a little to seal, then scatter over the pecans and return to the oven.
6. Bake for 15-20 mins more or until the lattice is golden and the filling has risen with just a faint wobble in the middle. Cool completely, then trim the edges and dust with icing sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve with whipped cream.

Read More

Pumpkin Pie

Fill a sweet shortcrust pastry tart case with lightly spiced squash to make a traditional American treat

• Cooking Time Prep 40 mins
  Cook 1 hr, 30 mins
• Skill Level Moderately easy
• Servings Serves 8

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  357

• Protein

  5g

• Carbs

  45g

• Fat

  18g

• Saturates

  7g

• Fibre

  2g

• Sugar

  27g

• Salt

  0.65g

Ingredients

• 750g/1lb 10oz pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks
• 350g sweet shortcrust pastry
• plain flour, for dusting
• 140g caster sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp fresh nutmeg, grated
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 25g butter, melted
• 175ml milk
• 1 tbsp icing sugar

Directions

1. Place the pumpkin in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 mins or until tender. Drain pumpkin; let cool.
2. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Chill for 15 mins. Line the pastry with baking parchment and baking beans, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the beans and paper, and cook for a further 10 mins until the base is pale golden and biscuity. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
3. Increase oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Push the cooled pumpkin through a sieve into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, salt, nutmeg and half the cinnamon. Mix in the beaten eggs, melted butter and milk, then add to the pumpkin purée and stir to combine. Pour into the tart shell and cook for 10 mins, then reduce the temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Continue to bake for 35-40 mins until the filling has just set.
4. Leave to cool, then remove the pie from the tin. Mix the remaining cinnamon with the icing sugar and dust over the pie. Serve chilled.

Read More

Pear & Chocolate Pudding

A comforting and seasonal pudding for autumn, perfect with a spot of vanilla ice cream

• Cooking Time Prep 15 mins
  Cook 25 mins - 30 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 4

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  557

• Protein

  5g

• Carbs

  83g

• Fat

  25g

• Saturates

  15g

• Fibre

  5g

• Sugar

  65g

• Salt

  0.6g

Ingredients

• 100g dried breadcrumbs
• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• 100g demerara sugar
• 85g butter
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored and cut into chunks

Directions

1. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Mix the crumbs, chocolate and sugar. Melt the butter with the maple syrup, then stir into the dry ingredients.
2. Put the chopped pears in a 1-litre shallow ovenproof dish. Spoon over the chocolate mixture, then roughly spread to cover the pears. Bake for 25-30 mins. Cool for 10 mins, then serve on its own or with vanilla ice cream or yogurt.

Read More

Schooldays Treacle Sponge

A syrupy basin pudding with a moist sponge and sticky sauce- a Great British tradition with retro charm

• Cooking Time Prep 30 mins
  Cook 1 hr, 30 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 4 generously

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  763

• Protein

  10g

• Carbs

  90g

• Fat

  43g

• Saturates

  25g

• Fibre

  1g

• Sugar

  56g

• Salt

  0.71g

Ingredients

• 175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
• 3 tbsp golden syrup, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tbsp fresh white breadcrumbs
• splash brandy (optional but delicious)
• 175g golden caster sugar
• zest 1 lemon
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 175g self-raising flour
• 2 tbsp milk
• clotted cream, to serve

Directions

1. Use a small knob of butter to heavily grease a 1-litre pudding basin. In a small bowl, mix the golden syrup with the breadcrumbs and brandy, if using, then tip into the pudding basin.
2. Beat butter with sugar and zest until light and fluffy, then add eggs gradually. Fold in the flour, then finally add the milk.
3. Spoon the mix into the pudding basin. Cover with a double layer of buttered foil and baking paper, making a pleat in the centre to allow the pudding to rise. Tie the foil securely with string, then place in a steamer or large pan containing enough gently simmering water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam for 1½ hrs. Turn out onto a serving dish. Serve with lashings of clotted cream and a little extra golden syrup drizzled over if you wish.

Read More

Mexican Bean Salad

Not one to leave your tummy rumbling, this filling salad really hits the spot and has a spicy kick

• Cooking Time Prep 10 mins
  Cook 10 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 4

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  430

• Protein

  20g

• Carbs

  25g

• Fat

  29g

• Saturates

  3g

• Fibre

  10g

• Sugar

  6g

• Salt

  1.61g

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 2 avocados, peeled and stoned
• 2 x 400g cans of beans, (we used pinto bean and kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• small red onion, finely sliced
• large bunch coriander, leaves only, roughly chopped
• 250g punnet cherry tomatoes, halved
• bottle bought good-quality dressing (we used English Provender Company Lime & Coriander dressing)
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced
• ½ tsp cumin

Directions

1. Lower the eggs into boiling water and boil for 6½ mins, then put into a bowl of cold water to cool. Slice the avocados and place in a large bowl with the beans, onion, coriander and tomatoes. Measure 3 tbsp of the dressing into a small bowl, then mix in the chilli and cumin. Once the eggs have cooled but are still warm, peel off the shells and cut into quarters. Toss the salad with the dressing and nestle in the eggs. Serve straight away – delicious with toasted tortillas.

Read More

Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni

Keep a few portions of this vegetarian classic in the freezer and you'll never be stuck for a satisfying supper

• Cooking Time Prep 50 mins
  Cook 40 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Makes 10 servings

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  711

• Protein

  30g

• Carbs

  44g

• Fat

  47g

• Saturates

  27g

• Fibre

  5g

• Sugar

  15g

• Salt

  1.59g

Ingredients

• For the tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 tbsp caster sugar
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 4 x 400g cans chopped chopped tomatoes
• small bunch basil leaves
• For the topping
• 2 x 250g tubs mascarpone
• 3 tbsp milk
• 85g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), grated
• 2 x 125g balls mozzarella, sliced
• For the filling
• 1kg spinach
• 100g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), grated
• 3 x 250g tubs ricotta
• large pinch grated nutmeg
• 400g dried cannelloni

Directions

1. First make the tomato sauce. Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the garlic for 1 min. Add the sugar, vinegar, tomatoes and some seasoning and simmer for 20 mins, stirring occasionally, until thick. Add the basil and divide the sauce between 2 or more shallow ovenproof dishes (see Tips for freezing, below). Set aside. Make a sauce by beating the mascarpone with the milk until smooth, season, then set aside.
2. Put the spinach in a large colander and pour over a kettle of boiling water to wilt it (you may need to do this in batches). When cool enough to handle squeeze out the excess water. Roughly chop the spinach and mix in a large bowl with 100g Parmesan and ricotta. Season well with salt, pepper and the nutmeg.
3. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Using a piping bag or plastic food bag with the corner snipped off, squeeze the filling into the cannelloni tubes. Lay the tubes, side by side, on top of the tomato sauce and spoon over the mascarpone sauce. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella. You can now freeze the cannelloni, uncooked, or you can cook it first and then freeze. Bake for 30-35 mins until golden and bubbling. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 mins before serving.

Read More

Pizza Margherita In 4 Easy Steps

Even a novice cook can master the art of pizza with our simple step-by-step guide. Bellissimo

• Cooking Time Prep 25 mins
  Cook 10 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Makes 2 pizzas, serves 4

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  431

• Protein

  19g

• Carbs

  59g

• Fat

  15g

• Saturates

  7g

• Fibre

  3g

• Sugar

  2g

• Salt

  1.87g

Ingredients

• For the base
• 300g strong bread flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast (from a sachet or a tub)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• For the tomato sauce
• 100ml passata
• handful fresh basil or 1 tsp dried
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• For the topping
• 125g ball mozzarella, sliced
• handful grated or shaved parmesan
• handful cherry tomatoes, halved
• To finish
• handful basil leaves (optional)

Directions

1. Make the base: Put the flour into a large bowl, then stir in the yeast and salt. Make a well, pour in 200ml warm water and the olive oil and bring together with a wooden spoon until you have a soft, fairly wet dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 mins until smooth. Cover with a tea towel and set aside. You can leave the dough to rise if you like, but it's not essential for a thin crust.
2. Make the sauce: Mix the passata, basil and crushed garlic together, then season to taste. Leave to stand at room temperature while you get on with shaping the base.
3. Roll out the dough: If you've let the dough rise, give it a quick knead, then split into two balls. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into large rounds, about 25cm across, using a rolling pin. The dough needs to be very thin as it will rise in the oven. Lift the rounds onto two floured baking sheets.
4. Top and bake: Heat oven to 240C/fan 220C /gas 8. Put another baking sheet or an upturned baking tray in the oven on the top shelf. Smooth sauce over bases with the back of a spoon. Scatter with cheese and tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and season. Put one pizza, still on its baking sheet, on top of the preheated sheet or tray. Bake for 8-10 mins until crisp. Serve with a little more olive oil, and basil leaves if using. Repeat step for remaining pizza.

Read More

Lentil Ragù

Struggle to get your five-a-day? This superhealthy rag will get you four steps closer and can be frozen for extra convenience

• Cooking Time Prep 15 mins
  Cook 1 hr, 15 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 6

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  662

• Protein

  33g

• Carbs

  120g

• Fat

  9g

• Saturates

  1g

• Fibre

  10g

• Sugar

  14g

• Salt

  1.05g

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, finely chopped
• 3 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 500g bag dried red lentils
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato pur�e
• 2 tsp each dried oregano and thyme
• 3 bay leaves
• 1l vegetable stock
• 500g spaghetti, plus Parmesan or vegetarian cheese, grated, to serve

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook gently for 15-20 mins until everything is softened. Stir in the lentils, chopped tomatoes, tomato pur�e, herbs and stock. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 40-50 mins until the lentils are tender and saucy-splash in water if you need. Season.
2. If eating straight away, keep on a low heat while you cook the spaghetti, following pack instructions. Drain well, divide between pasta bowls or plates, spoon sauce over the top and grate over some cheese. Alternatively, cool the sauce and chill for up to 3 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months. Simply defrost portions overnight at room temperature, then reheat gently to serve.

Read More

Creamy Veggie Korma

Creamy and healthy - a winning combination for this curry, which can be easily adapted to suit all the family if some want to add meat

• Cooking Time Prep 15 mins
  Cook 30 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 4

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  257

• Protein

  10g

• Carbs

  31g

• Fat

  11g

• Saturates

  5g

• Fibre

  7g

• Sugar

  16g

• Salt

  0.42g

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cardamom pods, bashed
• 2 tsp each ground cumin and coriander
• � tsp ground turmeric
• 1 green chilli, deseeded (if desired) and finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• thumb-size piece ginger, finely chopped
• 800g mixed vegetables, such as carrots, cauliflower, potato and courgette, chopped
• 300-500ml hot vegetable stock
• 200g frozen peas
• 200ml yogurt
• 2 tbsp ground almonds (optional)
• Make it non-veggie
• � small raw chicken breast per portion
• To serve
• toasted flaked almonds, chopped coriander, basmati rice or naan bread

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pan. Cook onion with the dry spices over a low heat for 5-6 mins until the onion is light golden. Add the chilli, garlic and ginger and cook for 1 min, then throw in the mixed vegetables and cook for a further 5 mins.
2. Divide the mixture appropriately between two pans if serving vegetarians and meat eaters. Chop the chicken into small chunks and stir into one pan. Add the stock, dividing between the pans appropriately, and simmer for 10 mins (if only cooking the veggie version in one pan, use 300ml stock; if dividing between two pans, add 250ml to each). Divide the peas, if necessary, and add, cooking for 3 mins more until the veg are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove from the heat and stir through the yogurt and ground almonds, if using. Serve sprinkled with the toasted almonds and coriander, with basmati rice or naan bread on the side.

Read More

Bean Enchiladas

This substantial veggie supper is quick to prepare and packed with goodness

• Cooking Time Prep 10 mins
  Cook 30 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 4

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  430

• Protein

  23g

• Carbs

  60g

• Fat

  13g

• Saturates

  4g

• Fibre

  15g

• Sugar

  17g

• Salt

  1.36g

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 280g carrots, grated
• 2-3 tsp chilli powder (mild or hot, according to your taste)
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 x 400g cans pulses in water, drained (we used mixed beans and lentils)
• 6 small wholemeal tortillas
• 200g low-fat natural yogurt
• 50g extra-mature cheddar cheese (or veg alternative), finely grated

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Cook the onions and carrots for 5-8 mins until soft-add a splash of water if they start to stick. Sprinkle in the chilli powder and cook for 1 min more. Pour in the tomatoes and pulses and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 5-10 mins, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from the heat and season well.
2. Heat grill to high. Spread a spoonful of the bean chilli over a large ovenproof dish. Lay each tortilla onto a board, fill with a few tbsp of chilli mixture, fold over the ends and roll up to seal. Place them into the ovenproof dish. Spoon the remaining chilli on top.
3. Mix the yogurt and grated cheese together with some seasoning, and spoon over the enchiladas. Grill for a few mins until the top is golden and bubbling. Serve with a green salad.

Read More

Apple Pear & Cherry Compote

Great as an easy dessert for Sunday lunch, then use for breakfasts and midweek puds

• Cooking Time Prep 30 mins
  Cook 20 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Makes 12 portions

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  199

• Protein

  1g

• Carbs

  51g

• Fat

  1g

• Saturates

  0g

• Fibre

  4g

• Sugar

  47g

• Salt

  0.03g

Ingredients

• 8 eating apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
• 4 medium Bramley apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
• 8 firm pears, peeled, cored and thickly sliced
• 6 tbsp sugar, or to taste
• 280g dried sour cherries (or dried cranberries)

Directions

1. Put the apples and pears in a pan with the sugar and 50ml water. Bring to a simmer, then gently cook, covered, for 15 mins or so until the Bramley apple has collapsed to a purée and the eating apple and pear are tender (stir to make sure it doesn't catch on the bottom).
2. Stir in the cherries or cranberries for 1 min, taste and add a little more sugar if necessary. Can be chilled for 3-5 days. Serve with vanilla ice cream, if you like. See 'Goes well with' for ideas for using up the compote.

Read More

Baked Apples With Prunes Cinnamon & Ginger

A simple, classic low-fat pudding to use up seasonal Bramleys

• Cooking Time Prep 10 mins
  Cook 40 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 4

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  284

• Protein

  3g

• Carbs

  47g

• Fat

  11g

• Saturates

  7g

• Fibre

  0g

• Sugar

  45g

• Salt

  0.19g

Ingredients

• 4 cooking apples, cored but left whole
• 2 stem ginger balls, finely chopped
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 prunes, chopped
• 50g light muscovado sugar
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 big scoops good quality vanilla ice cream, to serve

Directions

1. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Using a sharp knife, score a line around the equator of each apple. Put them into a baking dish with a small splash of water in the bottom.
2. In a bowl, combine the ginger, cinnamon, prunes and sugar. Stuff the mixture into the apples so that they are well packed. Top each with a knob of butter and bake for 35-40 mins, or until cooked through. To test, pierce with a sharp knife-it should slide straight through. The apples can be cooked up to a day ahead, then warmed through in the oven or microwave before eating.
3. Remove from the oven and baste the apples with the liquid left in the dish. Serve hot or warm with the ice cream.

Read More

Speedy Meatball Stew

Serve beef meatballs in a tomato casserole with garlic and rosemary and eat with pasta or crusty bread

• Cooking Time Prep 5 mins
  Cook 15 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Makes 4 lunches

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  286

• Protein

  20g

• Carbs

  28g

• Fat

  11g

• Saturates

  4g

• Fibre

  4g

• Sugar

  9g

• Salt

  1.68g

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 250g small lean beef meatballs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
• 560ml jar passata
• 200g frozen peas
• few parmesan shavings, to serve (optional)

Directions

1. Boil the potatoes for 10 mins until tender. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan. Season the meatballs, then brown them all over for about 5 mins. Remove from the pan, drain off any excess fat, then add the onion, garlic and rosemary. Fry gently for 5 mins.
2. Add passata to the pan, bring to a simmer, then add the meatballs. Simmer for 5 mins or until everything is cooked through. Add the potatoes and peas, then simmer for 1 min. Pack into a flask or reheat at work, add Parmesan, if using, and eat with good crusty bread.

Read More

Potato Spring Onion Dill & Cheese Frittata

The perfect stress-free summer lunch. For a non-veggie option, add a couple of slices of ham

• Cooking Time Prep 10 mins
  Cook 20 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 4

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  244

• Protein

  11g

• Carbs

  18g

• Fat

  15g

• Saturates

  4g

• Fibre

  1g

• Sugar

  1g

• Salt

  0.4g

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g leftover cooked new potatoes, sliced
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 4 spring onions, finely sliced
• 1 bunch dill, roughly chopped
• 25g cheddar, grated

Directions

1. In a small non-stick frying pan, heat oil over a medium heat. Add potatoes, then fry until beginning to crisp, about 8 mins. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, spring onions, dill and some seasoning. Heat the grill.
2. Tip the eggs into frying pan, mix quickly, lower the heat, then sprinkle over cheese. After about 8 mins, once the top side has almost set, pop under the grill for 2-3 mins or until firm and golden. Slide out of the pan. Eat straight away with mayo or ketchup or cool quickly and chill.

Read More

Sweet Potato & Lentil Soup

Satisfying and simple to make, homemade soup is a great supper or take-to-work lunch

• Cooking Time Prep 10 mins
  Cook 25 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 6

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  287

• Protein

  9g

• Carbs

  49g

• Fat

  8g

• Saturates

  2g

• Fibre

  6g

• Sugar

  17g

• Salt

  0.71g

Ingredients

• 2 tsp medium curry powder
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, grated
• 1 eating apple, peeled, cored and grated
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 20g pack coriander, stalks chopped
• thumb-size piece fresh root ginger, grated
• 800g sweet potatoes
• 1.2l vegetable stock
• 100g red lentils
• 300ml milk
• juice 1 lime

Directions

1. Put the curry powder into a large saucepan, then toast over a medium heat for 2 mins. Add the olive oil, stirring as the spice sizzles in the pan. Tip in the onions, apple, garlic, coriander stalks and ginger, season, then gently cook for 5 mins, stirring every so often.
2. Meanwhile, peel, then grate the sweet potatoes. Tip into the pan with the stock, lentils, milk and seasoning, then simmer, covered, for 20 mins. Blend until smooth using a stick blender. Stir in the lime juice, check the seasoning and serve, topped with roughly-chopped coriander leaves.

Read More

Prawn Sweet Chilli Noodle Salad

This low-fat salad is is great for a picnic, lunchbox or even a buffet

• Cooking Time Prep 10 mins
  Cook 5 mins
• Skill Level Easy
• Servings Serves 4 - 6

Nutrition per serving

• Kcalories

  267

• Protein

  20g

• Carbs

  39g

• Fat

  5g

• Saturates

  1g

• Fibre

  5g

• Sugar

  12g

• Salt

  2.18g

Ingredients

• 3 nests medium egg noodles
• ½ large cucumber
• bunch spring onions, finely sliced
• 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 green chilli, deseeded, finely chopped
• 200g cooked king prawns, defrosted if frozen
• zest and juice 2 limes
• 4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 100g baby spinach leaves
• 25g roasted cashews

Directions

1. Boil the noodles for 4 mins, then drain. Cool under running water, then drain again. Put into a large bowl, then using scissors, cut into shorter lengths.
2. Halve cucumber lengthways, then scoop out the seeds. Slice into halfmoons and add to the noodles with the onions, tomatoes, chilli and prawns.
3. Mix the lime zest, juice and chilli sauce to make a dressing and fold through noodles. Put a handful of spinach onto each serving plate, top with the noodles and cashews.

Read More