Impress guests over the festive season with our best Christmas baking ideas, from classic mince pies, stollen and Christmas fruit cake to decorated cookies
Looking for the best indulgent Christmas baking recipes? We've got everything from Christmas cookies to classic mince pies, Baileys chocolate tiffin to Christmas cupcakes, plus a crowd-pleasing white chocolate Christmas cake to treat yourself and loved ones during the festive season. We've also got plenty more indulgent Christmas pudding and dessert recipes to serve to your family and friends during the holidays. For quick and easy festive entertaining, check out our no-cook Christmas entertaining ideas, or for fun bakes which mash up festive flavours, check out our Christmas mash-up recipes. Get the big day off to a delicious start with our Christmas breakfast ideas and if you're looking for last-minute present ideas for the foodie in your life, our homemade edible Christmas gifts are sure to bring a smile to their face. Best Christmas baking ideas Bûche de Noël Serve this bûche de noël for a Christmas dessert showpiece. This festive log features layers of chocolate sponge, chantilly cream and chocolate buttercream. Cinnamon biscuits These crisp iced biscuits are flavoured with warming cinnamon and ginger spices. They are sure to fill your kitchen with enticing festive aromas. Buttermint madeleines Edd Kimber reimagines the nostalgic flavour of Murray Mints in these festive madeleines, made with browned butter and finished with a smooth white chocolate shell – perfect for afternoon tea. Classic mince pies It's just not Christmas without a mince pie. Making your own shortcrust pastry is easy, and investing in decent shop-bought mincemeat makes all the difference. Make-ahead Christmas cake Get ahead for Christmas by baking this classic festive fruit cake, covered in marzipan and fondant icing. With gentle spices, citrus flavours and ginger wine, this easy bake is full of flavour and sure to impress a crowd. Classic stollen This gently spiced, festive bake is bursting with dried fruit and marzipan. A great homemade gift or afternoon pick-me-up. Baileys cake A real showstopper of a cake, this three-tiered beauty is all dark chocolate and Baileys Irish Cream. It's perfect for an impressive Christmas dessert. Vegan gingerbread men Enjoy some festive nostalgia with a batch of vegan gingerbread men. They're easy to bake and fun to decorate. Stollen bites Make these pretty stollen bites for a fun Christmas baking project – you can use any mixed dried fruit, such as cranberries, sour cherries or apricots. Gingerbread cupcakes These moreish spiced cupcakes are great fun to make over the festive season for the whole family. Vegan Christmas cake Everyone will enjoy a slice of this Christmas cake, which can be baked and matured up to eight weeks before Christmas. Feed the cake weekly with your choice of brandy, rum or whisky for extra moisture and a warming flavour. Stollen buns The marzipan and dried fruit in stollen are quintessential Christmas flavours, reworked here into a snowball-like bun by London's Fortitude Bakehouse. Gluten-free chocolate fudge cake Turn your hand to baking this festive chocolate fudge cake this Christmas, which just happens to be gluten free. Cozonac Bake this sweet Christmas bread from Prestige Patisserie in Tottenham this Christmas. It’s studded with raisins, nuts, chocolate and Turkish delight and infused with rum. Pistachio and cherry nougat pandoro Cut corners by assembling this impressive festive centrepiece with shop-bought pandoro – it’s a bake which will get everyone in the festive spirit. Gingerbread pie Bake this glorious gingerbread pie, showcasing a blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, for a Christmas bake that’s designed to impress. Chocolate panettone We've given this sweet Italian bread a decadent twist with dark chocolate – the perfect treat to serve visitors over the festive season. Tiramis-czhoux tower You can guarantee friends and family haven’t come across this hybrid before, where balls of choux pastry are stuffed with coffee-drenched ladyfingers and boozy pastry cream. Christmas lamingtons Give lamingtons a festive makeover in this recipe from Morny Bakehouse, with white chocolate icing, a cherry yuzu jam centre and a buttercream crown. Christmas pavlova Individual pavlovas are filled with caramelised pineapple, topped with vanilla-infused cream and finished with a passionfruit coulis. This is a truly showstopping dessert by Covent Garden restaurant, Ave Mario. Christmas tart Fill a shop-bought tart case with brandy-soaked dried fruit and two types of almond for an effortless festive dessert, best eaten with brandy butter. Pandoro semifreddo This easy yet standout pandoro recipe is sure to bring the wow factor to any Christmas table. The chocolate and amaretto semifreddo is all encased in an Italian pandoro bread and topped with a crown of crunchy pistachios. Ecclefechan tarts A must-try alternative to festive mince pies, flavoured with very strong tea, grape molasses and brown butter. Christmas crumble Expand your Christmas repertoire with this festive take on your fave pud. Use up left-over mincemeat – jarred or homemade – for extra flavour. Lebkuchen Honey-sweetened German treats spiced with cinnamon and ginger, lebkuchen are famously festive biscuits. Bake a batch this winter to really get into the Christmas market spirit. Vegan raspberry and lemon trifle Impress your guests with this classic layered dessert. The easy homemade custard uses vanilla-flavoured soya milk and gives a traditional flavour and colour to the custard. Caribbean rum cake This decadent and boozy cake from Caribbean chef Keshia Sakarah is fed with spiced rum and traditionally served during the festive season. Panforte This Italian dessert is popular during the festive season. Chewy, nutty and sweet, it's packed with pistachios, almonds and dried fruits. Florentines A great little Christmas treat to bake at home. Hang them from ribbons as an edible Christmas tree decoration or stack them on a plate and enjoy with a comforting cup of tea over the festive season. Christmas fudge Check out this festive gingerbread fudge that takes just a few minutes to prepare. You can easily double the recipe to make two batches, so you have plenty for gifting. Christmas biscuits Looking for a foodie festive activity to do with children? Our spiced Christmas biscuits make perfect edible decorations to hang from your tree or mantle. You can leave them out for Santa or wrap them up as a gift, the possibilities are endless! Rum and raisin cake Stir up this make-ahead Christmas cake with a spiced, boozy twist and your kitchen will be filled with alluring, festive smells. Chocolate yule log Need a show-stopping dessert recipe to impress guests over the Christmas period? Check out our indulgent festive yule log with a boozy Baileys cream and crunchy hazelnut brittle, the perfect festive bake. Baileys chocolate tiffin Looking for an easy edible gift to give friends over the festive season? Check out these indulgent chocolate tiffins with our favourite Christmas drink in solid chocolate form. You don’t have to include the edible glitter but it does give added bling. Check out our other Baileys recipes here. Christmas cupcakes Looking for Christmas treats to bake? Soak up the cuteness of our melted chocolate snowmen cupcakes. These easy-to-make cupcakes are great fun to bake with the whole family and make for quick and easy Christmas party food. Street cart soft pretzels Soft yet slightly chewy, with a dark golden skin from being boiled before baking, these pretzels are slow-fermented for a richly flavoured dough. Finish with fat crystals of salt. Indonesian pandan, raspberry and white chocolate blondies Pandan and raspberries give a colourful and festive edge to these blondies, while the tartness offsets the sweet white chocolate perfectly. White snowball cake Need a show-stopping cake to serve family and friends over the festive season? Check out our indulgent white chocolate Christmas cake recipe. It might not be snowing outside, but one bite of this cake and you'll feel like you're in a winter wonderland. Filled with coconut and covered in white chocolate, it's sweet and indulgent. Sour cherry stollen bars Looking for Christmas treats to bake? Jazz up your stollen this Christmas with our easy sour cherry flavoured bars. The ingredients list may look lengthy but it’s all about building up the textures and flavours to make this the most moreish bar ever – way better than regular stollen. Check out our best cherry recipes here. Snowball madeleines Give the English madeleine a festive spin by infusing with the flavours of a classic snowball cocktail. After Eight cake This showstopping cake is a glorious combination of chocolate and mint that makes an excellent dessert for a festive party. White chocolate cranberry cheesecake blondies Make your blondies extra special with a festive sprinkling of cranberry flavour and a swirl of decadent cheesecake filling. White Christmas cake Want a show-stopping easy Christmas bake? Check out our super light vanilla cake, an easy alternative to serve on Christmas Day in place of a normal fruit cake. In order to keep the colour as white as possible, use a very light-coloured butter such as Lurpak or keep beating the butter until it lightens in colour. Looking for other show-stopping cake recipes? Click here. Mexican chocoflan This festive flan cake, featuring chocolate, caramel and cinnamon, is known as 'flan imposible' and combines two popular Mexican desserts. Black cake Make this classic Caribbean as a Christmas cake alternative – featuring port, dark rum and dried fruits, it's rich and decadent (and amazing at Christmas). Black forest gateau Turn the clock back with our nostalgic black forest cake with a modern twist. Christmas rocky road Traditional digestives are swapped for ginger biscuits, whilst cranberries and pistachios add some festive colour in this crowd-pleasing Christmas rocky road. Whisky crumble mince pies We've added a splash of booze and morello cherries to this classic Christmas treat and topped with buttery crumble for extra indulgence. Moldavian layered pie with hemp cream Traditionally made on Christmas Eve in Eastern Romania, this pie sees layers of flatbread soaked in a honey syrup and spread with a hemp seed filling. Rum and almond fruit cake Want an easy fruit cake with no fuss? Impress your guests this Christmas and jazz up your cake with rum and a simple almond buttercream. Make it now or save the recipe to whip up an easy Christmas baking idea. Nepali spiced fruit and nut tart Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger give this nutty tart a real festive edge. With a kick of spiced rum, it's a grown-up dessert that's perfect for Christmas. Baileys truffles Treat someone special this Christmas with these melt-in-the-mouth chocolate truffles with a boozy kick from Baileys cream. Gluten-free mince pies Christmas baking, gluten-free style. These boozy mince pies with meringue tops don't compromise on flavour or texture, plus they look impressive, too. Boozy mincemeat pie Want a boozy pie to feed a crowd over the festive season? Our elegant recipe turns the humble mince pie into a fantastic Christmas dessert. Use shop-bought shortcrust pastry and a good-quality mincemeat to save time. Finish with a dusting of silvery icing sugar. Click here for other exciting sweet pie recipes... Chocolate-dipped honeycomb Looking for easy edible gifts for Christmas treats to bake at home? Ready in 20 minutes, our quick and super fun honeycomb recipe is dipped in dark, milk and white chocolate, the perfect Christmas treat for someone with a sweet tooth. Try one of our other edible gift ideas here... Russian honey cake Check out our impressive Russian cake recipe with moreish burnt-honey icing. This layer cake takes a bit of effort to make but it's the perfect cake to show off to friends and family for any special occasion over the festive season. This Russian honey cake recipe is created by original GBBO winner and expert baker Edd Kimber. Baileys fudge Homemade fudge is a great little sweet treat for Christmas. Perfect with coffee to finish off a meal or as an energy booster, it keeps for up to a month in an airtight container. Plus we've got an easy how-to video and it only requires 4 ingredients, the perfect festive bake. Spiced rum bamkuchen Present this show-stopping dessert on Christmas Day for an impressive festive bake, packed with golden marzipan and dark rum. Slice it open to reveal the many layers which will wow your guests. It might take a bit of time to prepare, but it's worth the effort! Try more of our boozy cake and bakes here. Clementine yoghurt cake Move over Christmas fruit cake, our gluten free festive clementine cake is in town and it's zesty and super moist. Slice it up and watch everyone come running for a piece of this fruity and sweet, yogurty deliciousness. Mini Viennese mince pies How do you make mini mince pies taste even better? Add even more buttery goodness with a Viennese swirl biscuit topping, zesty oranges and boozy amaretto of course! Cranberry and ginger tiffin Make this simple, indulgent tiffin to treat someone you love this Christmas. You can swap the white chocolate for dark or milk – go for the recipient’s favourite. The cranberry and ginger flavours really lift the buttery biscuit. Ready in only 30 minutes. Gingerbread Advent cookies Looking for fun Christmas baking ideas? Make your own edible Advent calendar with our quick and easy gingerbread cookie recipe. The kids can eat them one day at a time or all at once! We have more biscuit recipes here. White chocolate roulade with Baileys Treat your loved ones to a great dessert with this luxurious festive bake made with white chocolate and Baileys. It's easy to make and requires very little effort – prepare it next time you host a festive dinner party. Chocolate, hazelnut and cinnamon kugelhupf Kugelhupf is a light Christmas cake similar to brioche or baba and is popular in central Europe. This version is made with chocolate, hazelnut and cinnamon, a great alternative to the traditional British Christmas cake recipe. Plus, it's easy to make, too. Christmas muffins These tangerine and marzipan muffins are easy to make and ready in under an hour – serve with an afternoon cup of tea or for an indulgent festive breakfast treat.
Try our favourite Christmas sides, from classic brussels sprouts to indulgent cauliflower cheese, roasted carrots and parsnips, we've got trimmings covered
Looking for the best Christmas side dishes? From brussels sprouts to red cabbage and roast parsnips, plus winter greens and indulgent gratin recipes, we've covered all bases. We also have plenty of Christmas trimmings ideas, from pigs in blankets to the perfect gravy. Once the sides are sorted, find out how to cook the perfect turkey with our expert guide. If you're going all-out vegetarian this Christmas, try our Christmas vegetarian recipes. Make sure you try our best roast potato recipes for perfectly crispy, golden-brown spuds. After, take a look at our festive entertaining ideas for more inspiration. Explore our christmas breakfast recipes packed with seasonal flavours to get the big day off to a great start. Need last-minute inspiration? For quick and easy festive entertaining, check out our no-cook Christmas entertaining ideas. Jump to: Brussels sprouts recipes Carrot recipes for Christmas Christmas Cabbage recipes Parsnip recipes for Christmas Christmas greens recipes Vegetable gratin recipes Christmas stuffing recipes Roasted root recipes Christmas roast potato recipes Easy Christmas side dish recipes Brussels sprouts recipes The Christmas side dish that everyone loves to hate. We've given some love to this versatile veg in our collection of brussels sprouts recipes. Air fryer Brussels sprouts All you need is an air fryer and a splash of olive oil to get the most out of brussels sprouts. Cacio e pepe sprouts Take your Christmas feast to the next level with these jazzed up salt and pepper sprouts tossed with pecorino cheese. Sticky miso roast sprouts Sprouts will be the favourite side dish this Christmas thanks to our sticky miso roast sprouts recipe. Marmalade-glazed sprouts with chestnuts Give Christmas sprouts an effortless twist with marmalade, chestnuts and thyme. Frying steamed sprouts in butter lends colour and a velvety shine to your veg. 'Nduja-fried sprouts Jazz up your sprouts this Christmas with punchy 'nduja. ’Nduja adds a touch of fiery spice in this easy brussels sprouts recipe, ready in 30 minutes. Caramelised shallots and brussels sprouts Try our gluten free caramelised shallots and brussels sprouts for an easy but moreish side to go with your Christmas dinner. Caramelising the shallots and the sprouts gives this classic side a deeper flavour, and the calvados adds an extra zing. Sprouts with ginger and orange Spruce up your sprouts with warming ginger and zesty orange to make sure everyone will be coming back for more. Soy and sesame sautéed sprouts This Asian soy and sesame twist on brussels sprouts makes a great alternative way to serve this unloved veg for Christmas dinner. Check out more of our Christmas dinner ideas here Carrot recipes for Christmas From citrus-flavoured baby carrots to a Middle Eastern-inspired salad and Gochujang roasted root veg, see our festive carrot ideas below, then check out more carrot recipes. Roasted baby carrots Clementines add a festive touch, and lemon lifts the whole dish in our vegetable side dish recipe. Roasted whole baby carrots look beautiful, and feel that little bit more special than 'carrot coins'. Middle Eastern roast carrot salad with herby carrot top yogurt Impress your friends and family this Christmas with our zesty carrot salad. It's easy to make, and a great way to use up carrot tops as well. Gochujang roasted root veg Carrots come dressed in gochujang, sesame, soy and lime before being roasted until tender and golden. Serve scattered with spring onions and lime wedges to squeeze over. Roast carrots and parsnips A simple side to any roast dinner. These roasted carrots and parsnips are quick to prepare before cooking and will elevate any dish you serve them with. Red cabbage recipes for Christmas Sticky, spiced red cabbage not only brings a touch of flavour to Christmas meats like turkey, but also fill your house with wonderful festive flavours whilst cooking. Discover more of our red cabbage recipes, from slow-cooked dishes to crunchy salads. Red cabbage with redcurrant jelly Adding redcurrant jelly and balsamic vinegar gives this red cabbage a sweet and sour edge. If you want to get ahead, this veggie side can be made up to two days before and reheated on Christmas Day to save time. Braised red cabbage with apples Want an easy vegetable side dish for your Christmas Day feast? John Torode’s braised red cabbage side dish is spruced up with apples, smoked bacon, cinnamon and orange zest, and given a boozy red wine hit for a festive feast. Spiced red cabbage This slow cooked red cabbage and apple dish spiced with cinnamon is fragrant and warming. Just 20 minutes of preparation is required from you to make this veggie side dish, a simple side for your Christmas dinner. Parsnips recipes for Christmas Serve a traybake of crispy parsnips glazed in honey or with one of our special flavour twists like whisky or salt and pepper. Then try more perfect parsnip recipes. Honey roasted parsnips Bring an extra serving of veg to your Christmas dinner with crispy, golden, honey roasted parsnips. Whisky-and-maple-glazed roast parsnips Take your parsnips up a notch with a boozy hit of whisky and the sweetness of maple syrup. Salt and pepper roast parsnips Try our sweet parsnips with a hot, peppery edge for a vegetable side dish. They're super easy to make and require minimum effort. Parmesan-baked parsnips This alternative Christmas side dish recipe sees thin parsnip fries tossed in Parmesan, polenta, English mustard powder and salt, then fried until crisp. Greens recipes for Christmas Long-stemmed broccoli, grain tabbouleh and romesco sauce Make this impressive broccoli side for when you have vegan friends over for a festive feast. Kale with raisins and pine nuts This is a seasonal selection of veg if ever we did see one. Serve this bed of peppery kale, succulent raisins and sweet, garlicky shallots alongside your turkey on Christmas Day. Winter greens with pine nuts, chilli and garlic Get some greens into your Christmas dinner side dish spread. An easy way to feed a crowd, this punchy dish of winter greens with pine nuts, chilli and garlic is ready in just 20 minutes. Crisp greens with shallot, pancetta and chestnut butter Try this new take on brussels sprouts for your Christmas dinner. You can have the greens blanched and butter made for this in advance, then you just need to heat through to serve. Charred Hispi cabbage with parmesan dressing This recipe makes for a perfect side dish at dinner parties. The creamy dressing is layered with flavour from the parmesan, mustard and lemon, and pairs perfectly with the sweet, charred cabbage. Kale with parsnips and cream Want an easy veggie dish for your festive dinner? Check out this kale recipe with parsnips. Kale has a robust texture and flavour and can be used instead of cabbage or spinach in recipes. Cooked with parsnips, cream and nutmeg it makes an indulgent Christmas vegetable side dish. Vegetable gratin recipes for Christmas With luxuriously creamy fillings and a crisp top, these cheesy baked vegetable gratins are the ultimate indulgent side for your festive fest. Check out more of our gratin recipes. Brussels sprouts gratin This epic festive side dish combines brussels sprouts with streaky bacon, baked until golden and crisp. Winter veg tian Impress friends and family over the Christmas season with our stunning vegetable tian recipe. We love the look of golden and candy beetroots but if you can’t find them, simply replace with extra purple beetroots, celeriac and swede. Check out our best beetroot recipes here. Leek gratin with crispy leek topping Elevate your Christmas feast with a delightful twist on a classic favourite. Transform traditional leek sauce into an extraordinary veg side with this delectable gratin. Finocchio al forno (fennel baked in cream and Grana Padano) Put fennel at the heart of this easy Italian bake, it's the ideal indulgent side to serve for a festive feast. Creamy squash and sage gratin Try our indulgent creamy butternut squash gratin recipe with sage. This veggie side dish is an easy alternative to potato gratin to serve this Christmas. Plenty more butternut squash recipes here Best ever cauliflower cheese Is it really a Christmas dinner if there’s no super cheesy, crispy-topped, piping hot cauliflower cheese on the table? Follow these handy hints and tips to make it unreal this year. Creamed spinach with nutmeg and gruyère If you fancy an indulgent Christmas vegetable side dish, this is the one for you. Full of cheese and cream, it's the perfect accompaniment to turkey and roast potatoes (here are our top recipes). It'll go down well with even the fussy eaters! Swede, kale and sweet potato gratin This vibrant recipe for swede, kale and sweet potato gratin is the perfect Christmas side dish if you want to serve lots of veg. It's a two-step recipe, and most of the time the veg is spent in the oven. Baked, spiced sweet potato mash Don't fancy potatoes this Christmas? Try our spicy baked sweet potato mash instead – it's just as good as roasties. Prep your mash ahead then have it ready to finish off in the oven when people arrive. Roasted roots recipes for Christmas Candied root veg Roast your root vegetables in butter and maple syrup for extra extravagance. Perfect for Christmas, or a special Sunday lunch. Roasted roots with umami dressing Add some extra flavour to your dishes with umami, a deep savoury taste sensation that can be used as a salad dressing or to perk up a side dish of roasted vegetables. Pomegranate-glazed roasted vegetables with grapes Give your roasted veggies an impressive sticky glaze with pomegranate molasses, honey and blackberry jelly for a colourful Christmas side dish. Ghee-roasted spiced roots A Christmas side dish with a twist. Check out our vegetarian ghee-roasted spiced roots recipe for a vibrant dish that can be shared around the table. Stuffing recipes for Christmas Sage and onion stuffing Make your own stuffing balls for Christmas Day, or serve them alongside a Sunday roast. Add plenty of ground mace and sage for flavour. Vegan stuffing It wouldn’t be Christmas dinner without a dish of stuffing, and this version has the traditional flavours of sage and onion, alongside Puy lentils for added substance. It's also delicious in a Boxing Day sandwich, with leftover roasted root vegetables and lashings of cranberry sauce. Chestnut stuffing with dates and molasses Impress guests over the festive period with our epic stuffing recipe, featuring chestnuts, sausagemeat, sage leaves and sour cherries. Pomegranate and walnut stuffing balls A side of these stuffing balls, made with sausagemeat, pomegranates and walnuts, makes a rich addition to Christmas lunch. Potato recipes for Christmas Best-ever roast potatoes Want to know how to cook the perfect roast potatoes? With a few simple tricks you can achieve super crunchy and super fluffy roasties, every time Beef dripping roast potatoes Elevate your roast dinner by roasting your potatoes in hot beef dripping with garlic, rosemary, thyme and butter. Garlic and rosemary roast potatoes Thought roast potatoes couldn’t get any better? Once you learn to add butter for extra crunch, you’ll never go back. Parmesan roast potatoes
Check out our favourite trifle recipes for year-round easy entertaining – from a classic sherry to rich chocolate and even a Dubai chocolate trifle
Looking for the most impressive trifle recipe? We have plenty of twists on the classic trifle for an impressive summer dessert or a wintry festive showstopper. Our summer trifles use seasonal ingredients such as strawberries and peaches to festive showstoppers like sherry trifles, chocolate trifle and gingerbread flavour. Plus we have plenty of other sweet treats to choose from including our decadent chocolate recipes and indulgent cheesecake ideas. For more festive sweet treats, discover our Christmas desserts and Christmas baking recipes. Best trifle recipes Classic trifle Want a Christmas trifle recipe with a boozy twist? This indulgent sherry trifle uses Amaretti biscuits for a lovely texture and flavour. It's a perfect way to conclude your Christmas day meal. Baileys tiramisu trifle Our stunning Christmas trifle recipe with boozy Baileys, chocolate swiss roll and lightly whipped cream with espresso makes for an impressive centrepiece at your festive feast. Sherry trifle Want a classic family dessert recipe with a twist? Make our easy trifle recipe with boozy sherry. Dubai chocolate trifle Layer a chocolate Swiss roll, pour over amaretto and top with custard and pistachio cream to make a trifle inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar – it takes just 35 minutes. Raspberry trifle fridge cake All the flavours of trifle but in a layered no-bake cake. This is a great one to make ahead as it needs overnight setting. Lemon trifle Try this zesty spin on a classic for an impressive centrepiece at a feast. Vegan raspberry and lemon trifle Impress your guests with this classic layered dessert. The easy homemade custard uses vanilla-flavoured soya milk and gives a traditional flavour and colour to the custard. Mascarpone raspberry trifle terrine Impress your festive guests with our beautiful mascarpone trifle with juicy raspberries – it’s easy to slice and easy to make. It will keep for up to three days in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of Christmas day. Chocolate trifle Rich dark chocolate custard and hazelnut liqueur takes this trifle to chocolatey new heights – the ultimate Christmas dessert for chocolate lovers. Gingerbread trifle Add a hit of ginger to your English trifle this Christmas with these gingerbread trees. This creamy trifle with rum cardamom custard is the perfect sweet hit to finish your Christmas Day feast. Sour cherry trifle with almonds Dazzle your guests with the perfect Christmas day dessert – a trifle featuring irresistible layers of vanilla-flecked custard cream, sherry-soaked sponge, toasted almonds, and sour cherries. Sherry trifle cheesecake Impress guests during the festive season with this nostalgic pud with a modern twist. More cheesecake recipes to try here... Blood orange and amaretti trifles Need an easy yet impressive dessert for guests at your next festive dinner party? Try these quick individual trifle recipes with amaretti and blood orange. Clementine and prosecco trifle This boozy trifle recipe with clementines is a worthy dessert for all your festive gatherings. Our easy trifle is a great, modern twist on a traditional trifle. Freeze the egg whites until you want to make the prosecco sabayon. Winter berry trifle Want an easy berry trifle recipe for winter? Our impressive trifle pudding is an easy winter berry dessert recipe. Check out our collection of best ever fruity puddings for more inspiration. Stem ginger trifle Want to mix up your classic trifle recipe? Add ginger cake for an easy Christmas trifle recipe with a twist. This ginger cake trifle is an easy spiced grown-up dessert ready in 30 minutes. Check out more of our ginger recipes here... Cherry crunch trifle These individual chocolate cherry trifles make the best individual pudding to try over the festive seas0n. More cherry recipes here... White forest trifle Need a stylish Christmas dessert to make during the festive season? Ready in only 30 minutes, our fruity trifle will become a crowd favourite in no time. Raspberry trifle This impressive trifle, with sherry-soaked scones, juicy raspberries and silky clotted cream custard, couldn't be simpler to put together. A perfect, sunshiny dessert for a crowd. Strawberry trifle The easiest, quickest trifle recipe for summer: made with Madeira cake and strawberries. Topped with custard and cream, these individual pots make a perfect pudding. Peach and raspberry trifle Peaches and raspberries make the best fruit trifles. Shop-bought cake makes this classic pud so easy and individual desserts always look impressive. Summer fruit trifle Want an easy summer dessert? Check out this show-stopping trifle recipe with chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream, this easy trifle recipe is a technicolour trip back in time. We've got plenty more strawberry recipes here too.
Venison is a rich, lean red meat that's especially popular in the autumn and winter. We think it's great all year round though, in everything from pies to hotdogs and stews
Looking for venison recipes? Want to know how to make the perfect venison stew or venison burger? Try our ideas below then see our top pheasant recipes. When is venison in season? UK venison season starts in October and ends in February. Venison is at its best between November and February. Why we love venison Venison is a sustainable meat choice in the UK which for some, may be rarely cooked at home. The lean red meat is at it's best over winter, meaning it's brilliant in hearty pies, stews and casseroles. A great choice for winter dinner parties, we've also got a recipe for venison tartare, or try venison steaks for quick midweek meals. Venison recipes Venison stew Make our warming venison stew with sloe gin and cheesy polenta. This rich winter recipe may take a little time, but it's definitely worth it, a comforting recipe the whole family will love. Venison pastistio Put a seasonal spin on classic Greek pastitsio by swapping beef for venison mince. Its rich, gamey flavour pairs beautifully with the warming spices in the sauce, creating a hearty, comforting dish with a sophisticated twist. Venison pie Venison, chestnut mushrooms and red wine meet in this comforting pie that’s perfect for an autumnal pick-me-up. Discover more easy pie recipes. Venison chilli The deep game flavour of the venison holds up well to spices and chocolate in this exciting chilli recipe. Serve with rice and soured cream for an cosy winter meal. Venison toad-in-the-hole Try this simple twist on a classic comfort food dish, swapping out everyday pork sausage for venison. For extra veg, try our sausage and sweet potato toad in the hole recipe. Venison, thyme and port lattice pie Rich venison in port gravy is encased in buttery lattice pastry to create the ultimate winter pie – serve with potatoes and greens for a weekend treat. Venison casserole This recipe for venison and juniper casserole is easy to make and under 300 calories, but delivers all the winter comfort you'd want thanks to the rich game meat. Tuck into more casserole recipes all winter. Venison pie Get venison involved in this poacher's pie. It's a twist on a classic steak and ale pie, swapping out the chunks of beef for mixed, diced game – this could include wild boar, partridge and pheasant as well as venison. Venison wellington Our recipe is a great twist on a classic British favourite, replacing the beef with game. It takes a little while but is easy to make and will be an impressive centrepiece on the table. To try making the classic, see our beef wellington recipe. Wild venison, field mushroom and ale pudding Try this easy steamed suet pastry pudding with wild venison, mushroom and ale. Ideal comfort food for entertaining or for a family meal. Venison meatballs Homemade spiced venison meatballs with a fresh chopped salad and plenty of hummus, all ready in less than half an hour. Venison steaks with mushroom peppercorn sauce A lean and versatile meat with a slight gamey taste, these tender venison steaks pair wonderfully with the rich, creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce. Venison curry Venison takes centre stage in this bold keema-style curry, where the rich, gamey meat perfectly complements the vibrant, aromatic spices. Serve it with a cooling raita, warm roti, sliced red onion, and a squeeze of fresh lemon to balance the richness. Venison burgers These posh venison burgers look really impressive and are ready in 30 minutes or less. Worcestershire sauce gives the patties an even deeper flavour and, stacked up with mustard, mayo and cheese in a brioche bun, they're even better. We have plenty more burger recipes where this came from. Venison tortellini in brodo This venison dish comes straight from the kitchen at Italian-inspired Maria G's in Kensington. It's a bit of a labour of love but is absolutely worth the effort for an impressive main. Check out more homemade pasta recipes for a weekend kitchen project. Venison steaks with caraway crushed swede Pair venison steaks with buttery crushed swede in this winter warmer – it will be ready and on the table in less than an hour. Try more swede recipes to make the most of this winter veg. Venison steaks with stir-fried sprouts Serve delicate slices of seared venison with a bubble-and-squeak-style hash made from Brussels sprouts, floury potatoes, walnuts and fruit for a satisfying wintry supper. See more winter comfort food recipes. Venison carpaccio with pickled red cabbage A lovely restaurant-standard starter. Paper-thin slices of venison are marinated with herbs and served with a red cabbage salad and a parmesan, olive oil and lemon dressing. A great, novel way to prepare this sustainable game meat. Venison dogs with pickled beet slaw and cheat’s brioche buns One of our favourite (giant) nibbles to serve at a party. Rich, meaty venison dogs with punchy vinegary slaw, all wrapped up in a sweet brioche bun. Try more of our favourite hot dog recipes. Venison steaks with buttered celeriac Venison steaks are a great cut of meat – lean, healthy and able to make a simple dish feel like something special. This recipe celebrates winter with celeriac, redcurrant jelly and orange zest. Perfect comfort food for a cold night. Venison tartare with blueberries and juniper Soft and beguiling venison tartare is joined by spicy blueberries in this sophisticated starter. You can also serve with croutons or toast. Next, try our salmon tartare recipe. Venison and mutton kofte Try this venison and mutton kofte for a dinner with a difference, served with cauliflower couscous, flatbread and harissa. Mini venison wellington with parsnip purée Try this mini venison wellington for two for a special occasion such as Valentine's Day. Roast venison and pear salad with toasted hazelnuts Turn your hand to this smart, warming salad of roast venison and pear for an easy yet impressive entertaining dish. Spiced venison loin with celeriac remoulade Kick-start your dinner party with this sophisticated venison starter. A blend of fennel, coriander and cumin seeds gives the venison loin a gentle spice.
21 Turkish recipes for meze-style feasting
Create a meze feast or Turkish breakfast at home with some of our favourite recipes, from manti dumplings to pide pizza and Turkish eggs
Looking for Turkish recipes? Create your own Turkish meze feast at home. Start with manti dumplings and move on to lamb, pide and more then serve baklava or our Turkish delight-inspired puds. We even have Turkish breakfast ideas to really impress at the weekend. Learn about Turkish coffee culture with our expert barista Celeste Wong's guide, including traditional rituals, how to order it and the perfect recipe for at-home brewing. Easy Turkish recipes Turkish baked aubergine and meatball kebab This easy all-in-one bake is a firm favourite with family and friends – the juicy köfte, meatballs and aubergines just melt in the mouth. Turkish recipe writer Özlem Warren says, "This easy all-in-one bake is a firm favourite with family and friends – the juicy köfte, meatballs and aubergines just melt in the mouth. It is a Gaziantep speciality that you can enjoy in kebab houses in Istanbul, too. In Gaziantep and the southern part of the country, including at my hometown, Antakya, folks prepare this at home and take to the bakery (fırın) to be baked. My homemade version is more of an easy casserole style, everything is cooked in one pot. Please use the long and slim variety of purple aubergines for this kebab." Turkish lahmacun Lahmacun, often referred to as Turkish pizza, is a favourite Middle Eastern flatbread. This version by Özlem Warren features a rich lamb mince topping complemented by a zesty piyaz salad and tangy sumac onions for a burst of flavour. Turkish gözleme Traditionally cooked over a round sac griddle, these stuffed flatbreads are a beloved Turkish snack. Fill them with whatever you fancy – popular choices include mashed potatoes, cheese, chopped spinach, fresh herbs and, for meat lovers, sautéed minced meat. Turkish stuffed peppers There are countless variations of Turkish dolma, but one constant is the generous use of onions and olive oil, which infuse the dish with incredible flavour. Serve these stuffed peppers alongside a refreshing cacik dip, made with cucumber, yogurt, garlic, and mint. Fistikli un kurabiyesi (pistachio shortbread cookies) These crumbly, buttery biscuits are a Turkish national favourite – this version features pistachios in the dough for extra flavour and texture. Classic manti When it comes to comfort food, dumplings always fit the bill. The Polish have pierogi, Italians have ravioli, the Chinese have dim sum – and in Turkey they have manti. Try Hus Vedat's recipe for a delicious starter. Istanbul’s mackerel sandwiches (balik ekmek) Yasmin Khan’s a Turkish street-food favourite is a riot of fried mackerel, salad and a glossy pomegranate molasses dressing. It makes for an easy lunch that's ready in just 20 minutes. Çılbır (Turkish-style poached eggs in garlicky yogurt) Soft poached eggs on a bed of garlicky yogurt topped with herbs and red pepper flakes, çılbır is a versatile dish generally enjoyed as a hot meze. Occe (spring onion fritters) Dunk these pan-fried, herby spring onion fritters into a garlicky yogurt dip and enjoy alongside a Turkish meze-style spread. Hot pepper caponata baked eggs Biber salçasi is a Turkish red pepper paste that skyrockets the flavour of this baked egg dish with roasted aubergines, peppers, feta, capers and olives. Keşkek with aleppo pepper butter and gözleme with caçik At the heart of this Turkish-inspired feast is keşkek – a rich, spiced lamb stew that’s thickened with bulgar wheat. To accompany the stew are soft Turkish gözleme (flatbreads stuffed with leeks, halloumi and aromatic spices), and caçik, a cooling yogurt and cucumber dip. Adana kebabs These Turkish-style kebabs are named after the city of Adana and flavoured with chilli and sumac. Make them to feed a crowd at your next barbecue. Turkish-style ratatouille with yogurt sauce Try this recipe for a quick, easy and simple meal. Low-fat, low-calorie and packed with veggies, it's a great option for a healthy vegetarian dinner. Pide with cheese and peppers This recipe for Turkish-style flatbread with cheese and peppers is vegetarian and feeds four in under an hour. Plus, it's under 500 calories. Full Turkish breakfast – menemen Chef Sabrina Ghayour treats us to her version of the classic Turkish breakfast dish, menemen. A delicious combination of eggs, onions and red peppers, this bold, full-of-flavour recipe makes a great weekend treat. Aubergine and chilli pide Pide can be topped like pizza for a quick, easy meal. Make your dough, then top with aubergine, chilli and spices for a vegetarian lunch or supper. Turkish-style lamb pies Use individual pie tins or a large six-hole muffin tin to make these pies. Match with a juicy shiraz to offset the spicy saucing of the pie. More easy pie recipes here. Honey baklava How do you make the classic Middle Eastern dessert baklava even better? Drench it in salted honey sauce, of course! This sweet 'n' sticky treat comes packed with four types of nut, cardamom and cinnamon. Turkish delight jellies These individual desserts make a pretty finish to a Turkish-style dinner. You can adjust the amount of rose flavouring to your own liking. Turkish delight brownies Not a traditional Turkish recipe, but we've used the sweet treat to take brownies to the next level. Spoon these melting, turkish-delight-spiked brownies straight from the pan and serve with generous dollops of ice cream. Turkish ice cream (dondurma) Try Turkish ice cream this summer, made with goat's milk and vanilla. Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Our perfect pumpkin recipes make the most of this vibrant autumnal veg in everything from comforting curries and soups to pumpkin pie, donuts and muffins
Looking for pumpkin recipes? Roast pumpkin is an autumnal classic, so try it in pumpkin soup, curry and the ultimate pumpkin pie. We're big on zero waste at olive, so we've also included ideas for how to use pumpkin seeds (savoury granola anyone?). Whether it's Thanksgiving or Halloween, we've got a pumpkin recipe for every occasion (Be careful, though, as not all carving pumpkins are edible!). Want expert advice for growing your own crop? Learn how to grow your own pumpkins from our friends at Gardeners' World. Pumpkin recipes Baked baby pumpkin with red curry prawns Red curry prawns are combined with baked pumpkins in this gluten-free main. You could use small butternut squashes instead – the cooking time might need to be adjusted, however. Pumpkin soup Serve this in big mugs with fat fingers of melty cheese toasties for dipping. See more of our favourite autumn soup recipes. Thai pumpkin curry (gaeng fak thong) Make the most of seasonal pumpkins or butternut squash in this Thai curry, flavoured with dill, fish sauce and homemade red and green chilli paste. Pumpkin gingerbread milk Make the most of canned pumpkin in this warming winter drink, perfect for sipping alongside a meditation or mindfulness session. Pumpkin pie The best pumpkin pie. Designed to impress, this rich creamy pud uses bought pastry, making it easy but still a special bake. Maple cream goes on the side. Bake one of our sweet tart recipes for your next gathering. Pumpkin risotto This hearty, warming risotto sees chunks of pumpkin roasted with mace and garlic until golden and caramelised, before being stirred through silky risotto and finished with crispy sage. Pumpkin spice latte Follow expert barista Celeste Wong's step-by-step guide to making the perfect version of this comforting, autumnal coffee. Check out more autumn coffee ideas including a cinnamon toast crunch coffee... Pumpkin falafels These falafels are fun to share, adaptable, vegan and gluten-free. Serve with a cashew 'tahini' sauce and shredded red cabbage salad for a feast. This recipe comes from London's Honey & Co restaurant. Pumpkin cake Dotted with nuts and flavoured with maple syrup, this seasonal pumpkin cake is finished with a zesty soft cheese topping. Perfect for a Halloween treat or Bonfire Night slice. Pumpkin curry Make the most of pumpkin season with this easy, warming one-pot. Discover more vegetarian curry recipes, from aubergine dhansak to paneer tikka masala. Pumpkin gnudi Straight from The Baring pub kitchen, this recipe for pumpkin and ricotta dumplings with crisp radicchio and tangy buttermilk sauce is an impressive vegetarian main. Pumpkin pesto tart Use chilli pesto to add a lovely warming kick to this pumpkin, pine nut and chilli pesto tart. It's great served warm with rocket salad and can easily be made ahead. Spiced pumpkin tart In this pumpkin tart, the filling is infused with warming cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and topped with grated roast hazelnuts – it’s a perfect winter dessert. Prawn and pumpkin curry This impressive prawn and pumpkin curry may look complicated, but once you have all the ingredients prepped it’s quite quick to make. Serve with steamed basmati rice and top the curry with crisp fried shallots and fried curry leaves, or fresh coriander. Try more of our top curry recipes here... Pumpkin muffins Make your own pumpkin purée to combine with warming autumnal spices for these seasonal pumpkin muffins. Top with cream cheese frosting for a stunning finish. Vegan pumpkin pie Ready-made pastry and a tin of pumpkin purée make this plant-based pie very easy to whip up. It's a sweet, spiced treat that's perfect for autumn. See more vegan dessert recipes. Gnocchi with squash, amaretti and rocket Amaretti may seem like a strange addition to a savoury dish, but in this recipe for gnocchi with squash (you can also use pumpkin), amaretti and rocket, the subtle, sweet crunch really works. It's vegetarian and ready in just 30 minutes - perfect for a midweek meal. Roast pumpkin salad Check out this roast pumpkin and chickpea vegetarian salad. This super easy gluten free recipe makes an ideal midweek meal for the family. Plus, it's low in calories, too. Check out our vegetarian salad recipes here... Pumpkin iced ring doughnuts Baked not fried, these pumpkin spiced doughnuts with salted maple glaze not only look stunning but are easy to make, too. You’ll need 6-hole doughnut tins for these. We used Wilton from amazon.co.uk. Sri Lankan pumpkin fry with coconut Serve this spice-filled pumpkin fry with coconut as a side dish to any Sri Lankan-style feast. The recipe uses butternut squash but you can easily substitute with pumpkin. Rich with flavour, it is also vegan and gluten-free. Kale, pumpkin and bacon stew Sometimes comfort food comes with a high calorie count. Not this delicious pumpkin, bacon and kale pot which comes in at less than 250 calories but feels like a lot more. Serve with crunchy, buttered sourdough toast for a midweek treat. Kale salad with roasted pumpkin, pomegranate molasses and almonds You can use either a pumpkin or butternut squash in this veggie salad. It's easy, ready in 35 minutes and, best of all, under 300 calories. With rich pomegranate molasses, sweet squash and crunchy almonds, it's so packed full of flavour that you'll forget you're being virtuous. Roast pumpkin and fennel with mushrooms This warming veggie recipe is ideal to serve on a wintery Sunday. Roast pumpkin and fennel together then add in buttery fried mushrooms and a drizzle of rich mustard and tarragon cream. This dish could work as a vegetarian main, or a side dish with roast beef or lamb. Japanese mushroom, chestnut and pumpkin pilaf If you can get hold of fresh shitake mushrooms this dish is on the table in just 20 minutes, perfect for mid-week! Alternatively you can use vac-packed ones: Merchant Gourmet can be found in most supermarkets. Pumpkin seed recipes Butternut squash soup Spice up your butternut squash soup with crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds and a crumble of feta cheese thrown in for good measure! Pumpkin seed butter on rye This makes the perfect vegan toast topper for breakfast. Serve with apple and chia seeds for an energy boosting brekkie. Add date nectar (available from Sainsbury’s and Waitrose) for sweetness, or leave out for savoury toast toppings. Burrata with savoury granola Ever thought of baking a batch of savoury granola? Check out this super simple spiced recipe with cumin seeds, smoked paprika and crunchy pumpkin seeds. We've served our's with creamy burrata - perfect for an easy but flavoursome starter recipe. Try our impressive starter recipes here... Sweet potato and miso mash Sweet potato just got sweeter with this clever addition of miso seasoning and pumpkin seeds. It's easy to make, vegetarian and the perfect side dish to complete your meal. Banana and pumpkin seed muffins Add some crunch to your morning muffin with our best ever banana and pumpkin seed muffin recipe. Packed with energy they are the perfect way to start the day. Bake a batch of muffins with our ideas here... Granola clusters with yogurt drizzle Check out this recipe for our super-quick and easy granola clusters. These make for a great mid-morning or energy-boosting snack. Overnight oats This healthy, no-fuss breakfast can be prepped just five minutes the night before, ready for you in the morning. Customise with your choice of fruit, nuts, seeds and other toppings. How to roast pumpkin The best way to cook pumpkin is by roasting as it often has a high water content so this helps dry it out a little and concentrate the flavour. Use a large, heavy knife to break the pumpkin down into manageable pieces, scoop out any seeds and use a potato peeler to peel away the skin. Cut into wedges or chunks then toss with a splash of olive oil and lots of seasoning. Spread out on a large non-stick baking tray then cook in a 200C/fan 180C/gas 6 oven until tender. The timing will depend on your pumpkin but it should take around 30-40 minutes. How to toast pumpkin seeds To toast your pumpkin seeds, scoop out of the cavity of the pumpkin into a bowl. Rinse the seeds with water to get rid of any remaining pulp then pat as dry as possible on kitchen paper. Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Spread the dried seeds out on a non-stick baking tray. Add a splash of olive oil and a good pinch of sea salt flakes then toss everything together. If you want to add any extra flavourings (chilli flakes, smoked paprika, cumin seeds, garam masala are all good) then sprinkle over at this point and toss. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway, until lightly golden. Cool on the tray then keep in an airtight jar for snacking. What to do with leftover pumpkin Have you carved up the perfect pumpkin design for Halloween? Rather than throwing away the leftovers, you can use any edible parts in a range of savoury dishes, snacks and bakes. Our pumpkin soup and pumpkin pie below involve blitzing up pieces of pumpkin to form a smooth purée, or you can grate them to give an extra moist texture in our pumpkin cake. Whole wedges of pumpkin work well in pumpkin curry and risotto, or you can slice them thinly to make our stunning pumpkin pesto tart Pumpkin seeds can also be put to great use as a topper for soups, muffins and overnight oats.
Discover the bold flavours of Mauritius with recipes celebrating its rich mix of cultures, from street food and curries to sweet island-inspired desserts
Looking for Mauritian recipes? If you are keen to explore further, why not read about a foodie road trip in Mauritius for further inspiration? Want to explore new global cuisines from the comfort of your own kitchen? Check out more of our recipes from around the world with our Japanese recipes, Italian recipes and Greek recipes. Easy Mauritian recipes Mauritian butter bean curry (cari gros pois) This butter bean curry is one of Shelina Permalloo's ultimate comfort dishes: warm, rich and full of nostalgic flavour. She says, "Growing up in a Mauritian household, pulses like butter beans were a staple. They were affordable, filling and could stretch to feed a big family without sacrificing taste. My mum would often cook this on quiet weeknights when money was tight but hearts were full. The smell of onions, garlic, curry powder and thyme gently simmering would fill the house, and bring everyone to the kitchen. It was humble food, but made with so much love and care that it felt special every time. This is everyday Mauritian cooking at its best – simple ingredients, bold flavour and made to nourish." Mauritian chilli cakes (gato pima) with tomato chilli chutney Gato pima is, without a doubt, Shelina Permalloo's favourite gajak — Mauritian street food snack. She says, "I grew up eating these spicy little fritters at every family gathering, festival or after school. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft and lightly spiced on the inside, and packed with bold flavours. What I love most is how simple they are to make – just soaked yellow split peas and a few aromatics. They’re naturally vegan and gluten-free, which means I can serve them to pretty much anyone. And once you start eating them it’s impossible to stop at just one. In my family there was always a batch frying in the background while the adults chatted and the kids ran around. They aren’t just food, they’re memory, culture and connection all wrapped up in a golden, crispy bite." Mauritian magic bowl (bol devire) This is a recipe of Chinese-Mauritian origin and the magic lies in its theatrical upside-down reveal at the table. Originally a street food staple in Mauritius, it’s made for sharing and celebration. Shelina Permalloo says, "I loved serving it in my restaurant, where my diners would always smile as the bowl is flipped to unveil a perfectly fried egg perched on top of a mound of rice and glistening veggies." Mauritian coconut flan Shelina says, "Growing up, flan was a constant on the table at every Mauritian gathering. It didn’t matter if it was a birthday, family Sunday lunch or just a regular dinner, there would always be a flan cooling in someone’s fridge, ready to be turned out with that beautiful golden caramel top. For me this coconut flan is more than just a dessert, it’s a nostalgic reminder of home, family and tradition. My mum used to make it all the time using simple storecupboard ingredients and, no matter what else was served, it was always the flan everyone looked forward to. This one combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the sweet depth of caramel, making it comforting, elegant and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting or just want a taste of the island, this recipe will transport you straight to Mauritius."
Make the most of leeks with our recipes for comforting pies, hearty soups, savoury bakes, risottos and rib-sticking pasta dishes
If you want to find out how to cook leeks, look no further. Our leek recipes make the most out of this leafy green, from warming leek and potato soup recipes to side dish ideas. Next, check out our spring onion recipes, celery recipes, asparagus recipes, easy runner bean recipes and fennel recipes. Try our comforting chicken and leek pies, leek pasta and vegetarian leek recipes. Looking for something a bit lighter for the spring? Try our spring green broth and our other healthy leek recipes. When buying leeks, check that the dark green tips are in good condition and make sure that you wash them thoroughly – they're experts at trapping dirt between the layers. Don’t ditch these dark green ends, they are tough but quickly cooking in some oil or butter will soften them up. Want expert advice for growing your own crop? Learn how to grow your own leeks from our friends at Gardeners' World. Why we love leeks Leeks have a delicate, sweet flavour and become delightfully soft when cooked low and slow. How to serve leeks From the same family as the onion, they can be used in all manner of pies, soups, stews and casseroles. It's important to wash and peel your leeks to remove the tough outer layer. Can you freeze leeks? Yes, you can freeze cooked and uncooked leeks. It's best to slice them before – this will also make it easier to store them. Health benefits of leeks Leeks are an impressive source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C and K. These contribute to healthy skin, immune system and bones. They're also packed with fibre, so help keep your gut happy – and they contain antioxidants which protect cells from being damaged. Leek recipes Leek lasagne with kale and ricotta Leeks are layered with kale, ricotta and pesto in this vegetarian lasagne. Sure to become a family favourite and rival the classic meaty lasagne, this dish is under 500 calories and really easy to whip up. Give our butternut squash lasagne a go, too. Stuffed butternut squash with blue cheese and leek This filled roasted squash makes a showstopping meat-free centrepiece — the combination of nutty grains, sweet leeks and blue cheese works wonderfully alongside all the festive trimmings. If you're a fan of squash, try our butternut squash risotto and more butternut squash recipes. Chicken and leek bake The sweetness of leeks and the depth of flavour that chicken thighs and bacon bring, plus rich cheese sauce and crunchy breadcrumbs, makes for a comforting midweek meal. For another one-tray dinner, try our pomegranate chicken traybake. Chicken, leek and bacon pie Check out Edd Kimber's chicken, leek, tarragon and bacon pie. This classic British pie is a great warming recipe for those winter months; what's more, it will be a winner with the whole family. Another winter winner is our chicken braised with cider and bacon. Leek and potato soup with frizzled leeks This classic potato and leek soup is super simple to make and ready in just half an hour. It's perfect for a comforting lunch, served with plenty of crusty bread. We've got plenty more soup recipes to keep you warm all winter, including potato soup, cabbage soup, pea and ham soup and chicken soup. Leek carbonara The oniony kick of leeks adds a lovely richness to this classic carbonara, which can be ready and on the table in just over 30 minutes. You'll also love our classic spaghetti carbonara. Leek risotto Leek and risotto makes a dreamy combination, here topped with a fried anchovy and breadcrumb topping for extra flair. Don’t ditch the dark green ends of your leeks – they may seem tough but a quick fry in oil or butter will soon soften them up. Recreate this risotto, then check out our chicken risotto, pea risotto and more risotto recipes. Curried leek and potato hash with fried eggs A new and delicious way with leeks, flavoured with curry powder, cumin seeds and black mustard seeds. Serve with a just-fried egg on top. Get stuck in to our easy brunch recipes. Buttery leek and smoked trout kedgeree Check out our super simple kedgeree recipe with buttery leeks and smoked trout. This flavoursome dish is ready in just 30 minutes, an easy midweek meal for two. Next time, enjoy our easy prawn kedgeree. Bacon, cheddar and leek quiche Give your shortcrust pastry a salty, umami hit with Marmite. This quiche is filled with streaky bacon, soft leeks and plenty of cheddar. If you're the ultimate Marmite lover, our Marmite carbonara is for you. Leek soup with bacon and barley Check out this hearty bacon, barley and leek soup. This simple yet warming soup is low in calories and easy to make. A great rejuvenating recipe. Use up a bag of barley with our warming mushroom pearl barley risotto with roasted carrots. Effortless leek fondue toasts Ever tried leek fondue? Now’s your chance! Leek fondue also makes a delicious filling or topping for mini baked or smashed potatoes. For a wholesome lunch, try our healthy baked beans on toast. Leek fritters Brilliant with avocado for a weekend brunch, check out these golden leek fritters mixed with cheddar cheese. Alternatively, serve with a watercress salad for an easy veggie dinner. Mix up your fritters depending on what's in season, we've got pea, courgette and cauliflower fritters. Buttered leeks with pangritata A treat in its own right, or perfect as a side to a sumptuous Sunday roast. It could even be an indulgent toast topper. Browse all our best roast recipes to enjoy all year round. Chicken and leek pie Easy chicken and leek pie: on the table in about an hour using ready-made puff pastry makes chicken pie an easy meal for the family. With a delicious creamy filling, we love this pie for cold days. Make this classic pie then check out our leftover roast chicken pie, chicken and chorizo pie and more pie recipes. One-pot chicken, leek and beans This one-pot chicken with leeks and beans recipe is really easy and under 500 calories – perfect for a healthy midweek meal. We've got lots more ideas for easy low-calorie meals. Blue cheese leeks with crispy bacon breadcrumbs This indulgent blue cheese leek recipe with crispy bacon breadcrumbs is super simple to make, it only takes 30 minutes to prepare, and makes the perfect Sunday roast accompaniment. Serve up a slice of hearty steak and blue cheese pie. Leek, pea and spinach soup For a bowl packed with nourishing flavours and soothing textures, you can’t do better than our smooth leek soup. A perfect pick-me-up lunch. Go green with our easy pea risotto. Healthier chicken and leek pie An easy and healthy leek supper for when you feel like you’ve overindulged! Chicken and leeks are cooked in a creamy sauce and finished off with golden ciabatta breadcrumbs for a clever and healthier alternative to pastry. For another light yet comforting dish, try our healthier sausage traybake. Homity leek pie Our homely, hearty pie uses delicious leeks with potato and spinach to create this traditional British pie – perfect as a midweek vegetarian meal. We've got plenty more comforting vegetarian pie recipes. Creamy leek and cheese pie This creamy leek and cheese pie is a great, comforting veggie main that'll please the whole family. You can also freeze this easily for a stress-free midweek meal. We've also got more delicious vegetarian recipes including vegetarian shepherd's pie. Spanakopita Check out this traditional Greek spanakopita pie recipe. This easy spinach filo pastry pie is super crispy and packed with creamy feta. Serve with a Greek salad or pick your favourite from our easy Greek recipes. Chicken, leek and Dijon casserole Our chicken, leek and Dijon casserole is really simple to make, is ready in under and hour and comes in at under 500 calories. What more could you want from a midweek meal? For more healthy meals, enjoy our healthy chicken stew,healthy chilli and more healthy one-pot recipes. Goat's cheese pizza with leeks and pancetta Made with nutty rye flour and wheatgerm, this earthy pizza base is loaded with greens, goat's cheese, garlic and salty pancetta for an Italian feast. Learn how to make your own pizza dough at home with our easy step-by-step recipe. Leek fondue linguine Shredded leeks are cooked in a buttery sauce with white wine and crème fraîche to create a melting fondue for linguine. This veggie pasta is quick and easy to make but feels really comforting. There's plenty more to choose from our vegetarian pasta recipes. Tortellini in a leek and herb broth In this warming recipe, leeks swim in a flavoursome and herby broth with little parcels of spinach and ricotta tortellini. This one step recipe takes only 20 minutes and can easily be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken stock for vegetable and using a veggie alternative to parmesan. For another super easy pasta dish, try our artichoke spaghetti. Leek, green olive and sultana pissaladière Pissaladière is a dish which originated from Nice in Southern France. The dough is usually a bread dough thicker than that of the classic Italian pizza. This is a great version using leeks, green olives and sultanas. Escape to France with our delicious French recipes. Lemon chicken with charred leeks and fennel This is a really easy midweek meal for one. It's ready in just 20 minutes and is under 300 calories, so it's great if you're looking for something light. Check out our lemon chicken with orzo. Sea bream with barley and leeks Leeks are combined with pearl barley, chopped sundried tomatoes, a splash of white wine and garlic in this winning accompaniment to pan-fried sea bream in this quick and easy fish supper. A hearty midweek meal for two that's low in calories and simply delicious. Browse all our fantastic healthy fish dishes. Cheddar, leek and amaranth flapjack Amaranth is an incredible little seed that’s gluten-free and high in protein, calcium and vitamin C. This cheesy, herby savoury flapjack makes a filling and wholesome snack that would go well with a bowl of soup or as a post-workout energy bar. For something sweet, try our classic flapjacks. Spring veg and lemon broth Ready in 20 minutes, our spring vegetable broth with leeks, baby leaf greens, garlic and lemon is an easy and healthy meal to make midweek. Adding small pasta shapes bulks it out into a hearty lunch, plus it's under 300 calories. Have a look at all our healthy lunch ideas. Whole roast mackerel, leeks, kohlrabi and jerusalem artichokes Wow your dinner party guests with this easy but impressive recipe for whole roast mackerel and jerusalem artichoke crisps by chef Jackson Berg from moveable restaurant Xiringuito in Liverpool. Here baby leeks are grilled to garnish this restaurant dish alongside strips of kohlrabi and a jerusalem artichoke purée. Serve up a bowl of roasted jerusalem artichoke soup. Leek and crab lasagne Leek and crab lasagne is lighter and more refreshing than the meat version and it has a great flavour. Either buy cooked crabs and pick out the meat yourself, discarding the grey-coloured gills and stomach, or buy pre-prepped meat. For a meat meal, enjoy our classic lasagne. Caramelised baby leeks A side dish with a difference – balsamic adds sweet and sour notes to the oniony depth of the baby leeks. This would work well as a side to a roast dinner or fish supper. Browse all our best vegetable side dishes. Mini chicken, leek and mushroom pies Beat the winter chill with these deliciously creamy individual chicken, leek and mushroom pot pies. Easy to make and suitable for freezing when you're in need of a quick midweek meal. Next on the menu: individual cottage pies with cheesy mash. Chicken, leek and mustard sauté Chicken thighs are a great budget choice for a midweek supper. This recipe cooks them with cream, leeks and mustard, then is finished with a crisp breadcrumb topping. Just add greens. For another filling meal, go for sausages with mustard and cider gravy. Crab and leek on toast The best lunch or easy snack. Thick slices of toast topped with buttery leeks, cooked crabmeat and cheddar cheese, served up for a quick weekend lunch. You've got to try our crab mac and cheese. Turkey, leek and bacon pie This turkey, leek and bacon pie is a great way to use leftover turkey leg from Christmas dinner, although you could also use turkey or chicken thighs. This recipe comes from The Pelican in Notting Hill. Another good way with Christmas leftovers is warming turkey curry. Butter-poached trout, burnt leeks and hazelnut Flakes of soft and buttery trout served on a tangle of sweet leeks makes for a delicious but surprisingly simple starter. You can find this dish on the menu at The Grand Duchess in London. If you enjoy cooking with trout, whip up our fabulous smoked trout frittata for an easy, healthy dinner. Ash-roasted leeks, caper and tarragon dressing An alternative method of cooking leeks, this recipe comes from restaurant John Doe, a British brasserie in Notting Hill and gives the leeks a smoky flavour by cooking them over coals on the BBQ. If the British summer doesn't allow it, you can also use a grill pan but the leeks won't be as smoky. The rich tomato and chilli dressing with capers and tarragon is a great accompaniment drizzled over the leeks. We have plenty of vegetarian BBQ ideas. Blinis toppings These blinis are a perfect canapé for festive gatherings, as they’re simple to prepare and versatile. Try topping with sweet charred leeks and whipped ricotta for a vegetarian option. Leek gratin with crispy leek topping Take classic leek sauce to the next level with this gratin, featuring plenty of grated cheddar, golden breadcrumbs and extra-crispy leeks on top.
A bowl of pasta can be wholesome as well as comforting. Try our creamy salmon pasta, tuna pasta bake, prawn spaghetti, orzo 'risotto' and many more
Looking for healthy pasta recipes? Whether you're on the 5:2 diet or want to find nourishing midweek meals, we have plenty of healthy pasta dishes for you to try. When eaten in moderation, pasta can easily form part of a balanced and healthy diet. Whether a meat eater or a vegan, you can support your health with delicious and nutrient-rich toppings or sauces which add more vitamins and minerals, protein, calcium and good fats. Adding herbs to your pasta dishes, such as basil, thyme or oregano, is also an excellent way to boost the nutritional density of your dish, as they are naturally anti-inflammatory and provide benefits against heart disease and diabetes. From lighter linguine to super-simple low-fat spaghetti, we have the best pasta ideas to make healthy meals with spaghetti, penne pasta, pasta shells and more. Then try our creamy pasta recipes and sausage pasta recipes. For more healthy meal inspiration, take a look at our quick and healthy recipes, healthy curry recipes, healthy takeaways and healthy Italian recipes. Best healthy pasta recipes Vegetarian lasagne Try our veggie alternative to classic meat lasagne with layers of greens and fresh pesto. This combination of kale, ricotta and leeks keeps the dish low in calories and easy to whip up – a great midweek meal the whole family will love. Healthy spaghetti bolognese This spaghetti bolognese has slightly less meat in than usual but no less flavour, and is bulked out with lentils for healthy fibre. You could also use vegetarian mince, if you like. Salad bag pasta Make this health veggie pasta for a dinner that's ready in under 20 minutes. Blanched almonds add richness, leafy greens bring iron, and ricotta and good olive oil take it next level. Spinach pasta Low in salt and sugar, this speedy midweek meal is packed with vibrant spinach and finished with a creamy lemon sauce. One-pot puttanesca This one-pan puttanesca is an easy meal for one. The pasta soaks up the flavours, and the starch from the pasta makes the sauce rich and creamy. One pot also means less washing-up. Turkey ragu Like a healthier version of spaghetti bolognese, this low-fat and high-protein ragu comes packed with celery, courgette and carrots, plus a little Marmite for a deeper savoury note. Rupy's high-protein rigatoni The walnut, tempeh and Puy lentil blend in this recipe delivers on the protein and fibre needs for your gut wellbeing – plus the flavour is phenomenal. Tuna pasta bake An absolute classic, made even more wonderful with the addition of dried chilli flakes and rosemary. It's a real crowd-pleaser. Vegan bolognese Check out our meat-free bolognese. This family favourite uses mushrooms and plenty of veg, making it a low-fat, healthy, vegan meal that everyone will love. Spicy prawn linguine Our prawn linguine has a rich tomato sauce with a good chilli kick. Serve with rocket for a healthy midweek meal that's full of flavour. Check out our other hot and spicy recipes. Orzo risotto with cavolo nero, peas and chilli Make our creamy veggie orzo risotto with cavolo nero, sweet peas and punchy chilli for a warming midweek meal. Orzo pasta makes a great base for risottos, and requires less stirring. Healthy salmon pasta Nadine Brown’s healthier spin on creamy salmon pasta proves you can keep dinners light while feeling satisfied and fuller for longer. Tomato, spinach and mascarpone gnocchi Our tomato, spinach and mascarpone gnocchi makes a quick and easy midweek meal, ready in just 20 minutes. Grill this warming veggie gnocchi until bubbling and golden for ultimate comfort. Green linguine Check out this super-simple linguine, made with peas, broad beans, leeks and ricotta. It's packed with veg and makes a great midweek meal for two. Rigatoni with courgette, lemon and parmesan Turn courgette into a stylish veggie supper with this delicious pasta dish. Comforting, colourful and ready in just 20 minutes, this is one for summer weeknights. Chicken pasta salad Throw together this quick and easy pasta salad using leftover chicken, tomatoes and greens for a protein-packed lunch or dinner. Baked orzo with harissa prawns Flavour prawns with harissa, dill, garlic and lemon, then serve swirled through orzo pasta, baked with tomatoes, for a speedy but sophisticated supper. One-pot creamy lemon and spinach ravioli Take shop-bought ravioli to the next level and turn it into a nutritious vegetarian meal for two. This creamy one-pot pasta dish is ready in a flash and so good, you'll come back to it again and again. Pasta salad with bocconcini, capers and tomatoes Pasta gets tossed with tomatoes, olive oil, red wine vinegar and capers here, before being finished off with mozzarella cheese balls and fresh herbs. A great veggie dinner that's ready in 20 minutes. Orzo, bean and tuna salad Turn storecupboard staples like tinned tuna, jarred red peppers and olives into this vibrant, nutritious orzo pasta salad, on the table in 20 minutes. Healthy prawn linguine with ’nduja 'Nduja is a spicy, spreadable sausage from Italy. It works so well in this healthy prawn pasta, which is super-quick and easy to make, but is packed with big flavours. One-pot pasta with anchovies and Tenderstem broccoli This one-pot pasta is not only low in calories but low-cost, too. It's simple to put together; plus it's packed full of punchy flavours. If you don't have fusilli in your cupboard then wholemeal rotini works just as well. Avocado fusilli pasta Avocados make everything from salad dressing to ice cream super-creamy, so why not put them in a pasta sauce? It’s a great way to use up over-ripe avocados. Orzo deli salad Check out this vegan pasta salad with crunchy red onion and sweet sun-blush tomatoes. This lighter recipe is low in calories, but still just as satisfying as regular pasta salad. Cottage cheese alfredo Make a low-calorie, smooth and creamy pasta sauce in 15 minutes using just cottage cheese, milk, garlic granules and a little cornflour... magic! Orecchiette pasta salad with prawns, basil, feta and tomato caper dressing Check out this pasta salad with crumbly feta, prawns, basil and a simple caper and tomato dressing. This quick dish is low in calories and ready in under 30 minutes. Ravioli with buttered lemon greens This recipe is super zesty and buttery and great when you're short on time. Low in calories and meat-free make this the perfect Monday night supper. Wholewheat spaghetti with long-stemmed broccoli, chilli and lemon This vegan recipe for wholewheat spaghetti with long-stemmed broccoli, chilli and lemon is quick and easy to make, plus, it's pasta for under 500 calories - what's not to love about that? Penne alla norma Check out this easy gluten-free tomato pasta with aubergine topped with fresh basil. This simple recipe is veggie friendly and makes for an easy weekday supper. Orecchiette with anchovies, cavolo nero and caramelised onions This low-calorie, simple but tasty pasta dish with salty anchovies and fresh seasonal cavolo nero makes a quick and easy evening meal for two. Cavolo nero, also known as black kale, is a rich but robust brassica, originally from Tuscany. It’s great in soups, stews and hearty pasta dishes. ’Nduja prawns with orzo, feta and olive salad Check out our orzo salad with spicy 'nduja pesto, crumbly feta and juicy prawns. Make this simple salad for a summery meal that's low in calories but big on flavour. Penne with chopped puttanesca sauce There are no anchovies in this healthy puttanesca, to keep it vegetarian. The chopped puttanesca sauce is left to stand for 10 minutes while cooking the penne, to allow the flavours to develop. The sauce is elevated with olives, capers, garlic and chilli and would also work well tossed through cold pasta for a summery salad. Broccoli, chilli and lemon wholewheat pasta A healthy, vegetarian pasta dish for two. Wholewheat spaghetti adds fibre without affecting the taste. And broccoli is added to the pasta at the end of cooking. The chilli, lemon and garlic sauce makes a flavoursome, zesty addition with a kick of heat to coat the pasta.
Enjoy a lighter Italian meal with our healthy pasta recipes, colourful traybakes and hearty lentil dishes
Looking for healthy Italian recipes? Check out these light Italian recipes, then take a look at our best Italian recipes, Italian starter recipes, Italian desserts, Italian baking recipes. Don't forget to check out our best healthy fakeaway recipes for all your favourite takeaway classics, including pizza. Italian food is part of the traditional Mediterranean diet which has been shown to help with weight, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. This is because it often includes lots of whole, fresh foods such as fish, beans, olive oil, seafood, veggies, nuts, grains and herbs. Have a look at our Mediterranean-style recipes. Check out our ideas below, and then take a look at our healthy curry recipes, healthy takeaways and healthy pasta recipes. Healthy Italian recipes Chicken traybake with lemon, orzo and olives This chicken tray bake with lemon, olives and orzo is a great midweek meal for all the family. It's super simple, and low in calories. Sardine spaghetti Tinned sardines are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential oils. Let them shine in this quick and easy Sardinian spaghetti dish. Pasta salad with bocconcini, capers and tomatoes Pasta gets tossed with tomatoes, olive oil, red wine vinegar and capers here, before being finished off with mozzarella cheese balls and fresh herbs. A great veggie dinner that's ready in 20 minutes. Baked halibut with fennel, lemon and walnut pangrattato Take your healthy fish supper to the next level and top baked halibut with a golden, crunchy pangrattato. Healthy spaghetti bolognese This spaghetti bolognese has slightly less meat in than usual but no less flavour, and is bulked out with lentils for healthy fibre. You could also use vegetarian mince, if you like. Healthy sardines on toast Sweet shallots, plump raisins and sharp capers go perfectly with sardines in this nourishing Sicilian-style dish – pile the lot on toasted bread for a speedy lunch. Marinated summer veg antipasti Our antipasti recipe uses a colourful combination of summer veg. It's a healthy mix of aubergines, peppers, courgette and mushrooms – serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices. Cod, cherry tomato and green olive traybake This recipe for cod, cherry tomato and green olive tray roast is so quick and easy to prepare but looks impressive when you pull it out of the oven. Serve with a big bowl of buttered orzo. Italian sausage and veg tray roast For a low-calorie dinner, try this easy traybake. It's ideal when you're short on time. Just bang it all in the oven and you have yourself a hearty meal. Healthy prawn linguine with ’nduja 'Nduja is a spicy, spreadable sausage from Italy. It works really well in this healthy prawn pasta, which is super-quick and easy to make, but is packed with big Italian flavours. This is perfect for a midweek meal. Balsamic lentils with pork fillet Balsamic offers a tartness to our vibrant pork dish. A great carb-free midweek meal idea. This well-balanced meal is high in protein but low in calories and salt. Orecchiette pasta salad with prawns, basil, feta and tomato caper dressing Check out this pasta salad with crumbly feta, prawns, basil and a simple caper and tomato dressing. This quick dish is low in calories and ready in under 30 minutes. Pasta alla norma Check out this easy gluten free tomato penne alla norma with aubergine topped with fresh basil. This simple recipe is veggie friendly and low in calories. Spicy prawn linguine This spicy prawn linguine has a rich tomato sauce with a good chilli kick. It's great served with a rocket salad on the side. Vegan bolognese Check out our meat-free bolognese. This family favourite uses mushrooms and plenty of veg, making it a low-fat, healthy, vegan meal that everyone will love. Roast chicken panzanella An unusual take on this famous salad, that makes for a nourishing and filling meal. Orzo deli salad Check out this super simple orzo salad recipe with crunchy red onion and sweet SunBlush tomatoes. This vegan salad recipe is easy to make and low in calories. Vegan risotto Fennel, courgette, peas and parsley make for a wonderfully green risotto. Flavoured with nutritional yeast in place of parmesan, it's a lovely, light version of this Italian favourite. Chicken, red pepper and olive cacciatore This summery Italian one-pot is simple to make and freezes brilliantly, plus, it's a great healthy dinner idea and gluten-free. The recipe is easily halved if you only want three or four portions. Tuscan pork steaks This quick pork dish ticks all the healthy-eating boxes. It's filling, low in fat, low in sugar, low in salt and high in protein. Cod with tomato bean stew Make the most of seasonal cod in this quick recipe with a flavour-packed tomato bean stew for less than 400 calories. Spinach and risotto-stuffed tomatoes This is a simple, healthy meat-free dinner made from leftover risotto, pine nuts and lots of spinach.
From lighter tikka masala to fiery vindaloo and veggie korma, try our wholesome curry dishes for a satisfying meal
Looking for healthy curry recipes? Check out our ideas below including healthy chicken korma, paneer and chickpea curry and slow cooker chicken curry, or try our vegetable curry ideas. Is curry healthy? Curries can provide many health benefits, and they don't have to be full of saturated fats. The spices used in curries, such as turmeric, ginger and chilli, are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being of benefit to heart health and possible anticancer benefits. With some easy swaps, you can also make curries lighter but not scrimp on taste, and is a great way to add to your five-a-day. For more healthy meal inspiration, take a look at our quick and healthy recipes, healthy takeaways, healthy pasta recipes and healthy Italian recipes. If you want to make your favourite meals healthier, take a look at our 15 healthy swaps. For summer inspiration, check out our healthy summer recipes. Best healthy curry recipes Creamy tofu curry with big veg sauce Try our vegetarian butternut squash and carrot curry with grilled chunks of tikka-marinated tofu. It's low in calories yet packed with plants, thanks to the veggies and spices. Courgette curry Prepare this light, summery courgette and pea curry in less than an hour. It's flavoured with fragrant spices, like turmeric and curry leaves, and perfect with rice. Paneer curry Cook this veg-heavy curry for a healthy vegetarian meal. The peas add extra protein while ginger and plum tomatoes make a light, fragrant sauce. Healthy chicken tikka masala Chicken tikka masala is known for being sweet and creamy. Here, in The Curry Guy's lighter version, the buttery flavour is achieved by using ground almonds. Yogurt makes for an incredibly creamy curry, too. Saag chana masala Green and red chillies elevate this spinach and chickpea curry – the perfect veggie side dish from Asma Khan of Darjeeling Express. Veggie butter curry Swap the meat for cauliflower, filling chickpeas and spinach to create a meat-free curry that’s high in nutrients. Spinach, chickpea and potato curry Try this lightly-spiced vegan curry with chickpeas and spinach for a wholesome midweek meal for four. Healthy chicken korma Fragrant, creamy and gently spiced, korma is super-comforting with its rich, buttery sauce. This version is lighter than the traditional recipe, yet it’s every bit as warming. Paneer and chickpea curry This healthy paneer and chickpea curry cuts corners by using a tikka paste to coat the paneer – adding lots of flavour while keeping preparation to a minimum. Vegetable satay curry This creamy curry is packed with plenty of nutritious veggies, warming ginger and chilli for a healthy meat-free meal. Healthy slow cooker chicken curry This healthier take on chicken curry is gluten-free and promises plenty of kick thanks to a mix of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander and mild chilli. Sweet potato and lentil curry This vibrant, vegan curry is made with sweet potatoes, red split lentils, coconut milk and plenty of warming spices. A light, yet comforting midweek meal. Turkey keema curry Packed with fresh and zingy flavours and plenty of punchy spices, this low-calorie, high-protein Indian turkey mince curry makes an easy midweek meal. Caribbean black bean curry Bring together the right combination of spices, condiments and herbs to transform humble black beans into a punchy Caribbean-style curry, ready in under half an hour. Pumpkin curry Make the most of pumpkin season with this easy, warming one-pot. Not only will you get a good dose of fibre from the chickpeas and pumpkin, you'll also get a hit of vitamin C. Healthy pork vindaloo Try our simple pork vindaloo with peas and spinach. It's simple to make and packed with veg and protein. Butternut squash curry This easy butternut squash curry will be a hit with the family and is easily adaptable with the addition of extra veg. Serve with brown rice for a filling, wholesome meal. Easy vegan katsu curry This plant-based version of katsu curry features crispy grilled vegetable fingers in a fragrant veggie sauce. Enjoy served with rice and pickled vegetables. Healthy chicken curry Want to enjoy a healthier version of your favourite? This chicken curry recipe is jam-packed with veg and lighter than typical curry sauces. Freeze in portions for quick, healthy midweek meals. Turkey curry Delicately spiced with coconut and ginger, this turkey curry is a great way to up your protein. Not only from the turkey but the chickpeas and peanut butter, too. Coconut and peanut aubergine curry This creamy coconut and peanut aubergine curry is vegetarian and ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect comforting meal to make midweek. Lighter chicken curry Check out our easy chicken curry recipe with light coconut milk, punchy madras paste and crunchy sugar snap peas. This flavoursome curry is gluten-free, too. Butter bean curry (Gujarati Rangoon na vaal) An easy curry made with tinned beans and fragrant spices. Using asafoetida gives allium notes to the curry without even chopping an onion. Minimal prep but full-on flavour makes this a great midweek dinner. Red lentil curry Try our vegetarian spiced crispy egg and lentil curry. This easy curry recipe is protein-packed and gluten-free, perfect winter comfort food. Butternut squash and chickpea curry The best vegetarian curry in a hurry. Full of good-for-you butternut squash, chickpeas, spinach and spices, this will tempt any veg-phobic family members to dig in. Serve with rice on the side. Thai green chicken curry Make the curry paste from scratch for this easy Thai green chicken curry. Super fresh, fragrant and full of flavour, it's a perfect meal. Mutter paneer Mutter paneer is a traditional north Indian curry. The texture of fresh peas stands up well against the paneer, but frozen is fine too. Kofta curry Spice up your midweek meal with our homemade lamb koftas nestled in a fragrant curry. Served with rice for a hearty meal. Vegan aubergine curry Cook aubergine pieces with fragrant spices and red lentils for a hearty yet healthy vegan curry. Roast cauliflower korma curry Check out our veggie korma recipe with roast cauliflower. This curry recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for an easy midweek dinner. Chicken saag Our chicken saag recipe proves that you can eat healthily without having to skip your favourite foods – plus its ready in less than an hour. Cauliflower and chickpea curry Got a tin of chickpeas in your storecupboard? Add them to this protein-rich vegan cauliflower curry for a nutritious midweek meal the whole family will enjoy. Japanese chicken and broccoli curry Add white miso and soy sauce to your curry sauce for an umami-rich midweek meal packed with chicken and veggies. Chicken madras Our recipe for chicken madras is a really easy, flavoursome way to feed the family. Serve with rice or naan for scooping up the sauce.
Use apples, pears, quince and more to make our seasonal cakes for cosy autumn afternoons, then get planning for winter and beyond
Looking for autumn cake recipes? Want to use seasonal fruits to create easy cake recipes? Our fruity cake recipes transform seasonal fruits into delicious, moist cakes to enjoy at any time of day. For autumn, use pears, apples, blackberries and sloe berries to add a fruity edge and pretty topping to your cakes. Pair your cake with a cup of your favourite brew for the perfect teatime treat, then get planning with our winter cake ideas and even look forward to the warmer months with our spring and summer ideas. Check out these autumnal bakes, then try our pear recipes, pumpkin recipes, plum recipes, blackberry recipes and Halloween recipes. For more autumnal inspiration, see our best autumn home decor ideas, best autumn travel breaks for food lovers and our guide to how to make the most of autumn ingredients. If you are keen to explore even more seasonal bakes, browse our autumn recipes collection for a wealth of ideas to celebrate the flavours of the season. Autumn cake ideas Spiced apple cake This spiced apple cake captures all the flavours of autumn, with warming spices and naturally sweet apples at its core. Finished with a rich black treacle icing for a deep, bittersweet kick. Cranberry cake Make the most of cranberries coming into season with this vibrant autumn bake. Tangy berries, crunchy pistachios and a light citrus sponge come together for a cake that’s full of texture and flavour. Lemon blackberry cake This beautifully light bake combines tart blackberries and lemon with a hint of sweetness from icing sugar. It's great with a drizzle of cream or ice cream, too. Check out plenty more blackberry recipes for crumble, blondies, pies and more. Venetian apple cake This light Genoise sponge, layered with tender apples, makes the perfect autumn bake. A scattering of rosemary adds an aromatic twist, bringing extra warmth and depth to the flavour. Fig cake Soft, squidgy figs are an autumn staple, so we’ve baked them into this comforting vanilla and almond sponge cake. See more fig recipes. Dorset apple cake Capture the essence of autumn with this delightful apple cake, a perfect treat for the season. Featuring a crunchy demerara sugar topping and a soft, lightly spiced sponge, it’s incredibly easy to make and can stay fresh for up to five days when stored in the fridge. Bee sting cake with plum This bee sting cake with plum is a delightful twist on a traditional German classic, combining a rich, yeasted sponge with the luxurious flavours of vanilla cream and tangy plum compote. The cake’s brioche-like dough is topped with a layer of honeyed almonds, creating a wonderful contrast of textures and a beautiful golden finish. Plum upside-down cake This warming upside-down cake makes brilliant use of plums – serve with a dollop of yogurt for dessert. Discover more pretty plum recipes. Salted caramel pear cake This impressive but easy layer cake is filled with spiced poached pears and pecans, and topped with a silky smooth salted maple caramel. It’s a bit like an autumnal victoria sponge, and keeps for two days in the fridge. See more showstopping cake recipes for special occasions. Pumpkin cake Dotted with nuts and flavoured with maple syrup, this seasonal special (made with real pumpkin) is finished with a zesty soft cheese topping. Perfect for Halloween or Bonfire Night. Toffee apple cake This autumnal cake is a celebration of cold, crisp bonfire evenings and brisk walks through the leaves. Drizzle extra toffee or caramel sauce for a more indulgent tea time treat. Russian honey cake This Russian honey cake is an excellent choice for autumn as its layers are warmly spiced with ginger, cinnamon and mixed spice, evoking the comforting flavours of the season. The rich burnt-honey icing and subtle caramel notes from the dulce de leche make it perfect for sharing with friends and family on chilly days. Blackberry cake Blackberries are at their prime in the autumnal months of September and October. Make these sweet berries the star of this pretty cake with fresh fruit baked into the sponge and a vibrant coulis drizzled over freshly whipped cream. Chocolate beetroot cake Seasonal beetroot adds earthiness and a deep-purple hue to this chocolate bake, best served with a great big dollop of crème fraîche. Next, try our squidgy beetroot brownies recipe. Sloe gin cake Autumn is the time to gather sloe berries to ensure they're super ripe. Make your own sloe gin and combine with dark purple plums to create this boozy autumnal bake. Apple crumble cake We've combined the comfort of an apple crumble with a fluffy sponge to create this autumnal fruit pudding. Serve this sheet cake with custard or cream for added indulgence. Plum cake This plum and earl grey pound cake makes for the perfect afternoon treat with a cup of tea (earl grey, naturally). It's an easy recipe to make but it looks really good and tastes even better. Check out more plum recipes, including an impressive plum tart. Quince and honey cake Quince and honey is a great autumnal flavour combination. Try them together in this recipe for an easy bake that looks really impressive. We've got more quince recipes to try if you've got a tree giving you plenty of fruit this autumn. Apple upside down cake Turning a cake into something even more special is easy when you make it upside down. Sticky apple slices and a hint of star anise in this recipe will make an easy dinner-party dessert or the best family pud for autumn. Pear cake Put autumnal pears at the heart of this indulgent cake. To get the nutty flavour you need to cook the butter until the milk solids turn golden, then cool and cream with the sugar as in a standard cake method. It takes a bit longer but is worth it for the flavour. See more pear recipes. Salted honey date cake Salted caramel, who? This bake swaps caramel for luscious honey, creating a sweet twist that’s perfect for cosy afternoons. Pair with your favourite brew when there’s a chill in the air.
Create a Korean-inspired feast at home with our recipes, from kimchi stew to gochujang-marinated pork and bulgogi steak sandwiches
Looking for Korean recipes? Want the best Korean fried chicken? Try our ideas and twists here, then check out our Japanese recipes. Create your own Korean-style banquet, including bulgogi burgers, punchy salads and BBQ meats. We also have a step-by-step guide to homemade kimchi. Read local Back Kimyung's guide to South Korean food here, including street food dishes, banquet-style dining and family traditions. Not spotted your favourite Korean dish? Do you know an awesome Korean chef or food writer that you’d like to see featured here? Email us or contact us on social media at @olivemagazine to let us know! Easy Korean recipes Korean tteokbokki Marching merrily to the nearest tteokbokki cart after school, linking arms with friends, is one of the most joyful memories of Su Scott's childhood that never fails to put a big smile on her face – one so vivid she can taste every mouthful just thinking about it. The glossy red braised rice cakes filled to the brim of a paper cup, she and her friends would all be on a mission to fish out piece after piece with a toothpick while nattering innocently about teenage pimples and pop stars, short skirts and heartaches, putting the world to rights. From extremely fiery gochujang-based sauce to salty chunjang (Korean black bean sauce) to carbonara-inspired cream sauce, the choices are endless and sold everywhere from school canteens to bunsik cafés, street corners and microwave-ready convenience store meals. But for her nothing quite beats the nostalgic taste of simple sweet and spicy tteokbokki. Korean BBQ chicken burger Take your chicken thigh burgers to the next level with a kimchi-infused marinade and a rich Korean BBQ glaze. They might look like something from a restaurant, but in reality, they’re incredibly easy to make, with six delicious burgers ready in under an hour. Korean noodles (doenjang udong) Used both as an ingredient to cook with and raw as a condiment, doenjang tastes quite salty and earthy while its pungent smell carries deeply complex flavour profiles that add depth and lingering umami to anything it touches. Paired with humble everyday brassica handled with a touch of love and care, the sweetness of cabbage yields a soothing soup that comforts. Su Scott loves it with freezer stash udon noodles thrown in to make it a filling meal. Napa cabbage naturally has a high water content so cooking without water with the lid on at the beginning really helps to concentrate the flavour for the soup. Korean cabbage pancakes Dip these vegan cabbage pancakes in a soy, rice vinegar and bird's-eye chilli dipping sauce. Perfect for impressing friends at a Korean-style dinner party. Korean pork belly with kimchi Samgyeopsal (pork belly) is a cut commonly considered soul food to Koreans. And there is no better combination than perfectly cooked meat with kimchi that’s been sizzling in rendered pork fat. Top it off with soft jammy garlic and you have a heavenly dish that is bursting with flavour. Jinjuu's Korean fried chicken This Korean fried chicken (or jin chick) is the signature dish at Korean chef Judy Joo's Jinjuu in Soho. Served with a fiery gochujang red sauce or black soy sauce and a side of pickled white radish, it's irresistible. Bulgogi (Korean BBQ beef) Beef is made incredibly tender thanks to a sweet soy sauce marinade in this popular Korean dish. Korean-style ramen This is based on budae jjigae, a spicy and savoury Korean stew – the inclusion of Spam is a traditional addition. Gochujang cabbage, coriander and apple salad Korean chilli paste, ginger and lime make a punchy dressing for this refreshing vegetable salad, brightened up with plenty of fresh mint and coriander. Fridge drawer kimchi Homemade kimchi is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables hanging about in your fridge. If you can't find Korean chilli flakes, just use dried chilli flakes instead. Korean spicy radish salad A common Korean side dish, this spicy salad is easy to put together and makes a great topping for bibimbap. Korean-style chicken stew A hearty dish with a gochujang kick, this chicken stew with jasmine rice is guaranteed to heat things up at dinnertime. Korean-inspired chilli-cheese fries Load fries with Korean chilli flakes, gochujang, coriander and plenty of cheese for an indulgent sharing dish to serve at your next gathering. Korean bossam Pork is a firm favourite in Korean dishes and plays a starring role in this recipe, wrapped in soft cabbage leaves and complemented by crunchy and spicy fillings. Bulgogi burgers with quick-pickled cucumbers Gochujang paste adds a chilli kick to these beef burgers, inspired by the Koren grilled meat dish, bulgogi. They're served with pickled Lebanese cucumbers and shredded cabbage for extra crunch. Cucumber kimchi Check out this quick and easy recipe for mini cucumber kimchi. Packed with punchy, peppery gochugaru and fiery ginger, these Korean-inspired fermented cucumbers are ideal for a summer BBQ. Korean king oyster mushrooms The bold, punchy flavours of doenjang amplify the rich, savoury taste of Korean king oyster mushrooms in this recipe. Bacon and egg bibimbap We've given a classic Korean dish a new twist with this bacon and egg bibimbap. Prep all the veg before cooking the rice, so it stays warm while you cook the toppings. Jjigae beef and kimchi stew Check out our easy stew with beef shin, gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes) and fermented Korean chilli paste. This easy one-pot may take some time, but it makes the perfect warming dish. Korean-style short ribs This recipe for slow-braised short ribs uses gochujang – a Korean paste made from hot red peppers and fermented soy beans which gives a savoury, spicy umami depth. We've included instructions on how to make them in a slow cooker, too. Bibigo's bo-saam pork belly This Korean-style dish of slow-cooked pork gets a smart makeover at Bibigo restaurant. To make very neat pork slices, press it after cooking. Korean-style roast pork A great way to serve a crowd – let everyone dig in and make their own Korean-style lettuce wraps. Cook the pork a day ahead if you like, then glaze and reheat to serve – just make sure it’s piping hot all the way through. Korean-style lamb chops with spicy sesame cucumber salad Try this easy Korean-inspired BBQ recipe at home. Lamb chops are marinated in a sweet-sour sauce, then grilled and served with spicy cucumber salad and chilli sauce. Quick Korean-inspired burgers Try our quick burgers with a great Korean twist. Kimchi paste is now much easier to get hold of and is a great way to spice up a burger. Red cabbage kimchi Lacto-fermenting vegetables is an ancient way of preserving fresh food to last all year and the process of fermenting increases both nutrient and probiotic levels, making these the healthiest pickles around. One of the best-known ferments is gloriously spicy kimchi from Korea. Kimchi dogs Korean-style kimchi is one of those foods that goes really well with other cuisines. Burgers, hotdogs and cheese sandwiches can all be perked up with a spoonful. If you don’t want to make your own kimchi, there are loads of ready-made varieties available. Buttermilk-fried squid and kimchi tacos A new way with squid. Fried in crunchy breadcrumbs and served with lots of Korean spices, as well as kimchi, the traditional fermented vegetable side dish. Bulgogi cheese steak Philly cheese steak and Korean bulgogi is a marriage made in heaven sometimes known as a koagie. This indulgent sandwich is super easy to make.
Discover our best lamb recipes including lamb chops, roast leg of lamb, lamb shoulder, lamb meatballs and curry Perfect for Easter, Sunday lunches and more
Looking for roast lamb recipes? Want to make a lamb shank? Try our easy lamb recipes below, then check out our leftover lamb ideas. What are the main lamb cuts? Lamb is a versatile meat, offering a variety of cuts suitable for different cooking methods and dishes. Here are some of the main lamb cuts, along with a brief description of each: Leg: The leg is a large, lean cut, ideal for roasting or slow-cooking, often served whole or butterflied. Shoulder: This cut is flavourful and slightly fattier, making it perfect for slow-roasting, braising, or stews. Rack: The rack consists of tender rib chops, often roasted whole or cut into individual chops for grilling or frying. Loin: The loin provides tender, succulent meat, often cut into chops or roasts, and is best cooked quickly. Shank: The shank is a tough, sinewy cut from the lower leg, which becomes meltingly tender when slow-cooked. Neck: Neck is an economical cut, full of flavour, ideal for stews, casseroles, or slow braises. Breast: The breast is a fattier, more affordable cut, often used for slow cooking or stuffing. Each cut offers a unique taste and texture, suiting a variety of recipes and cooking styles. What is the best cut of lamb to cook with? Lamb doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase. Buying lesser-used, cheaper cuts means you’ll get the most from your meat and even more flavour. Shoulder is a great alternative to leg, either whole or chopped up for a stew. The scrag, cut from the neck, is also a great cost-cutting option, best used in casseroles and soups. Serving lamb as part of a Sunday roast? We have plenty of ideas for roast lamb, including roast anchovy butter lamb with boulangere potatoes, rosemary and apricot-stuffed leg of lamb. We have tips for how to prepare lamb, which roasting tin to use and how to get juicy lamb. For more ways with this versatile meat, try our lamb mince recipes and lamb curry recipes. If you're looking for alternative roast recipes, check out our best ever roast recipes. Easy lamb recipes How to cook the perfect roast leg of lamb Roast lamb is a classic Easter Sunday favourite – here’s how to get it juicy and pink on the inside, and beautifully crisp on the outside. Moroccan slow-roasted lamb shoulder This Moroccan slow-roasted lamb shoulder makes a perfect celebratory centrepiece – minimal effort, maximum flavour. Let the oven work its magic as bold spices, garlic and preserved lemon transform the meat until tender. Lamb cutlets with celeriac slaw For a main course that’s designed to impress, check out these lamb cutlets with colatura di alici, tarragon and celeriac slaw. Colatura di alici is an Italian condiment made from fermented salted anchovies – a few drops of this adds umami richness to the dish. Lamb biryani Skip the takeaway and recreate this Indian classic at home. Tender, melt-in-the-mouth lamb takes the spotlight, accompanied by subtly spiced rice and saffron cream. Nigerian-style roast lamb Slow-cooked, juicy lamb that melts in your mouth, seasoned with suya spice – a Nigerian street-food classic from the north. Combining the best of British and Nigerian flavours, this lamb is a perfect Easter dish, best served hot with jollof rice or roast potatoes, or both. Slow-cooker leg of lamb This leg of lamb is slow-cooked with madeira, red onion, prunes and thyme, so it's rich and intense in flavour with a hint of sweetness. Lamb with plums, green beans and cinnamon This lamb with plums, green beans and cinnamon recipe is a spirited meal-in-one that beautifully showcases how fruit can enhance a savoury dish, making it ideal for late spring or summer. Lamb and apricot tagine Lamb is the star of this slow-cooked tagine, turning beautifully tender as it simmers with sweet apricots and aromatic spices. This warming, flavourful dish pairs perfectly with giant couscous and a crisp green salad. Spicy cumin lamb noodles The Shaanxi province is known for its fiery, spice-laden cuisine. This recipe uses store-bought noodles with ground, toasted spices for intense flavour. BBQ lamb platter with olive and almond pesto Make the most of sunny days with barbecued lamb cutlets, served alfresco and topped with a homemade olive and almond pesto for a fresh, vibrant flavour. Lamb casserole with hash brown top You can recreate this rich lamb casserole with crispy hash browns on top without turning the oven on. If you prefer, you can brown this in the oven and leave it to stay warm while you serve your starter. Lamb cutlets with mustard and shallot sauce Perfect for sharing, try our version of dibi, a Senegalese street food of roast lamb served with a mustard dipping sauce. Braised lamb boulangère Tender chunks of lamb are layered up with potato and finished with a crisp, butter-brushed top in this warming boulangère recipe. This recipe comes from Bottle + Rye chef Ben Hughes-Gage. Lamb chops with green olive and orange salsa Serve buttery lamb chops with a quick olive, orange and rosemary relish. Fresh and modern, it's a great dinner choice for when you fancy something light. Slow-cooked lamb gyros Gyros are classic Greek fast food. In our version, we swap the traditional spit-roasted meat for pull-apart, shredded lamb, and add a moreish garlicky sauce. Roast leg of lamb with anchovy, garlic and rosemary A punchy rub takes this roast joint to the next level – and yields a deliciously buttery sauce to serve it with. Herb-stuffed rolled lamb breast Roll this great-value cut of lamb with mustard and herbs then bake until soft and tender so it falls apart into the white wine onion gravy. Easy lamb chops A summery way to serve grilled lamb chops, with new potatoes tossed in a red onion, mint and mustard dressing. Lamb hotpot Lamb, wild garlic and watercress butter meet in this warming Lancashire classic, making it a brilliant dish for a cosy night in. Lamb, tomato and oregano ragu Swap same-old spag bol for this velvety lamb sauce, made light and fragrant with fresh oregano. Serve draped with a blanket of parmesan. Lamb neck, preserved lemon, white beans and harissa Try this Lebanese-inspired lamb dish as part of a Middle Eastern mezze, full of flavour and perfect for sharing. Tarragon and anchovy-stuffed lamb shoulder with fennel and bone marrow crumble Cotswold pub The Bull at Charlbury celebrates seasonal lamb with a herby, piquant filling of capers, anchovies, mustard and garlic for a flavoursome main. Slow roast leg of lamb Our rosemary and apricot-stuffed leg of lamb is really delicious and worth a little effort for the perfect Sunday lunch. Learn how to stuff your own leg of lamb with our simple step-by-step guide and serve with some roasties, greens and lots of gravy. Spicy lamb filo pie Try mixing Easter lunch up with this aromatic blend of lamb, sweet spices, harissa and sweet potato, all wrapped up in a crisp filo case and drenched in yogurt hummus sauce. Lamb scrumpets Lamb breast is coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried, served with anchovy mayonnaise for a delicious snack or starter. Slow-roasted lamb with wild oregano Impress friends and family at your next gathering with this succulent and comforting slow-roasted lamb recipe with wild oregano. Roast lamb with anchovy butter and boulangere new potatoes This spring lamb recipe is one of our favourite show-stoppers. The richness of the boulangère potatoes works wonders with the anchovy buttered lamb. Perfect for an easy weekend slow cook. Leg of lamb with pomegranate and balsamic onions Give classic roast lamb a clever makeover. The sweetness of the roasted onions is offset by a good splash of balsamic vinegar, and pomegranate molasses is used with a touch of harissa as a glaze for the lamb. Braised shoulder of lamb Lamb shoulder, done properly. This crowd-pleaser from London's The Red Lion & Sun roasts lamb with a whole bottle of red wine for super-tender results. Slow-roast leg of lamb with mint labneh Mechoui lamb is traditionally roasted in a pit for hours to give meltingly tender meat. Long, slow cooking in a low oven replicates this. Try using a slow cooker to make this recipe. Ras el hanout spiced leg of lamb with aubergine pilaf Check out our lamb roast with aromatic ras el hanout and an easy spiced aubergine pilaf. A spicy alternative to a traditional roast, lamb is perfect for soaking up Middle Eastern flavours. Lamb kleftiko Check out these easy slow-cooked lamb shanks with waxy potatoes. Kleftiko is a Greek dish of lamb and potatoes slow cooked with white wine, lemon and oregano. Serve with bread for mopping up juices, and a green salad dressed with red wine vinegar and olive oil. Slow-cooked lamb and autumn veg one-pot Check out our easy slow-cooked lamb with crunchy autumnal veg. This hearty one-pot is lovely served with cooked grains such as pearl barley or spelt. Healthy meatballs If you’re after a healthy midweek dinner, look no further than our homemade lamb meatballs. Served on a bed of herb-flecked bulgur wheat, it’s a healthier version of an Italian classic. Roast lamb rump with flageolet and spring veg ragout Check out our succulent lamb rump recipe with soft and tender flageolet beans and an easy aromatic sauce vierge. Make this easy lamb recipe for a dinner party. Lamb shank rogan josh Looking for a lamb shank rogan josh recipe? Using lamb shanks means this lamb recipe is tender and full of flavour. No need for a takeaway when you can devour these straight from the oven! Or simply freeze in portions for a warming and aromatic midweek meal. Summer roast lamb with tomato and caper marinade Try our recipe for seasonal roast lamb with a fresh tomato and caper marinade. This roast lamb recipe using leg of lamb is a great alternative for Easter Sunday if you're looking for something lighter. Barbacoa lamb carnitas Our gluten-free, slow-cooked lamb tortillas are great for a feast between family and friends, especially over the Easter period. Serve with our homemade salsa and guacamole dips plus a variety of toppings so everyone can get stuck in and make their own. Here are our favourite crowdpleaser recipes to create the ultimate feast. Pulled lamb with plum-sriracha Looking for a lamb recipe to serve on Easter Sunday? Check out our pulled lamb recipe with a sweet plum-sriracha marinade. This lamb is slow-cooked for six hours for the ultimate melt in the mouth meat, serve in the middle of the table for perfect sharing food. Three-hour shoulder of lamb Looking to cook a lamb shoulder? Try this three-hour meltingly tender shoulder of lamb which is perfect for a Sunday roast lunch and is zinged up with a dash of fresh coriander and mint. Slow-cooked shoulder of spring lamb, peas, broad beans and mint This recipe for slow-cooked shoulder of spring lamb, peas, broad beans and mint comes from Noble Rot and is great for an easy but impressive dinner party main. Try making it for an easy Easter Sunday lunch. Midweek mini lamb roast We've taken the classic British Sunday roast and popped it in a giant Yorkshire pud with all the trimmings for an easy midweek meal for two. Lamb stew with Guinness Check out our warming one-pot lamb and Guinness stew with creamy mash and peas. No pre-frying of ingredients required for this simple stew. Lamb shoulder with garlic potatoes and redcurrant glaze Check out this succulent slow-roasted lamb dish with crispy garlic potatoes. Our easy recipe is perfect for an impressive Sunday lunch centrepiece. Slow-cooked lamb shawarma This lamb shoulder is slathered with a punchy marinade of garlic, ginger, cumin, fennel, turmeric and cinnamon, then slow-roasted for a fall-apart texture and served with homemade harissa. Lamb neck, preserved lemon, white beans and harissa This Lebanese-inspired lamb dish comes from the kitchens of Sohaila, a restaurant in Shoreditch created by social enterprise Fat Macy’s. Braised lamb shanks Make this easy, budget-friendly casserole for a comforting dinner. Braised lamb shanks are cooked slowly in a red wine sauce and served with crushed new potatoes. Spicy lamb noodles Put leftover roast lamb to great work in this speedy noodle dish. Packed with sweet honey, salty soy and spicy harissa, it's full of complementary flavours. Lamb ribs These mouthwatering tender lamb ribs are marinated in a spice rub, before being slow-roasted and brushed with a membrillo glaze, then crisped-up to finish. Zesty lamb meatballs with ricotta and mint shatta A hot sauce popular throughout the Middle East, we’ve given shatta the cheat’s treatment using ready pickled jalapeños, plus fresh mint and orange for extra zip. Lamb and beef kebabs with burnt aubergine Charred aubergine flesh is mixed with lamb and beef mince to add delicious smokiness to these meaty kebabs, which are inspired by the food of Tel Aviv. Lamb steaks with tomato and rosemary Feta adds a tangy flavour that really works with the sweet lamb and juicy tomatoes in this Greek-style dish. Ready in 30 minutes, it makes a perfect, simple midweek supper. Pomegranate glazed lamb kebabs Make a simple sweet, sour and sticky glaze using pomegranate molasses and chilli jam, then slather on shop-bought lamb kebabs for an effortless BBQ main. Mexican-style lamb stew Toss lamb neck in chipotle chilli, oregano and spices to add a smoky punch to this hearty stew. Ploussard’s lamb and anchovy crumpet Make these epic bites from Ploussard in Clapham – they're topped with slow-cooked lamb, anchovy emulsion and barley puffs. Lamb, pea and wild garlic lasagne Fresh from Ombra, a Venetian-styled bacaro in London, this next-level lasagne showcases seasonal ingredients and is the perfect lazy weekend project. Lamb meatballs with labneh and flatbreads Combine gently spiced lamb, date and pine nut meatballs with thick, creamy fresh cheese (known as labneh) and plenty of herbs to make a great plated starter or canapés. Rolled lamb leg with salsa verde stuffing Pair fresh, zingy, vibrant salsa verde with lamb for a zesty alternative to your usual stuffing – it's a summery twist on a classic Sunday roast. Lamb shank nihari In Pakistan, this dish is traditionally cooked all night and eaten for breakfast with hot, freshly made naans. It’s often made with extra bones so the marrow enriches the curry further, whilst a homemade nihari masala spice mix takes this dish to the next level of flavour. Lamb chop curry (Andhra chintakaya chaap) This Andhra recipe for lamb chop curry makes the most of simple ingredients, yet is packed with flavour. Lamb chops are marinated in tamarind and ginger then cooked with chilli and sliced potato so that everything becomes encased in the beautiful sticky sauce. Nkatsenkwan (groundnut stew with lamb) Zoe Adjonyoh's warming peanut butter stew recipe features lamb, but it can be made with any combination of meat and seafood. Lamb and tomato stew with butter beans and feta This one-pot lamb stew is a doddle to make – the oven does all the work for you. Serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices. Roast rack of lamb with rosemary With rosemary, garlic and a kick of Dijon mustard, this marinated rack of lamb is great on the BBQ. All the prep can be done the day before. Pressed lamb Transform a lamb shoulder into slices of tender pressed meat then serve with a rich gravy made from its juices and a clever courgette side. From the kitchens of London's Caravel, this is an impressive recipe for a dinner party. Lamb shank shepherd’s pie Elevate your shepherd’s pie by slow-cooking lamb shanks to melting perfection. This comforting dinner is the ultimate winter warmer for the whole family. Kashmiri lamb chops These griddled lamb chops are fantastic served with a zingy mint chutney and watermelon salad to cut through the meaty richness. This recipe comes from London's Soho restaurant, Gunpowder. Easy lamb bhuna Check out our tender lamb bhuna recipe. This juicy curry recipe is easy to make and packed with plenty of flavour. Plus, it's low in calories too. Lamb koftas with jewelled rice Impress with homemade zesty lamb koftas on a bed of vibrant jewelled rice, flavoured with pomegranate seeds, cumin, coriander, cardamom pods, saffron and pistachios. Lamb meatball shakshuka Take your shakshuka to the next level with cumin lamb meatballs for a hearty family meal. Crispy lamb breast with malt vinegar sauce This malt vinegar sauce is a British riff on a Carolina-style barbecue sauce and makes a great acidic partner for the rich lamb. Spiced lamb and broccoli with pine nut, raisin and shallot dressing Try this super simple spiced lamb recipe with tender long-stemmed broccoli, topped with a fresh and zingy lemon and shallot dressing, an easy midweek meal for two. Lamb curry with chana dal This lamb and chana dal curry is a delicious one-pot dish that really requires no special sides, except for some rice or bread, a little salad, and a bit of creamy yogurt. Sesame-and-yogurt-crusted lamb Jazz up your Sunday lunch and make this easy recipe for an impressive alternative roast. This simple but flavoursome leg of lamb is coated in a crunchy sesame and yoghurt crust and served with cucumber and red cabbage for extra colour and crunch, so grab a flatbread and get stuck in. Lamb naanwich Try our lamb naanwich recipe, it's a super quick and easy spicy dinner, ready on the table in 30 minutes. Greek lamb meatball, feta and tomato bake Add Greek flavours of feta, oregano and pine nuts to this meaty tray bake and serve straight from the oven to allow everyone to dig in. Lamb tacos with minted pea guacamole Get stuck into these paprika and cumin-spiced lamb tacos and serve with a zingy pea guacamole for a vibrant Friday night treat. Lamb sausage rolls Looking for a quirky snack to hand out at your next dinner party? Try these meaty, spring lamb sausage rolls with mint and lemon. Just make sure you buy all-butter pastry if you want them to really wow. Crusted lamb skewers with dill flatbreads and garlic yogurt Marinate lamb in zesty lemon, fiery chillies and fennel seeds, and serve with homemade flatbreads, dill and a creamy garlic yogurt for a quick spring dinner. Lamb shish kebab Make your own shish kebabs with saffron and caramelised onions, and serve with warm pittas and tzatziki. Saffron adds both flavour and a beautiful colour. Broad bean smash with lamb shawarma Make our succulent lamb with vibrant, new-season broad beans and a dreamy, creamy feta sauce to feed the family this weekend. Lamb steaks with yeast butter and warm hummus Check out our succulent seasonal lamb recipe, complete with homemade yeast butter. The perfect recipe for impressing a loved one! Grilled lamb cutlets in spicy green miso Check out Luiz Hara's lamb recipe with spicy miso marinade. This easy lamb dish is simple to make and packed with plenty of flavour. Lamb ragu pappardelle Check out this melt-in-the-mouth pappardelle with indulgent lamb ragu. The easy yet impressive recipe comes from Italian restaurant Bancone in Covent Garden. Lamb cutlets with pesto and beans Check out this super simple lamb recipe. These cutlets are quickly marinated to deepen the juicy flavour, serve with a fresh pesto bean salad for an easy midweek meal ready in just 20 minutes. Beer-braised lamb tacos with charred green tomato salsa Impress your friends at your next BBQ with these tender braised lamb shoulder tacos. Serve with our homemade punchy green tomato salsa and a moreish bean salad. You can use regular red tomatoes for this if you can’t get green. Lamb steaks with giant couscous Try our simple lamb steaks with giant couscous. This quick and easy everyday recipe is super fresh and filling, a great evening meal for two. Sizzling tandoori lamb chops Check out these tandoori spiced lamb chops with a fresh and vibrant chopped kachumber salad. This easy recipe is ready in 35 minutes and will make for a quick and flavoursome midweek meal. Greek lamb-stuffed courgettes Make the most of this versatile vegetable by topping with spiced lamb mince, pine nuts and feta in this crowd-pleasing Mediterranean dish. Lamb soup (lamb harira) Harira is a traditional lamb soup from the Maghreb region of North Africa. It's more often than not a meal served to break the Ramadan fast. We have bulked up our Harira using puy lentils. Korean lamb chops Try this quick and easy Korean lamb chops recipe, great for a weekend BBQ when you have lots of guests to feed. Buy heavily-trimmed lamb cutlets, so they only need a quick flash on a griddle to become perfectly pink, tender and succulent. Late-summer lamb, tomato and tamarind stew Tamarind paste gives a sweet-sour edge to this soupy stew. Keep the lamb pieces small so they cook evenly. Harissa lamb-stuffed courgettes Fill courgettes with a mix of lamb mince, garlic, cumin and harissa, and bake in a fiery tomato sauce to make an exciting weeknight meal for two. Lamb and turnip summer hotpot Make the most of turnips by thinly slicing and using as an earthy, slightly sweet topping to this hearty lamb stew. Lamb, harissa and fennel salad Sabrina Ghayour's punchy salad is inspired by her travels in Bangkok. She matches pan-fried lamb leg steaks with pomegranate seeds, fennel, fresh mint and a rose harissa dressing. Got lamb leftover? Use it in one of these recipes... Lamb and tomato curry with mint yogurt This lamb and tomato curry with mint yogurt takes a while but is really easy to make. Serve with some naan breads and a generous portion of rice on the side. Mini lamb hotpots Want a classic hotpot recipe? Make a batch of these mini lamb hotpots and freeze them for later. They're easy to make and great for an Easter feast. Lamb with soft herb salad and mint sauce dressing Make the most of left-over lamb by serving with a fresh mint dressing in a zingy summer salad.
From crunchy slaws to hearty stews and showstopping side dishes, try our top cabbage recipes using savoy, hispi and more varieties
Looking for cabbage recipes? Like most vegetables, cabbage is an excellent source of essential vitamins and is also high in potassium and iron. With so many varieties available to choose from – savoy, hispi, white – there are plenty of different and exciting ways to use cabbage in your cooking. Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on your preference, and you should always try and buy it as fresh as possible so it hasn't lost any of its essential nutrients. Our recipes demonstrate how easy it is to use cabbage in your everyday cooking whether simply using it as a sandwich filling, adding it to a salad or creating a delicious main course dish for all the family to enjoy. Try our red cabbage recipes or our best vegetable side dishes for more produce at its peak. Explore fresh twists on traditional greens by browsing our best cabbage recipes collection. For more exciting veggies, see the best leafy greens to try including easy kale recipes, radicchio recipes and versatile spinach recipes. Also check out our fresh celery recipes and spring onion recipes. When is cabbage in season? Cabbage is available all year round, with different varieties coming throughout the year. Varieties such as sweetheart and white cabbage are at their best in summer. What are the main types of cabbage? Green cabbage: The most common variety, known for its smooth, tightly packed leaves and mild flavour. Red Cabbage: Characterised by its vibrant purple hue and slightly peppery taste, ideal for both salads and cooked dishes. Savoy Cabbage: Recognisable by its crinkled, curly leaves, offering a delicate, sweet flavour and tender texture. Napa Cabbage: Also called Chinese cabbage, it has elongated, pale green leaves and a mild, slightly sweet taste, perfect for stir-fries and slaws. Hispi Cabbage: Known for its pointed shape and tender texture, with a subtle sweetness that pairs well with roasting or grilling. Kale: A nutritious powerhouse with hearty leaves, offering a slightly bitter taste that's excellent in salads, soups, or sautés. Brussels Sprouts: Miniature cabbages with a nutty flavour, often roasted or sautéed as a side dish or incorporated into various recipes. Why we love cabbage Leafy cabbage provides crisp crunch in summer but can be gently cooked to add hearty depth to comforting soups and casseroles too. Its gentle earthy flavour makes it easy to pair with a variety of flavours and it appears in cuisines around the world – we've got recipes for a rich parmesan dressing, a Sri Lankan salad, Japanese pancake and more. Health benefits of cabbage Cabbage is highly nutritious: it is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6 and folate. It is high in fibre to help aid digestion and very low in calories. Easy cabbage recipes BBQ cabbage Take BBQ hispi cabbage to the next level by drizzling over a super-savoury Marmite, egg yolk and bacon sauce for the ultimate smoky side dish. Steak tagliata with zingy carrot and cabbage slaw Make steak super colourful by matching strips of sirloin with rocket, roasted red peppers and a homemade red cabbage, beetroot and carrot slaw. Sri Lankan spiced grilled cabbage Elevate your summer barbecue by coating charred hispi cabbage in spices and tomatoes. Also vegan and gluten-free, ensuring everyone can relish the flavours. Discover more vegetarian BBQ recipes. Turmeric fried eggs and kale salad This veggie salad pairs turmeric-spiced fried eggs with crunchy kale and chickpeas. Finish with a drizzle of speedy tahini sauce. Korean cabbage pancakes Dip these vegan cabbage pancakes in a soy, rice vinegar and bird's-eye chilli dipping sauce. Perfect for impressing friends at a Korean-style dinner party. Red cabbage and orange salad This zingy red cabbage salad from London’s Honey & Co has bursts of zesty orange and hot chilli – serve with pumpkin falafels for a meze-style dinner. Charred hispi cabbage with hazelnut romesco This trendy charred hispi cabbage with hazelnut romesco dish is really easy to prepare but packs a lot of flavour. Perfect as part of a main dish or on its for own for a quick midweek meal. Rainbow slaw with creamy lime and coriander dressing Our best ever recipe for homemade coleslaw. We use shredded red cabbage and white cabbage with other vegetables and salads, finished with a creamy lime and coriander dressing. Crispy fried cabbage Use up the humble cabbage in our easy version of a British Chinese takeaway classic. Ready in just 20 minutes, try this simple idea for an easy side dish for your next dinner party. Red cabbage kimchi This spicy fermented cabbage is a popular delicacy in Korea and full of nutrients and probiotics from the fermenting process, making it one of the healthiest pickles around. Shredded veg and chicken salad with Japanese sesame dressing Shredded white cabbage, carrots, radishes and cucumber with a splash of rice vinegar gives this salad a slightly sweet but tangy edge. Simply add the chicken and mix everything together for a quick and easy midweek salad. Charred Hispi cabbage with parmesan dressing Sweet, charred cabbage is complemented by a creamy dressing layered with parmesan, mustard and lemon, making a standout veggie side dish. Easy okonomiyaki Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake made with hispi cabbage, streaky bacon and drizzled with Worcestershire and tomato sauces. Sprinkle with ginger, spring onions and sesame seeds to serve. Try more Japanese recipes next, including sushi, homemade gyoza and ramen. Kale and gnocchi parmesan bake Our veggie gnocchi bake is a clever way to transform shop-bought gnocchi. A simple, homemade tomato sauce is the base for this cheesy, kale-packed midweek dinner. Roast chicken with anchovy butter, shallots and hispi cabbage Use this umami-packed storecupboard staple to punch up the flavour in your roast chicken. Serve with a bitter leaf salad and plenty of crispy potatoes. Cabbage parcels in tomato sauce Fill cabbage leaves with nutmeg-spiced pork mince then bake in tomato sauce for a healthy, high-protein midweek meal. Need more midweek inspiration? Check out our best healthy dinner ideas. Vegetarian cheese and cabbage okonomiyaki This comforting Japanese savoury pancake is all melted cheese, fried cabbage and pickled ginger – delicious with Kewpie mayo and dried bonito flakes. Linguine with savoy cabbage, olives and feta Named after a region in France, Savoy cabbage is mild in taste and, due to its large, robust leaves, holds up well when cooking. The leaves are especially good for stuffing. Packed with plenty of flavour, this super simple linguine with olives and savoy cabbage makes a quick midweek meal. Discover more pasta recipes to try. Grilled beef sirloin with charred hispi cabbage and romesco This low calorie recipe is really easy to make but packs in lots of big flavours. Served with a romesco sauce, the hispi cabbage takes centre-stage in this dish and really complements the beef. Almond-crusted chicken with marinated kale and sumac salad Make this salad to reset at the start of the new year – it’s filling, crunchy, fresh, vibrant, and good for you. It packs well for lunchboxes, too. Cabbage soup Try our vegan cabbage soup for a dish that’s made punchy and colourful with dill, tomato and lemon. See more vegan soup recipes. Chargrilled chicken with white beans and cabbage This recipe is ideal for using the contents in your cupboard and makes a fast midweek meal. Simply add chargrilled chicken breasts to a white bean and savoy cabbage mix and season well. Find more of our favourite healthy chicken recipes. Smoky ham hock and root veg stew This smoky ham hock stew is packed with lots of vegetables including cabbage, carrots, leeks and potatoes - a hearty and warming meal, perfect for the winter months. Sticky glazed gammon with creamy mustard cabbage Sticky glazed gammon with creamy mustard cabbage is the stuff that Sunday lunches are made of. Also perfect for a midweek meal and on the dinner table in less than half an hour. Roast savoy cabbage with orzo A great vegan alternative to the classic Sunday roast, plus there’s minimal washing up as it's all cooked in one tray. Choose harissa for a spicy kick, or tomato pesto for a more rounded, umami flavour. Savoy cabbage thoran Enjoy this simple Savoy cabbage thoran, or cabbage fry, a dry vegetable dish originating from Kerala – the key ingredients are coconut, chilli and spices. Spicy cabbage Savoy cabbage is spiced with chilli flakes, root ginger and star anise, topped with sultanas and drizzled with sherry. This cabbage recipe works as a side dish or a veggie dish on its own. Charred winter cabbage with caesar dressing and bacon croutons A comforting medley of charred cabbage (we suggest savoy), chunky sourdough croutons, bacon bits and a quick yogurt and anchovy dressing. Savoy cabbage gratin Chunky wedges of Savoy cabbage are roasted until browned and then baked in a rich cheesy sauce with thyme – the perfect accompaniment to a roast.
79 homemade pie recipes: comforting classics and exciting twists
A hearty pie is the ultimate comfort food. Enjoy golden, sweet and savoury pies filled with creamy chicken, rich steak, or a mix of seasonal fruits
Looking for the best beef pie recipe? Want to make a classic chicken pie? Our easy ideas make great comfort food for a weekend lunch or a midweek treat. We've mastered the art of pastry to create filo, shortcrust and puff pastry pies, filled with ingredients such as chicken and leek, ham hock and green peppercorn, and even game. You could also make your own onion gravy with our recipe. Easy pie recipes Jump to: Savoury pies Puff pastry pie recipes Shortcrust pastry pie recipes Potato-topped pie recipes Suet pastry pie recipes Filo pastry pie recipes Unusual pie recipes Sweet pies Fruit pie recipes Showstopping pie recipes Best savoury pie recipes Puff pastry pie recipes Cacio e pepe chicken patchwork pie This impressive pie uses all the flavours of one of our favourite pasta dishes to create a rich, peppery sauce. Adjust the amount of pepper to suit your taste. Sweet potato dauphinoise pithivier with toasted almonds and shallot green beans Impress your guests with this sweet potato dauphinoise pithivier – layers of creamy sweet potato, leeks and gruyère wrapped in golden puff pastry. Chicken and chorizo pie Warm up on chilly autumn nights with this knockout chicken and chorizo pie, featuring a rich crème fraiche sauce. If you've got leftover chorizo, see more of our best chorizo recipes. Cheese and potato pie Who could resist this golden pie packed with rich, oozing gruyère, cheddar and tender potatoes – especially when it’s made with just 10 simple ingredients? The perfect combination of creamy cheese and comforting potato filling, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry. Leftover roast turkey pie Use the remains of a roast chicken or turkey to create this creamy 1-hour pie, perfect on a chilly day. See more leftover turkey recipes. Melting cheese and onion pie Try our seriously indulgent cheese and onion pie. This easy vegetarian cheese pie is the perfect winter comfort recipe to feed the whole family. Mushy pea fish pie Take your classic fish pie to the next level with our epic recipe complete with a hidden layer of vibrant-green mushy peas buried in the bottom. Steak and blue cheese pie A golden-crusted puff pastry pie, stuffed with braising steak, blue cheese, brown ale and thyme. Perfect for a comforting meal on chilly winter nights. If you've got spare cheese, see our best blue cheese recipes. Spring chicken pie This comforting chicken and leek pie cuts a few corners to help you save time. It's creamy, rich and filled with the freshness of spring. Cheesy macaroni pie with sweetcorn Combining two classic comfort foods, this irresistible macaroni cheese pie is brightened up with sweetcorn and pickles. Brush the pie with beaten egg before baking for a shiny top. Discover more sweetcorn recipes. Roast dinner pot pie Ever thought of making a roast dinner pie? Check out this clever mash-up using roast dinner leftovers all bundled into one flaky pie, a super easy and comforting family meal. Chicken and leek puff pie This easy chicken pie is on the table in about an hour, thanks to ready-made puff pastry. With a delicious creamy filling, this is a great pie for cold days. We have more puff pastry recipes to try here. Croque monsieur galette Want an easy cheese pie recipe? Impress your friends and make this galette recipe with golden puff pastry, ham and gruyère cheese. Ham hock, cider and green peppercorn pie This is a delicious, warming savoury pie recipe. If you want to skip cooking the ham hocks, some butchers and supermarkets sell them ready-cooked at the deli counter. Check out our ham hock recipes for more flavoursome ideas. Curried mutton pie This epic pie recipe comes from Chef Calum Franklin of The Holborn Dining Room, who has become a pie master. Listen to our podcast with Calum to discover his secrets to making the perfect pastry here. Beef shin and red wine pie This easy beef shin and red wine pie is an indulgent, comforting classic. Using beef shin keeps the cost down as it's a cheaper cut. You can easily freeze this ahead for a stress-free weekday meal. Leftover cheese pies Turn your Christmas cheeseboard leftovers into these potato and onion puff pastry pies for an indulgent, Boxing Day lunch. We've gone for a combination of cheddar, pecorino and gruyère, but you can easily customise. Mini chicken, leek and mushroom pies Beat the winter chill with these deliciously creamy individual chicken, leek and mushroom pot pies. Easy to make and suitable for freezing when you're in need of a quick midweek meal. Mussel and prawn chowder pies These mussel and prawn chowder pies are easy to make and packed with all the comforting flavours of chowder. Smoked haddock pie Make this smoked haddock pie with spinach and Jersey Royal potatoes for a main boasting sunshine flavours. Try more smoked haddock recipes. Garlic mushroom and brie galette This savoury garlic mushroom and brie galette is the perfect rustic dish for cosy winter evenings – simple to make, yet full of flavour. Shortcrust pastry pie recipes Picnic pie You'll need to put in some extra effort for this savoury pie recipe, but the payoff will be great. This meaty picnic pie makes a mean, hearty meal. Find plenty more picnic food ideas. Artichoke, spinach and cheese pie Take your cheese pie up a notch with spinach and marinated artichokes. Serve this crumbly, moreish savoury pie with a simple green salad for an easy midweek meal. Make more artichoke recipes next, from pizza to pastas. Homity pie Homely, hearty and wholesome, this traditional British pie makes the perfect vegetarian family meal. Mini pork and chorizo picnic pies Our pork and chorizo pies have got a hidden quail's egg in the middle and make a great snack. Chorizo-style sausages have the same soft texture as regular sausages but added paprika and garlic. If you can’t find them, add 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika to regular pork sausages. Chicken, mushroom and bacon slab pie Feed a very hungry crowd with this beast of a slab pie (cooked in one baking tray), flavoured with streaky bacon, chicken thighs, chestnut mushrooms and cream. Venison, thyme and port lattice pie Craft the ultimate winter pie featuring succulent venison in a port gravy, all snugly encased in buttery, flaky pastry. Prepare in under an hour for a warming meal. Discover more venison recipes to use this sustainable meat. Chicken and ham pie Save time by using shop-bought pastry to make this cosy classic, filled with thick-cut ham, leeks, chicken thigh fillets and a creamy white sauce. Beef, ale and bone marrow pie Up your pie game with this epic recipe. Packed with melt-in-the-mouth beef and crunchy pickled onions, serve this dish with creamy mash and leafy greens for a showstopping weekend meal with family and friends. Vegan butternut squash pie This warming spiced pie is made with a vegan pie crust. It's just as good eaten the next day – leftovers make a great lunch with a dollop of mango chutney or extra harissa swirled into coconut yogurt. See more vegan meal ideas. Potato-topped pie recipes Florentine fish pie with eggs and spinach If eggs florentine is your brunch favourite, this comforting pie will quickly steal your heart. Packed with vibrant seasonal spinach, it’s the perfect family-friendly dish that comes together in under an hour – ideal for a fuss-free midweek meal. French onion and beef pie with gruyère crust Make this meaty pie for a warming family meal. Rich onion soup-style gravy meets melt-in-the-mouth beef and a cheesy mash topping for the ultimate winter comfort food. Next, try our French onion tart recipe. Curried fish pie Switch up your traditional fish pie with a crispy potato topping and curried filling. Serve with braised kale or cavolo nero. Lamb shank shepherd's pie Elevate your shepherd’s pie by slow-cooking lamb shanks to melting perfection. This comforting dinner is the ultimate winter warmer for the whole family. Try our lamb shank nihari curry recipe next. Kofte shepherd’s pie Shepherd’s pie is an institution, but for something a little different this spicy version hits the spot, delivering all the comfort with a little kick of harissa. Bombay fish pie Check out this epic mash-up recipe of a classic fish pie with Indian spices. This creamy pie is packed with juicy king prawns and chunky smoked haddock, a perfect Friday night family dinner. Classic cottage pie This is our take on a classic cottage pie. With rich beef and creamy mash, it's a long-standing family favourite and a good one to have in the freezer for emergencies! Healthy fish pie Make your next fish pie more nutritious and colourful with cooked beetroot wedges and fresh herbs. Packed with haddock, salmon, prawns and butter beans, it's a high-protein option, too. Chilli con carne cottage pie Make cottage pie so much more exciting with paprika, chilli and cumin. This low-calorie, high-fibre midweek dinner is topped with mashed sweet potatoes. Spring veg and paneer pie with Bombay potato crust Vibrant curry spices lift this vegetarian potato-topped pie for the ultimate family meal. Discover more paneer recipes. Cheat's fish pie Fish pie is one of the ultimate comfort foods but can take a bit of time to make. If there's only you, try our cheat's version that's ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for a midweek pick-me-up. We have more quick recipes here for you to try. Gamekeeper's pie This recipe for gamekeeper's pie is a great, easy way to enjoy game this winter. Make it on a Sunday for a special lunch for your friends and family. Suet pastry pie recipes Braised beef and mushroom pie Breaking through a golden, flaky crust to reveal a rich, unctuous braise steaming underneath has got to be up there with the most exciting dinner table moments. Recreate Rosie Birkett’s recipe and you’ll achieve just that. Venison pie Warm up on chilly autumn nights with this venison, chestnut mushroom and red wine pie – the filling is slow-cooked for beautifully tender meat. Poacher’s pie This is a twist on a classic steak and ale pie, swapping out the chunks of beef for mixed, diced game – this could include venison, wild boar, partridge and pheasant pieces. Steak and red wine pie with suet crust The best family steak pie. Made with a classic suet crust this is peerless in pie terms. With a rich steak and red wine filling, this is comfort food at its best. Filo pastry pie recipes Spanakopita Check out this traditional Greek spanakopita pie recipe. This easy spinach filo pastry pie is super crispy and packed with creamy feta. Explore other irresistible Greek recipes to try next. Carbonara filo crinkle pie and herby pangrattato Combine the essence of classic Italian carbonara with a delightful twist in this crispy filo pie. Crowned with a blend of pecorino and parmesan for a savoury crescendo. Spinach and ricotta filo pie This spinach and ricotta vegetarian pie made with filo pastry is very light at under 200 calories per slice. Ready in under an hour you can make it ahead and cook it when you need it. Try our other vegetarian pie recipes here. Spicy lamb filo pie An aromatic blend of lamb, sweet spices, harissa and sweet potato, all wrapped up in a crisp filo case and drenched in yogurt hummus sauce. Salmon and chard pie Try our delicious crispy salmon pie for a casual midweek meal. Buttery swiss chard (stems and all), fresh salmon chunks and plenty of crème fraîche makes for a perfect filo pastry pie filling. Lighter chicken filo pies Our quick and easy chicken filo pies are super crunchy and creamy. Ready in just 40 minutes, these lighter pies make a great midweek meal for four. Unusual pie recipes Rich beef pie with cheesy Marmite cobbler crust A great big hug of a recipe, with an unctuous slow-cooked beef filling and a cheesy Marmite cobbler crust. We've got more clever Marmite recipes including an easy carbonara and savoury flapjacks. Goan prawn and coconut pie Maunika Gowardhan’s savoury Goan pie (Apa de camarão) is teeming with a luscious prawn masala filling and homemade masala paste. It requires a little effort, but it’s worth the time. Chicken pie with patchwork croissant pastry This creamy chicken and leek pie is really easy to prepare but looks impressive. Plus it's made with a secret 'cheat' ingredient: ready-made croissant dough. Trust us, it works. Here are our exciting chicken recipes to try. Mac 'n' greens pie Put a twist on a classic pasta dish with this easy crowd-pleaser. With a creamy pasta filling, garlicky spring greens and crispy parmesan topping, our Mac 'n' greens pie makes a comforting dinner for chilly nights. Butter chicken pie with naan crust Try our twist on the classic chicken pie, filled with succulent, spiced chicken thighs in creamy curry sauce and topped with a crusty naan. This indulgent recipe beats any Saturday night takeaway. Chilli cornbread pie Add a kick to your midweek meal with our comforting beef chilli pie complete with cornbread topping. Serve with extra jalapeños and a dollop of soured cream. Spaghetti and three-cheese pie A crisp, crunchy crust with an oozing, melting middle. What’s not to like? Great for a comforting yet alternative weekend pie recipe. Pizza pie A crisp baking-tray-baked pizza, made famous by Italian-Americans, this 'grandma pie' pizza is loaded with spicy Peppadews and pepperoni. Healthier chicken and leek pie A perfect easy and healthy supper. Chicken and leeks are cooked in a creamy sauce and finished off with golden ciabatta breadcrumbs for a clever and healthier alternative to pastry. Best sweet pie recipes Fruit pie recipes Strawberries and cream hand pies Ideal for a summer picnic, these custard and strawberry-filled hand pies are the ultimate no-mess treat. With one pie for each person, there’s no need to share. Cherry pie Combine cherries in kirsch from a jar with fresh black cherries to make a comforting filling for this sweet shortcrust pastry pie. Blackberry pie Forage some of these plump, deep purple berries, then bake into a juicy, fruity pie with savoury bay leaves, which add an aromatic edge and complexity. Vegan blueberry meringue pie Try this plant-based twist on the classic lemon meringue pie, which still delivers a zesty punch, balanced with flaky, buttery pastry, and a smooth, creamy aquafaba meringue. Classic apple pie Make our easy American-style apple pie with a crisp sugar-crust. Best served with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, it's sure to become a family favourite. Key lime pie This key lime pie freezes brilliantly, making it a great make-ahead recipe for dinner with friends. It’s best to freeze it before the cream is added, then add the topping before serving. Lemon meringue pie A classic, impressive lemon meringue pie with crisp pastry, tart curd and fluffy meringue that's easy to make. What more could you want? Vegan pumpkin pie Ready-made pastry and a tin of pumpkin purée make this plant-based pie very easy to whip up. It's a sweet, spiced treat that's perfect for autumn. Rhubarb and apple pie This fruit pie with latticed shortcrust pastry celebrates tangy, vibrant rhubarb. Serve with cream, custard or ice cream (or all three!) for a hearty winter pudding. Vegan lemon meringue pie A few swaps turns classic lemon meringue pie into an impressive vegan dessert everyone can enjoy. Gooseberry pie This gooseberry sugar crust pie is a great summer alternative to apple or rhubarb pie, and it looks stunning. Clementine mince pies Fresh clementine zest and a dash of Cointreau make these mince pies extra special. Finish with a pastry star topper. Pear pie Bake this impressive peargazy patchwork pie recipe with sugar-topped flaky pastry. This easy dessert is packed with vibrant chunky rhubarb and seasonal pears, a perfect family pudding. Rum-roasted pineapple and spice pie Try our impressive pie recipes for an easy vegan dessert. The vegan pastry is deliciously crisp and crumbly, with extra texture from the chia seeds. Plus, it's packed with rum-soaked roasted pineapple and plenty of spice. Showstopping pie recipes Pecan pie Bake this sweet 'n' salty pecan pie for a dinner party dessert, teatime treat or Thanksgiving celebration. It's perfect with vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche. Biscoff banoffee pie This 'Biscoffee' pie brings joy and variety to your table with its layered smooth Biscoff cream, sliced banana and silky caramel filling. Negroni meringue pie Level up your meringue pie by lacing the lemony middle layer with Campari and sweet red vermouth. Top with billowing swirls of scorched meringue. Dark chocolate and hazelnut meringue pie Bitter dark chocolate, toasted hazelnuts and sweet marshmallowy meringue combine perfectly in this indulgent make-ahead dessert.
Juicy peaches are at their best in British summertime and work equally well in sweet and savoury dishes. Try peach, almond and mascarpone tart, or add them to our halloumi and green bean salad
Looking for what to do with peaches? Use them when they are at their best in fruity bakes, sweet cocktails and fresh salads. The sweetness of peaches works wonderfully with halloumi, pistachios, lime, sour cream and basil. Try our best peach recipes, including peach dessert recipes, peach cocktails and savoury peach dishes, then check out our summery dessert ideas, banana recipes and mango recipes. Looking for more summer flavours? Discover our summer salad recipes and summer cake recipes. If you fancy a refreshing drink, browse our summer cocktail recipes. For the ultimate seasonal spread, check out our guide to summer entertaining with our summer dinner party ideas and BBQ recipes. Jump to section: Peach dessert recipes Peach salads and savoury recipes Peach cocktails and drinks When are peaches in season? Peaches are in season from June to October and are at their best between July and September. Why we love peaches Peaches are juicy stone fruits with soft, fuzzy skins, they have a deeply sweet flavour which intensifies as they ripen. They work wonderfully in cobblers, pies, crumbles, tarts and topped with ice cream, but they also lend a delicious contrast to salty cheeses, like halloumi and feta. Health benefits of peaches Peaches are packed with protective antioxidants, which the body uses to protect against inflammation and disease. They're also high in fibre so may support the gut and ease digestive issues. What's more, they contribute to a healthy heart and skin. Interestingly, the amount of vitamins and minerals in canned peaches is only very slightly less than fresh – making them a good option when peaches aren't in season. Peach dessert recipes Peach melba This classic French dessert can be prepped ahead of time, so it's perfect for entertaining. You can also top with crushed meringue and whipped cream for an easy eton mess-style pudding. Try our peach melba, then check out our peach melba ice cream, peach melba smashed pavlova and peach melba tart. Peaches and clotted cream cake The classic combo of peaches and cream makes for an easy and delicious upside-down cake. Adding clotted cream to the batter gives the sponge a fluffy texture and rich flavour. Enjoy our indulgent apple pie with clotted cream. Peach melba smashed pavlova Ready-made custard and meringue nests make this an effortless dessert that's great for entertaining. You can swap in good-quality peaches in syrup if you fancy, but fresh, velvety soft peaches are hard to beat. For more fruity recipes, try our raspberry roulade, lemon trifle and summer pudding. Peach cobbler Fresh, in-season peaches star in this simple dessert with a sugary cobbler crust. Cinnamon adds to the comforting flavour, as does vanilla ice cream, which we love to serve it with. We think you'll love our rhubarb cobbler with a brown sugar crust. Amaretto roasted peaches Make the most of warmer evenings with a simple, hands-off dessert perfect for gatherings and barbecues. After minimal prep, your oven does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy a summer cocktail while you’re rewarded with syrupy peaches and ice cream. Peach and soured cream cake The perfect storecupboard bake. Use up that tin of peaches with this light and fluffy sponge cake, topped with a soured cream frosting. For another delightful bake, try our Victoria sponge cake, lemon drizzle cake and more easy cake recipes. Peach, sesame and yogurt semifreddo The best semifreddo recipe, made with Greek yogurt and peaches. Crushed sesame snaps add a clever twist. Serve it as a lighter pudding for friends and family, ideal for a weekend meal. Check out all our sweet and savoury recipes using a humble pot of Greek yogurt. Peach trifle with raspberries Peaches and raspberries make great fruit trifles, while shop-bought cake allows you to whip this classic pud up in no time. Individual desserts always look good at a dinner party – and we have plenty more where this came from. Peach cake with lemon and thyme Peaches retain their floral aroma in this summery sponge, balanced by soft, fragrant thyme and zingy lemon. For a savoury way with thyme, try our beetroot, feta and thyme tart. Peach melba crumble Smacking the peaches for this crumble starts to release some of the sweet juices and provides you with some rough, raggedy chunks for extra texture in this British classic with a twist. Discover more of our best crumble puddings. Griddled peach pavlova with mascarpone cream Check out this classic family dessert recipe. With just the right amount of crunch on the outside and chewy marshmallow filling, this impressive foolproof recipe with griddled peaches will make a showstopping dessert at your next summer dinner party. If you like this, you'll love our beautiful blueberry and mascarpone tart. Peach tart with almond and mascarpone A frangipane tart is a treat for friends and family, especially if you make the pastry, too. This easy-to-follow recipe is the best pudding for a crowd. Next on the menu: plum and pistachio frangipane tart. Roasted peaches in bourbon and butter These bourbon and butter roast peaches are inspired by Southern US recipes where households often have a peach tree in the yard. Try to get yellow-fleshed peaches rather than white. We've got lots of warm fruity pudding recipes to make all year round. Prosecco-poached peaches and raspberries Make this most of summer peaches in this quick prosecco-poached peach dessert with sweet raspberries. This colourful, fruity plate is the perfect light treat in the hotter months. Check out more of our best raspberry recipes. Peach and almond tart This peach and almond tart is a little effort to make, but the results are delicious, with a light hazelnut and almond frangipane holding the poached peach slices. You can skip the pastry making part of this recipe if you like and use a ready-made sweet pastry. We've got all the sweet tart recipes you could ever need. Peach melba ice cream Peach melba is a classic British dessert created to honour the Australian soprano Nellie Melba. Try the great combination of peaches and raspberries in our peach melba ice cream for a sweet and tart frozen dessert for summer. Master the art of homemade ice cream with our sweet, creamy recipes. Roast peaches This recipe for roast peaches from John Doe restaurant in Notting Hill is super-easy but looks great and tastes delicious. It's ready in under 30 minutes, so it's perfect for a dinner party dessert. Explore our effortless entertaining recipes next time you're feeding a crowd. Peach, pistachio and ricotta friands Friands are mini French-style muffins made with ground almonds, which are so easy to make. Follow this simple recipe and treat your friends and family to these pretty, ricotta and fruit-filled delights. Try these peach, pistachio and ricotta friands, then check out our cherry clafoutis, tarte tatin and more French desserts. Grilled peaches, pancakes and ricotta This utterly effortless dessert is the ideal way to end a summer BBQ. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's sweet and fruity and makes the most of those still-hot BBQ coals. Looking for more pancake ideas? Try our classic American pancakes, fluffy ricotta pancakes, Biscoff pancakes and plenty more. Griddled peaches with amaretto cream Grilled peaches are delicious and, combined with amaretto cream in this recipe, taste even better. Sprinkle with a few extra flaked almonds for added crunch. This is really simple to make so is a great option for a dinner party. Try roasting figs with amaretto and sugar until jammy then serve with Greek yogurt for another easy, indulgent pud. Lemon and poppy seed shortcakes with peaches Lemon and poppy seed makes a classic combination in cakes and bakes. Try our easy recipe for this classic American scone-cake hybrid. We have filled these shortcakes with refreshing peaches and vanilla cream for the ultimate teatime treat. You can also try our delightfully summery strawberry shortcakes. Persian peach mess with brown sugar almonds This Persian peach mess with brown sugar almonds is a great twist on a classic British eton mess. Different brands of rosewater vary enormously in strength, so add a little at a time and taste as you go, until you’re happy with the flavour. Give our plum and almond crumbles a go. Peach melba tart With peaches and raspberries baked in a smooth, creamy custard, this modern version of the classic peach melba is sure to be a hit with guests. Skip the fruit and bake a classic custard tart instead. Coconut, cayenne and peach ice lollies Add a little twist to your usual lollipops with this recipe for coconut, cayenne and peach pops. As well as being delicious, they're under 100 calories each. Make this coconut, cayenne and peach lollipops, then check out more ice lolly recipes, such as our strawberry ice lollies. Peach cremolata This is a lovely simple dish of frozen, crushed fruit pulp that is served with unsweetened whipped cream. There’s no need to add sugar (unless the fruit isn’t ripe), you don’t need fancy equipment and, if you leave off the cream, there’s no fat. Cool off after dinner with our satisfying frozen desserts. Wine-poached peaches Make the most of the peach season with this decadent summertime dessert. Each poached peach is topped off with whipped cream, syrup and a scattering of pistachios. We love the colour and flavour of pistachios, add them to our pistachio and lime loaf cake. Panna cotta with peaches Serve fresh peaches with panna cotta for an elegant but deceptively easy dinner party dessert. White peaches are considered the posh side of the family but yellow ones work equally well in this recipe. Make this then check out our vanilla panna cotta, passion fruit panna cotta and white chocolate panna cotta. Peach salads and savoury recipes BBQ peach bruschetta Perfect as summer party snacks or a light starter for your next Italian-style dinner, these are sure to impress. For the best flavour, be sure to choose the ripest peaches you can find. Peach, broad bean and fennel salad Try this brilliant salad of thinly sliced peaches accompanied by broad beans, fennel, fresh basil and courgette. It's all dressed in a lemony red chilli dressing for extra zing. We love fennel in all kinds of recipes, including creamy bakes and summery pasta. Grilled peaches with burrata Juicy peaches give a sweet contrast to creamy burrata and salty serrano ham in this showstopping summer salad. See all our summer salad recipes – best eaten in the sunshine. Farro, grilled peach and pecan salad The grilled peaches deliver a satisfying sweetness, balanced by the zing of lime-pickled shallots and the smoky nuttiness of toasted pecans in this vibrant vegan salad. Nutty farro also makes a flavoursome risotto. Halloumi kebabs These grilled halloumi kebabs are made pretty special by the contrast of salty cheese, sweet-sour pickled peaches and spicy chipotle-thyme yogurt. If you love this squeaky cheese much as we do, then check out our air-fryer halloumi fries, halloumi souvlaki, halloumi shawarma and more halloumi recipes. Pickled peaches with whipped cheese Pickling is an easy way to preserve fruit, like peaches. This simple idea served with Italian whipped cheese is quick and makes the best lunch or posh snack. Read our guide on how to pickle and preserve. Peach salad with halloumi and green beans One for the griddle or BBQ. Peaches and halloumi are grilled then tossed with salad, nuts and green beans to make a fast, easy first course. For something more hearty, add green beans to curry. Italian flatbreads with peach, prosciutto and mozzarella Like pizzas, these flatbreads can be cooked on the BBQ or griddle. Make the dough then bake and top with fresh peaches, Italian cheese and prosciutto before sharing with friends and family. Serve up an feast with our bellissimo Italian recipes. Crispy duck and peach pancakes Tangy peach sauce makes a great, simple twist to classic crispy duck pancakes. It's so much more satisfying than calling a takeaway. From kebabs to burgers, these are our best fakeaway recipes to make at home. BBQ pork with almond purée and pickled peaches This recipe for BBQ pork with almond purée and pickled peaches comes from Bulrush, Bristol. The dish was inspired by an Ancient Roman cookery book but is great as a summer BBQ dish. Cook up a storm this summer with all our fantastic barbecue dishes. Peach cocktails and drinks Frozen peach margaritas Nothing quite says summer like a frozen margarita – and we've given it a fruity twist with peaches. They're easy to make and perfect for a boozy dessert. Peach iced tea Nothing says summer sipping like a cold glass of homemade iced tea, finished with real peach slices and fresh mint. Check out our iced tea cocktail and more jug cocktail ideas. Peach and mint julep A mint julep is the perfect thing to sip as summer starts to heat up. Make a batch of minted bourbon and keep in the fridge for instant cocktails, and remember to jazz this recipe up with fresh peach. Citrus peach cooler This refreshing summer cocktail recipe can be enjoyed as a non-alcoholic cooler or a boozy daytime drink with the option of adding peach schnapps. Make up a large batch for a BBQ, picnic or buffet-style dinner and enjoy as an alternative to Pimm's. For another refreshing drink, try our watermelon cooler. Peach and basil cordial Make your own refreshing cordial with simple ingredients: peaches, basil, sugar and lemon juice. This cooling fruit tipple is perfect for summer sipping. Or try our cucumber and lime cordial, strawberry cordial, rhubarb cordial and more cordial recipes.
Looking for easy Halloween recipes? Cater for a spooky evening with our Halloween party food ideas, including devilish desserts, mains and treats for kids
Looking for easy Halloween recipes? Check out our Halloween food ideas, Halloween menu suggestions, and then try our best Bonfire Night food. Who said Halloween was just for kids? We've used our imaginations to adapt some of our best recipes to cater for a spooky evening. Have a scroll through our inspirational list of Halloween dinner ideas, Halloween menu ideas, spooky snacks and devilish desserts, but beware... something wickedly delicious this way comes! We have some great Halloween baking recipes for kids, from skeleton gingerbread men to ghost cupcakes and an indulgent mummy cake. Make one of our Halloween desserts, including tarte tatin, bourbon butterscotch toffee apples and caipirinha jelly. We also have Halloween party food ideas and cocktails for adults, such as our bewitching blackberry whisky, blood orange cocktail and electrifying purple rain. Keep your drink topped up with our Halloween cocktail recipes and Halloween mocktail recipes, then serve up more treats with our Halloween baking recipes . Discover spooktacular Halloween recipes collection filled with creepy treats and festive dishes perfect for your Halloween celebration! Halloween food ideas Jump to: Halloween baking ideas Halloween drinks Halloween snacks Halloween dinners Halloween baking ideas Halloween cake This spooky halloween bake is perfect for the whole family. Position the eyes right and it'll seem as if this possessed portion of cake is following you around the room. If you wanted to mix things up a little bit, then the decorations would also work on our salted maple brownies. Halloween cupcakes These spooktacular black velvet ghostly cupcakes are so terrifyingly tasty that not even the most high strung of paranormal investigators would argue about keeping them around... Check out more Halloween baking ideas here. Halloween cookies Bake these fun cookies for Halloween fun. Get the whole family involved with decorating, the kids will love them! Skeleton gingerbread men Check out our skeleton gingerbread men. This simple gingerbread biscuit recipe easily makes 30 spooky skeletons, and they’re the ideal Halloween treat for the kids to enjoy. Halloween blondies This spooky, spidery, shareable Halloween treat – flecked with white chocolate chunks and decorated with melted marshmallows – is just the trick. Devil's food cake Embrace the dark side this Halloween with a slice of devil's food cake: a wickedly rich chocolate treat, topped with velvety frosting. Chocolate and burnt butterscotch layer cake Party guests will swoon over the sight of this deliciously indulgent, grown-up chocolate and burnt butterscotch cake. Classic apple pie Whip up our simple American-style apple pie with a golden, sugar-crusted finish, perfect for Halloween feasts – a delicious way to use up an abundance of seasonal apples this October. Pumpkin cake Dotted with nuts and flavoured with maple syrup, this easy pumpkin cake (made with real pumpkin) is finished with a zesty soft cheese topping. Toffee apples A classic Halloween staples, these candy-coated treats are moreishly crunchy, chewy, sweet and tart. We've dipped ours in chopped nuts and sesame seeds, but you could customise with sprinkles, cinnamon sugar or chocolate drops. Pumpkin muffins After carving your jack o’lantern, don’t let that pumpkin go to waste—turn it into homemade pumpkin purée and bake up these irresistibly moist pumpkin muffins. Caipirinha jelly Buy some plastic spiders to suspend in this alcoholic jelly and you've got yourself an eerie green dessert filled with creepy critters. For an authentic caipirinha flavour, use cachaca, a clear Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane. If you can’t get your hands on any, try white rum instead. Roasted plums with balsamic blueberries Serve these bloody plums in just 20 minutes for a gory-looking dessert idea to serve at Halloween. Chocolate fondant fancies Swap the stripy chocolate icing for the words RIP and you've got rich chocolate cake squares, topped with an indulgent truffle and smothered in double chocolate icing in the shape of caskets – the perfect gothic garnish for Halloween. Spiced banana tarte tatin This deliciously spiced banana tarte tatin recipe comes from the Cinnamon Club. It's easy to make and, without much effort, can look super spooky in the right context. Boost the cinnamony, sweet flavours by serving slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Spiced pumpkin tart This tart’s filling is infused with warming cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, then topped with grated roasted hazelnuts – a perfect autumnal dessert to enjoy as the chill sets in. Gingerbread bundt cake Guinness and dark chocolate give this bundt cake its eye-catching coal black hue, perfect for Halloween. It’s best to make this in advance, then leave un-iced in an airtight box overnight or for a couple of days; glaze it an hour-or-so before serving. That way the flavours of the cake all get a chance to develop. Churros with hot chocolate sauce Rename these Spanish churros as 'dead man's fingers' for a sweet treat which stays on theme... If you fancy making something even more goulishly good to go with these, our salted caramel chocolate pots would also sweeten up those doughy digits quite nicely. Pumpkin pie Make our easy pumpkin pie with maple cream for a luxurious Halloween pud. This rich and creamy pud uses shop-bought pastry, making it simple yet impressive. Also try our vegan pumpkin pie for a dairy-free, egg-free version. Bourbon butterscotch toffee apples These glistening bourbon butterscotch toffee apples look so enticing, guests won't be able to resist biting into one of these boozy, sweet treats. If you're making these for kids, leave out the alcohol and swap the sticks for something child-friendly. Black grape and wine sorbet This sinfully sophisticated recipe is ideal for All Hallows' Eve. Instead of the sparkling shiraz, you could use a full-bodied red wine or a light, fruity rosé. Black and white Oreo cheesecake This striking black and white cheesecake is a spooky twist on your traditional cheesecake, replacing the usual digestive base with Oreos and adding white chocolate to the filling. Halloween drinks Blackberry whisky Bewitch your dinner guests with a round of this berry-infused whisky. The subtle spiciness of blackberries is a perfect match for whisky. For more recipes, check out our Halloween cocktails. Grasshopper cocktail Minty crème de menthe gives this retro party cocktail a ghoulish green hue, making it an appropriate Halloween themed tipple. Pomegranate negroni Pomegranate juice, dry gin and sweet vermouth come together to create a simple yet refreshing blood-red cocktail – perfect for adding a touch of spooky sophistication to your Halloween gathering. Purple rain This electrifying cocktail – combining blue curaçao with grenadine to create the unusual purple colour – makes a simple but eye-catching drink to serve at your Halloween get-together. Blue lagoon Shake up a round of this eye-catching vodka cocktail – blue curacao gives it a retro and acidic-looking edge. Cherry margarita Craving a margarita but missing triple sec or agave syrup? Try this fruity twist using maraschino cherry liqueur as a substitute. Garnish with cherries to create spooky ‘eyeballs’ rolling along the bottom of your glass for Halloween-appropriate sips. Grenadine Make a bottle of homemade blood-red grenadine using sharp pomegranate juice and floral orange blossom water. Top up your glass of grenadine with sparkling water and ice for a fruity mocktail in a flash. Blood orange Campari cocktail Campari is an Italian herbal liquor most famous for its bitter taste, beautiful red colour, and the role it plays in the classic negroni. This, combined with a slice of blood orange, adds a Halloween-appropriate tinge to this refreshing apéritif. Espresso martini The ultimate coffee cocktail, this recipe blends fresh espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur for a sweet, velvety drink that still packs a punch. Halloween party food ideas Devilled eggs Devilled eggs are a retro party nibble that have recently become trendy. The base stays the same, but you can add different toppings depending on what you fancy. Fried aubergine sticks with sumac and honey Served pipping hot, these easy werewolf claws (aubergine sticks) are designed to impress your housemates and family as a quick Halloween starter, or as part of a serve-yourself spooky table spread. With a minty yogurt dip, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe with sumac and za'atar just needs a drizzle of honey to finish it off. Spicy cheese and pickle wraps with crunchy pickle dip Juicy pickles wrapped in a crispy, cheesy coating, what's not to love? For a spooky twist, we've used spiced cheese slices for an added kick, but you can opt for plain cheddar or any of your favourite pre-sliced cheeses. Lay the wrapped pickles out in a fan to create the eerie illusion of gloved witches’ fingers. Cheese straws These cheesey wiggly worms (cheese straws) are easy to make – use ready-made puff pastry and they'll be on the table in just over half an hour. Serve them up with a range of dips and they're sure to be gone in no time. Glazed cocktail sausages Cocktail sausages are classic party food and, here, they’re taken up a notch or two with a glaze of black cardamom, fennel, cumin and honey. Quail eggs with dukkah These dragon's eggs (quails' eggs) are often served as a street snack in Egypt with a little paper cone of dukkah spice blend for dipping. Serve with pickled chillies (available in Middle Eastern shops and some supermarkets), olives and flatbread as a relaxed nibble with drinks. Corn ribs These gnarly, curled 'devil's claws' are the perfect finger food (pardon the pun) for a Halloween party. Salted kombu and paprika seasoning gives them a wonderfully umami, smoky flavour whilst chilli provides a kick. Serve with a generous squeeze of lime juice. Bacon-wrapped dates with quince marmalade Make your Halloween canapés a bit of fun. This bacon-wrapped eyeballs (aka dates) with quince marmalade makes for a great and ghoulish snack. They look really impressive but are actually very easy to make. Halloween dinners Spaghetti and three-cheese pie Everyone will love this worm-riddled pie – a crisp, crunchy crust with an oozing, melting middle. The perfect way to entertain the kids on Halloween. Wild boar sausage toad in the hole This is a simple twist on a classic – swapping out everyday pork bangers for something a little more adventurous for a devilishly delightful Halloween dinner. Pumpkin risotto This hearty, warming risotto sees chunks of pumpkin roasted with mace and garlic until golden and caramelised, before being stirred through silky risotto and finished with crispy sage Melting-middle baked onions These vegetarian, melting-middle baked onions look like brains, plus they're really easy to make. Use cheddar, or mix with gruyère for a richer filling. Beef shin macaroni and cheese An amputated shin (beef shin) is cooked in red wine and stock until meltingly tender, then macaroni and cheese is added and baked until golden and bubbly. This gruesome but epic slow-cooked dish comes from the legendary London haunted steak house, Hawksmoor. Pumpkin soup Serve this creamy pumpkin soup in big mugs with fingers of melty blue cheese and sage toasties for dipping. It's perfect for a comforting Halloween starter. Bibo’s tagliarini nero with squid, chilli, tomato and garlic As it's Halloween, it's only right to make your pasta as black as night with this spicy seafood dish. Melting cheese and onion pie Cut into this crispy puff pastry case to unveil a bubbling caudron of cheese and melting onions within. Perfect for warming up before you embark on an evening of trick-or-treating. Pici cacio e pepe Nothing says Halloween food like a plate of worms, made even better with butter and cheese... This classic Tuscan pasta recipe for pici cacio e pepe comes from Borough Market's Padella.
Get a boost of omega-3 with our healthy sardines on toast, smoked mackerel salad, high-protein salmon bowls and more
Looking for healthy fish recipes? Maybe you're after the best fish curry or tuna salad recipe? Check out our ideas below and then take a look at more of our favourite fish recipes, plus our healthy prawn recipes and healthy salmon recipes. Fish is a great alternative to meat and is naturally high in protein. White fish make a good low-fat option, and oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, include important fat soluble nutrients such as vitamin D and omega 3. Including fish in your diet has also been linked to health benefits such as supporting brain health and mental health, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease or stroke. Fish is super versatile and easy to prepare, and a healthy balanced diet should include just two portions a week, one of which should be an oily fish. We've also got plenty more healthy recipes to inspire you, including these healthy chicken recipes, healthy chicken breast recipes and healthy mince recipes. Healthy fish recipes Sardines on toast This quick recipe for sardines on toast is just as good for a quick healthy lunch as it is for a speedy snack to have with drinks. It's packed with good fats and protein, too. It's a great way to use up a tin of sardines. Sriracha salmon power bowls This vibrant, nutrient-packed recipe is rich in fibre and protein. Pair wild-caught salmon, full of omega-3 fats, with a kick of sriracha for added heat. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for a quick, energising boost. Sardine spaghetti Tinned sardines are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential oils. Let them shine in this quick and easy Sardinian spaghetti dish. Baked halibut with fennel, lemon and walnut pangrattato Take your healthy fish supper to the next level and top baked halibut with a golden, crunchy pangrattato. Harissa roast salmon with warm herby grains and yogurt dressing Harissa-honey salmon served on top of herby wholegrains, with a quick yogurt dressing on the side – the perfect midweek meal for two. Baked cod and butter beans Flaky, pearly-white cod is coated in a rosemary parmesan crust, then served on a sweet cherry tomato and butter bean sauce. A hearty and wholesome midweek meal. Smoked mackerel, beet and apple salad with creamy horseradish dressing Hearty, filling and rich in protein, this smoked mackerel salad with crunchy apple and vibrant beetroot would pack up to make a great lunch. Healthy cod rice one-pot Serve pieces of cod with basil and sweet tomatoes for a light, nourishing dinner. Healthy fishcakes These high-protein salmon fishcakes are full of aromatic flavours thanks to red chilli, lime and ginger. Salmon curry traybake Looking for an easy mid-week salmon recipe? This vibrant salmon dish is packed with punchy flavours and will make for a near-effortless meal to feed the family. Paprika cod and chickpea traybake Try this easy cod and chickpea traybake for a wholesome dinner. It's a great midweek option for when you're short on time but still want something healthy. Caribbean fish curry Simmer fish in this fragrant, spicy curry sauce until perfectly cooked. Serve with brown rice, if you're looking for something more filling. Chargrilled tuna with crunchy lemon bulgar salad Serve perfectly seared tuna steak with zingy lemon bulgar wheat salad for a light lunch or dinner. Spicy mango-glazed fish This quick spicy mango-glazed fish is great if you're going gluten-free. The mango salsa adds a perfect kick to this super simple, light and healthy meal. Mangetout, pea and fennel salad with smoked trout Mangetout adds great crunch to all sorts of dishes, including this delicious salad with smoked trout. Tuna and tomato salad with olives Marinated tomatoes and Kalamata olives add pops of colour to this Mediterranean-style tuna salad. Haddock and spinach rye toasts recipe Try this high-protein smoked haddock on toasted rye with wilted spinach and soft boiled eggs for a quick, healthy breakfast. Sumac salmon with spring fattoush This nourishing sumac-frilled salmon recipe packs in 10 different plant foods thanks to a vibrant, no-cook fattoush made with beetroot, cucumber, feta and plenty of fresh herbs. Soy steamed sea bream with ginger and spring onions Give your sea bream a fragrant lift with fresh ginger, soy sauce, red chilli and spring onions. This dish is best made in a steamer but is still easy to cook without one. Salmon with pesto crust An easy baked salmon recipe for a vibrant midweek meal, this is one of our healthiest salmon recipes. It takes 15 minutes in the oven and it's full of protein and low in calories. Ahi tuna poké Try our refreshing ahi poke bowl, a Hawaiian healthy dish made using fresh tuna and served with rice and chopped avocado. Green bean, broccoli and salmon salad with teriyaki dressing Try our simple salmon salad recipe with crunchy greens and a sweet teriyaki dressing, ready in just 15 minutes. Cod with tomato bean stew Make the most of seasonal cod in this quick recipe with a flavour-packed tomato bean stew for less than 400 calories. Chermoula fish Flavour sea bream or bass with a quick homemade chermoula. Wrapping fish in baking paper is a great hack, as it ensures the fish cooks well and stays moist. Smoked trout, new potato and grilled cucumber salad For something a little different, try grilling the cucumbers in this smoked trout and potato salad. Miso-glazed sea bass with ginger greens Eating healthily doesn't have to mean compromising on taste. This miso-glazed sea bass with ginger greens is quick and easy to make, yet filled with fresh and vibrant flavours. Ginger salmon with beetroot pickles Try our Scandinavian-inspired dinner of salmon with beetroot and dill pickles. You'll get plenty of good fats. Healthy fish pie Craving pie but after something nutritious? Have a go at making our healthier take on fish pie, packed with haddock, salmon, prawns and butter beans and more. Cod, kale and marinated beans For a double protein hit, serve cod with nutritious beans and speedy marinated kale. Fish curry with tomatoes and tamarind This fish curry with tomatoes and tamarind is a super easy recipe, ready in 30 minutes and packed with fantastic flavours. It's perfect for a midweek meal or weekend comfort food.
Juicy plums always remind us that autumn is coming, which means it's time for crumbles, fruity bakes, pies and plenty of comforting plum recipes
Looking for plum recipes? Try our ideas for plum cake for some autumnal baking (earl grey pound cake, and plum and almond sheet cake), our go for one of our fruity plum crumbles. We’ve got a recipe for plum jam as well as some great savoury dishes to try. For more seasonal fruits, check out our pear recipes, blackberry recipes and quince recipes. When are plums in season? UK plum season starts in August and ends in October. Plums are at their best between August and September. Why we love plums A seasonal stone fruit, plums come in many different flavours and colours. They're sweet with a slightly sharp tang and work wonderfully in crumbles, pies and cakes, as well as salads, chutneys and other savoury dishes. When looking for ripeness, give them a gentle squeeze – they should have a little give and not be too hard. Health benefits of plums Plums are packed with antioxidants which help to protect the body against disease. They contain lots of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which help to support a healthy heart. What's more, they contain polyphenols which may help to lower blood sugar levels. Varieties of plums Plums are a seasonal British fruit and there are hundreds of varieties grown across the country. Japanese plums, with their red hue, are the type you would typically find in the supermarket but don’t be afraid to branch out. Look for varieties such as Victoria (classic plum colour and widely grown), Marjorie’s Seedling (blue/black late season fruit) and Warwickshire Drooper (small, golden-yellow fruit). Damsons are excellent for jam and gin due to their slightly bitter flavour, golden Mirabelles are sweet and juicy, and greengages can vary between tart and sweet, depending on how ripe they are. How to cook plums Plums are a really versatile fruit to cook with. Use to add a tart sweetness in classic puds like plum crumbles, tarts or cakes. For a simple dessert, plums can be drizzled with honey and baked in the oven until soft or alternatively you can stew plums gently on top of the stove with a little sugar and water. The cooked plums can then be kept in then fridge and served with yogurt for breakfast or ice cream for dessert. Plums also go really well in savoury dishes and especially with Asian spices and rich meats like duck, lamb and pork belly. The tart flavour of the fruit cuts through the richness of the meat. Best plum recipes Plum jam Use up a glut of plums to make this easy jam, great for using in sweet bakes or slathering on toast. Then check out our blackberry jam and all our jam recipes. Roast duck with plum sauce Give your weeknight meals a twist with this Chinese-inspired roast duck and plum sauce – ready in under an hour but far from ordinary. The seasonal plums create a rich, sweet sauce that beautifully complements the duck’s rich, gamey flavour, making it a simple yet special dish. Plum and pistachio frangipane tart Squidgy plums are paired with crunchy pistachios in this impressive sweet tart. If you don’t fancy making your own, use a shop-bought block of shortcrust pastry. You'll also love our apple and almond tart. Bee sting cake with plum This bee sting cake with plum is a delightful twist on a traditional German classic, combining a rich, yeasted sponge with the luxurious flavours of vanilla cream and tangy plum compote. The cake’s brioche-like dough is topped with a layer of honeyed almonds, creating a wonderful contrast of textures and a beautiful golden finish. Sticky plum and earl grey ribs with plum and sesame salad Make the most of seasonal plums by creating this rich plum sauce spiced with ginger, cinnamon and allspice to coat your dry-rubbed ribs. Serve barbecue-style pork ribs next time you're entertaining. Lamb with plums, green beans and cinnamon This lamb with plums, green beans and cinnamon recipe is a spirited meal-in-one that beautifully showcases how fruit can enhance a savoury dish, making it ideal for late spring or summer. Almond cheesecake with earl grey plums The fragrant tea-infused plums lift the nutty base and vanilla filling in this baked cheesecake. Plum upside-down cake If you haven’t tried adding couscous to a cake, now’s your chance. Similar to polenta, it adds a gentle bite and is a great addition to this vibrant plum cake. Be inspired to get baking with our autumn cake recipes. Easy plum crumble Simple, yes, but delicious, too! Cover your cinnamon-spiced plums with a topping made from porridge oats, hazelnuts, butter and flour, then serve with clotted cream. Love a warming pud? See all our crumble recipes. Plum and fig leaf compote Transform your harvest of plums into a glorious preserve this autumn. Add a young fig leaf to infuse the mixture with a further figgy flavour, along with notes of coconut and almond. If you like this, you'll love our rhubarb compote. Plum chutney A classic spiced chutney to serve with cheese or cold cuts. The flavour gets mellower and deeper the longer it’s left, so give it at least a week before diving in. Make the most of seasonal produce with our chutney recipes. Plum cake This plum and earl grey pound cake makes for the perfect afternoon treat with a cup of tea (earl grey, naturally). It's an easy recipe to make but it looks really good and tastes even better. Asam boi sour This Malaysian preserved plum cocktail from Med Salleh in London looks sophisticated and is surprisingly easy to make. Plum, ginger and sake granita Whip up a refreshing treat with this twist on a traditional Italian granita flavoured with plum, ginger and sake. Roasted plums with balsamic blueberries Turn the humble plum into something special in just 20 minutes with this sweet, syrupy sauce. Sloe gin layer cake with plum filling The best use of sloe gin. Team with plums and make a layer cake with wow factor. It's sure to impress your friends, and best of all it's an easy recipe, too. Quince and plum crumble Serve six with this unbeatable homemade crumble featuring plums and quince. These mouth-watering crumbles are cooked slowly for nearly four hours. Serve it with lashings of good, vanilla custard. Marsala-baked plums with chantilly cream Check out our simple recipe for juicy plums with sweet marsala wine and star anise. Topped with velvety chantilly cream, make this easy recipe for a midweek sweet treat. Dutch baby with spiced plums Ice cream for breakfast? Yes please! A Dutch baby is like a giant, sweet yorkshire pudding and we've served this one with spiced plums. Sloe gin and plum crumble Our sloe gin and plum crumble is a twist on a classic and much-loved British dessert. Pair with a scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream to really take advantage of the cinnamon and mixed spice notes. Financiers with poached plums This stylish dessert from London pub The Baring is ideal for a dinner party, as most of it can be prepared in advance. Serve with chantilly cream. Plum tart This tart is an easy treat for teatime and even pudding if there’s any left. Plums stay naturally juicy and sweet when cooked, and give a lovely tang against the almonds. Tres leches cake with drunken plums A double whammy of condensed and evaporated milk provides richness in this 'three-milk' cake recipe from Chiswick neighbourhood restaurant The Silver Birch. Reserve the liquid from the drunken plums to use in an aperitif to top off your meal. Overnight plum and almond oats Prep your oats the night before to make this quick and easy vegan breakfast for two. It may be low calorie but it'll leave you feeling satisfied and full until lunchtime. Roast duck with plums and star anise With crispy skin and melt-in-the-mouth duck served with rich plums, this recipe with star anise makes for a perfect Sunday roast. Pulled lamb with plum sriracha Check out our pulled lamb recipe with a sweet plum-sriracha marinade. This lamb is slow cooked for six hours for the ultimate melt in the mouth meat – serve in the middle of the table for perfect sharing food. Plum and sesame lamb cutlets Rosie Birkett's plum and sesame lamb cutlets are so good we put them on our cover. The delicious, sweet, sticky glaze with a kick of spicy sriracha works so well with lamb, and the spring onions add a crunch of freshness. They look fantastic and are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue. Seared sriracha chicken with pickled plum slaw If BBQ season is over that doesn't stop you recreating the chargrilled taste of the charcoals in your kitchen with this seared sriracha chicken. Plum and sloe gin crumble Our sloe gin and plum crumble is a twist on a classic British dessert. Pair with vanilla ice cream to truly appreciate the cinnamon and mixed spice notes. Plum and almond crumbles You’ll need ripe plums for this recipe to ensure they're juicy enough – woolly ones won’t work, which is why it’s best to wait until they are in season. Queen of plums This classic British dessert is made with homemade plum compote and topped with golden meringue – the perfect family pudding to follow a Sunday roast.
Use this punchy umami miso paste in our recipes, from Japanese-style soups to BBQ aubergines and moreish miso caramels
Looking for miso recipes? Want the best miso soup recipes? Try our ideas below. We have plenty of healthy soup recipes that use miso paste, from chicken noodle soup to rainbow veg soup. Or check out our barbecue ideas with miso marinades – showstopping ribs, chicken skewers and vegetarian barbecue options. What is miso? Miso, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, emerges from a centuries-old tradition of fermenting cooked soybeans with salt, koji (a special culture), and sometimes grains like rice or barley. Left to mature for extended periods, often up to three years, this process yields a rich, umami-laden paste. Varieties abound: delicate white miso boasts sweetness and subtlety, while bold red miso delivers a robust, salty punch, and deep, intense dark miso offers a complex flavour profile unparalleled in depth. For further information, check out our guide on miso to learn more and where to buy it. Recipes using miso paste Miso soup with chilli chicken and noodles Fry shredded chicken in miso and gochujang and add to this nutritious broth for a gut-friendly meal. Brown butter miso treacle tart Transform a childhood favourite into a grown-up dessert with the umami flavours of brown butter and miso. Sticky ginger aubergine Miso brings deep umami to this sticky ginger aubergine bake, coating the roasted slices in a glossy, savoury-sweet glaze. This flavour-packed vegetarian dish works beautifully with rice or noodles for a relaxed garden lunch. Grilled corn salad with tahini miso dressing Griddle corn for a charred flavour that complements the sweet cherry tomatoes in this salad. Sprinkle over crumbled feta and dress in a tahini, miso and maple dressing. Miso salmon A fresh new way to serve salmon – with a white miso, rice vinegar and finely grated ginger sauce. This recipe is high in protein and low in salt. Miso ginger dressing A quick, no-fuss dressing made from white miso paste, fresh ginger and a couple of storecupboard ingredients. Sweetcorn with lime and miso butter Pep up corn on the cob with an umami miso and zingy lime butter for a speedy veggie starter or side dish. Miso buttered radishes Peppery pink radishes take centre stage in this simple side dish, topped with white miso, sesame seeds and soy sauce. Miso caramel chicken wings These chicken wings will be deliciously crisp whether they're baked in the oven or grilled. Once cooked, they’re covered in a sweet and salty caramel dressing that’s incredibly moreish. Vegan shredded veg miso soup Shred ginger, leeks and carrots into this rich soup and top up with quinoa and kale for a nourishing, low-calorie meal. Miso and chilli squash tarte tatin Serve this vibrant savoury tart with a couple of winter salads for an impressive but simple dinner party dish. Miso aubergines Miso and aubergine is a match made in heaven, and this recipe is perfect for the barbecue this summer. Make sure you check the miso is vegan and gluten free, if needed. Fried artichoke with miso mayonnaise Try this crispy fried artichoke paired with a punchy miso mayonnaise sauce. This easy recipe comes from Kudu in Peckham, a modern European restaurant with a South African twist. Spring vegetable rolls with kale pesto Fresh, bright and ready in 30 minutes, Hetty McKinnon’s Vietnamese-style spring rolls featuring miso and veg are a roll-it-yourself midweek dinner. Spicy miso ramen This punchy ramen is from the hip Japanese restaurant Bone Daddies. It takes a little time but the result is worth it: rich pork broth with noodles and perfectly balanced accompaniments. Prepare and marinade the eggs and the meat the night before for best results. Miso polenta Red miso is whisked into polenta to add a savoury complexity. Topped with peppers, spring onions and sesame seeds, it makes a great midweek meal. Miso chicken with sweet and sour salad This recipe for sesame miso chicken with a sweet and sour salad is really easy, ready in 30 minutes and under 500 calories. Miso paste keeps for ages in the fridge, too. Miso tofu soup Silken tofu helps make this miso-rich noodle broth smooth and creamy without the addition of dairy – a nourishing veggie dinner that's ready in just 15 minutes. Top with a gorgeously jammy egg. Miso salmon and seafood fry After a new take on miso salmon? This recipe includes homemade condiments like miso butter, yuzu hollandaise and kimchi mayo, as well as different kinds of seafood. Sweet potato and miso mash Sweet potato reaches new heights with the savoury depth of miso and a satisfying crunch from pumpkin seeds. Quick to prepare, vegetarian, and ideal as a side dish, this mash is as nourishing as it is delicious. Packed with soluble and insoluble fibre, sweet potatoes help support digestive health. At the same time, their high beta-carotene content, which converts to vitamin A, plays a vital role in strengthening gut immunity. A truly moreish addition to any meal. Miso roasted cauliflower, avocado and lentil salad Fibre-rich cauliflower is roasted in a miso dressing – also filled with probiotics – and turned into a rustic salad with pickled onions and lentils. It's delicious and great for your gut, too. Miso-buttered cod with broccoli, sesame and beans Check out this nourishing miso fish recipe with broccoli and beans. The Japanese miso paste gives this baked cod a rich and warming flavour. Miso and sweet potato soup Velvety, wholesome and packed with plenty of flavour from white miso, this sweet potato soup is simple to make and low in calories. Miso caramel and chocolate tart A nutty cereal base, rich dark chocolate ganache and umami miso caramel come together to create this indulgent dessert. It makes an impressive dinner party dish when entertaining friends. Miso ribs with slaw Check out these melt-in-the-mouth baby back ribs with a miso marinade and a crunchy, vibrant slaw for your next barbecue. Sticky miso nuts and seeds If salted caramel is your bag, then get ready for miso caramel – a heady mix of the salt and sweet combination. Check out more of our best caramel recipes. Miso chickpeas and avocado on toast Turn a storecupboard staple into a twist on a popular brunch dish, with a miso-spiked chickpea paste. It's livened up even further with sesame seeds, lemon and spring onions. Miso-glazed sea bass with ginger greens Eating healthily doesn't have to mean compromising on great flavours. This miso-glazed sea bass with ginger greens is quick and easy to make and under 300 calories. Miso mackerel with chilli brown rice Try this quick, Japanese-style recipe for mackerel. Grilling is an easy way to cook oily fish and the miso-mirin marinade takes minutes to make. Serve with brown rice. Yakitori chicken skewers with miso This Japanese glaze is ideal for grilled meat, poultry or fish. It is so easy to make – the mix of miso, sugar and mirin makes these healthy chicken skewers deliciously sticky. Miso chocolate cookies Miso adds a subtle umami note and balances the sweetness in these seriously moreish and chewy triple chocolate cookies. Miso crème brûlée Recreate modern pub food in the comfort of your own home with this easy miso-laced dessert recipe from Islington’s Four Legs. Maple and miso celeriac soup Make the most of this underused root vegetable with a rich soup. White miso balances the earthy celeriac and sweet maple syrup. Swap the double cream for a plant-based cream to make this vegan. Sweet miso caramels These moreish toffees are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Wrap them up in white greaseproof paper and give them as gifts – or just eat them all yourself! Sticky miso roast sprouts Level up your sprouts with umami miso and zingy lime, then roast until golden and caramelised.
Discover our feta cheese recipes - this tangy, creamy Greek cheese is delicious in everything from spanakopita to Greek salad and baked whole with figs
Looking for the best feta recipes? Looking for a vegetarian salad? Try our ideas below then check out our easy Greek recipes, too? What is feta cheese? Feta cheese is a brined cheese made from sheep's milk and originating from Greece. It's characteristically tangy, salty flavour and crumbly texture make it a staple in many Mediterranean-style dishes including salads and filo pastries as well as pasta and other warm dishes. It can be served cold cut up into squares in a salad or sprinkled over dishes as crumbs. It can also be baked or grilled whole and combined with sweet toppings like honey or sprinkled with herbs like oregano. How long does feta last? A pack of unopened, vacuum-sealed feta can last up to three months in the fridge. Once opened, it should be consumed within a week and kept in its original brine or another saltwater solution to maintain its moisture and freshness. Without brine, feta tends to dry out quickly and should be used within a few days. For longer term storage, feta can be frozen for up to six months, though this may alter its texture slightly, making it more crumbly. Feta cheese recipes Baked feta pasta Creamy feta, tomatoes and olives come together in this super simple pasta bake. Casarecce or gemelli pasta shapes work well here, as does a rocket salad served on the side. Whipped feta with apricots, olives and oranges This savoury dip is great to kick off a party – loaded with festive dried fruits and nuts. The pomegranate drizzle adds an extra puckering twist. Spanakopita Check out this traditional Greek spanakopita pie, stuffed with feta and spring onion, leek and spinach. It's an easy recipe using thin filo pastry for a lovely crunch once baked. Baked feta in filo with honey-tahini dressing Baked feta is dressed in a golden honey-tahini dressing. Feta ranges from very soft – so creamy and spreadable – to hard, which is tangy and often saltier. The best feta is matured in wooden barrels, as this adds a spicy note. Greek salad Feta stars in this absolute classic salad, which always makes a delicious lunch. The key to an authentic Greek flavour is plenty of oregano and red wine vinegar, as well as top-notch feta, of course. Butternut squash tart Make a centrepiece squash tart with walnut pastry, creamy whipped feta and warming spices, perfect for entertaining this autumn. Baked feta with roasted grapes and rosemary Salty feta and sweet, juicy roasted grapes are a match made in heaven in this simple starter – with zero prep time on the day it’s the perfect dinner party dish. Baked feta board A block of salty feta, baked with sweet, sticky honey, is the centrepiece in this sharing board, served with served with figs, crackers and mini cucumbers. Baked feta salad The salty tang of feta is offset by sweet fresh figs and nutty almonds in Rosie Birkett’s colourful summer salad. Beetroot, herb and nutty grain salad with feta dressing Ready-cooked pouches of rice and grains make a great cheat’s base for salads – look for ones with a mixture of types for contrasting textures and flavours. Stuffed butternut squash with feta Transform butternut squash into a colourful, low-calorie midweek dinner by stuffing it with rice, lemon zest, raisins, dill, pine nuts and feta. Whipped feta and beetroot on toast with poached eggs and dukkah When it comes to toast toppings, whipped feta is a stroke of genius. This salty cheese forms a beautifully light and creamy texture when whisked with yogurt, lemon juice and seasoning. In this recipe we've spread it over sourdough, paired with beetroot, poached eggs and dukkah, a Middle Eastern condiment. Feta pasta Check out this super simple linguine recipe with olives and savoy cabbage. Packed with plenty of flavour this easy recipe makes a quick midweek meal. Aubergine salad with mint and pine nuts Golden, charred aubergines are paired with crumbled feta, olives and herbs in this summery salad. Soaking the sultanas in vinegar makes them extra-juicy. Feta salad This feta salad with smashed chickpeas makes a hearty, no-cook dinner for two in just 15 minutes – although it'll also be great for your lunchbox. That creamy, salty feta pairs a treat with the zingy lemon, cumin and chilli dressing. Spinach and feta pie Made big or small, served hot or cold, this classic feta-stuffed pie never fails to satisfy and is very simple to make. As many find filo pastry a bit daunting, recipe author Sabrina Ghayour has used puff pastry here. Easy flatbreads with feta Pile in-season courgette onto shop-bought flatbreads for a light supper or al fresco lunch. Simply toss the courgette strips in dressing, then assemble. Baked feta Check out our super simple creamy baked feta recipe, with lentils, sweet red onion, herbs and chilli. This easy meal is low in calories, high in protein and veggie friendly. Sweetcorn, feta and spring onion pancakes Salty feta balances perfectly with sweetcorn and spring onions in these savoury pancakes. They're quick, easy and packed with flavour, and the addition of bacon and maple syrup gives an extra touch of luxury. Lime, feta and coriander sweetcorn This zesty and refreshing side uses tinned sweetcorn to keep things simple. Top with warming chilli flakes or a finely chopped fresh green chilli for more heat. Beetroot, orange and feta salad Earthy beetroot and sweet orange pair up beautifully in this simple winter salad that pops all the more with a salty olive vinaigrette and chunks of creamy feta. Watermelon and feta salad The combination of creamy, salty feta, fresh, juicy watermelon and sweet pomegranate dressing makes this salad a real winner. Plus, its super-quick, easy to make and is under 500 calories a portion. Beetroot and feta salad Try our hearty, vegetarian and gluten-free beetroot and feta salad with squash, spinach, peas and rice. This colourful and simple recipe is easy to put together and makes for a great low-calorie midweek meal. Baked feta with chilli and chorizo We've used Tracklements chilli and chorizo jam in this low-calorie meal idea – it works perfectly by giving a smoky kick to creamy, salty feta. Roast squash, feta and chard börek Crumbled feta works beautifully with sweet butternut squash in this showstopping börek, or spiral pie. Wrapped in crispy filo pastry and sprinkled with za'atar, it's perfect for an entertaining centrepiece. Baked feta with pomegranate and tomatoes Tangy feta works really well with the sweetness of the pomegranate and tomatoes in this simple vegetarian traybake. Ready in under an hour and under 500 calories, it's perfect for a light midweek dinner Slow-roast stuffed lamb breast with oregano and feta Feta and herbs make a delicious stuffing for this this fall-apart lamb centrepiece with orzo. Serve it for an impressive weekend lunch.
Try our Mediterranean-inspired recipes, from colourful chicken traybake, to burrata salad, spinach and ricotta filo pie and the best meatballs
Looking for Mediterranean recipes to create a summery feast at home? Try our Mediterranean ideas, then check out our Greek recipes, Italian recipes, and Spanish recipes. Now find out about the Mediterranean diet. Best Mediterranean recipes Mediterranean chicken traybake This colourful chicken traybake comes sprinkled with olives, feta, oregano and baby plum tomatoes. It's packed with protein and plenty of nutrients. Grilled peaches with burrata Juicy peaches give a sweet contrast to creamy burrata and salty serrano ham in this showstopping summer salad. Patatas bravas Recreate this classic Spanish tapas dish at home with our easy recipe. Crispy baked potatoes are topped with a smoky paprika tomato sauce and fresh parsley. Healthy sardines on toast Sweet shallots, plump raisins and sharp capers go perfectly with sardines in this nourishing Sicilian-style dish – pile the lot on toasted bread for a speedy lunch. Smoked aubergine, pepper and walnut salad with pomegranate Try out this simple and flavoursome smoky aubergine salad recipe with crunchy pomegranates, served with flatbreads for scooping. Gazpacho with cheesy pesto croutons Use up ripe tomatoes in this silky-smooth Spanish-style soup and scatter with cheesy sourdough croutons. Anchovy pasta This is inspired by a traditional Sicilian pasta which has a drier sauce consistency. If you like it saucier, add more pasta cooking water. Gigantes plaki (Greek baked beans) Ready in under an hour, this Mediterranean one-pot is packed with plenty of fresh flavours as well as protein and fibre, making it a healthy vegetarian meal idea with less than 300 calories. Prawn linguine with ’nduja 'Nduja is a spicy, spreadable sausage from Italy. It works really well in this healthy prawn pasta, which is super-quick and easy to make, but is packed with big Italian flavours. This is perfect for a midweek meal. Mediterranean baked hake A fresh and vibrant way to serve hake, with plenty of hot smoked paprika for added kick. You can mop-up all those lovely juices with crusty bread. Mediterranean roast peppers with olives and goat’s cheese Stuff sweet crunchy peppers with cherry tomatoes and garlic then roast and top with creamy goat's cheese for a low calorie vegetarian midweek meal. Warm hummus with pine nuts, raisins and olives Turn a storecupboard staple into this vibrant mezze dish and sprinkle with jewel-like pine nuts, raisins and olives. Aubergine salad with mint and pine nuts Golden, charred aubergines are paired with crumbled feta, olives and herbs in this summery salad. Soaking the sultanas in vinegar makes them extra-juicy. Halloumi and Mediterranean veg traybake Our vegetarian tray bake packs in plenty of seasonal veg and salty halloumi for a vibrant Mediterranean dinner ready in 30 minutes. Courgette parmigiana This is great for using up a glut of courgettes you might have acquired over the summer months. Top with golden toasted pine nuts for extra crunch. Tagliolini alle vongole A simple, flavour-packed dish combining clams with punchy garlic, fiery red chilli and fragrant herbs, including salty samphire and fresh parsley. Creamy chicken with spinach and sundried tomatoes This easy Tuscan chicken one-pot is ideal for entertaining, with minimal washing up required. It’s bound to become a family favourite, and its versatility with any carb means you can switch it up to keep things exciting. Tzatziki Serve this classic Greek dip with grilled meat or fish, or as a dip with pitta and crudités. Spinach and ricotta filo pie This spinach and ricotta vegetarian pie made with filo pastry is very light at under 200 calories per slice. Ready in under an hour you can make it ahead and cook it when you need it. Chicken traybake with lemon, orzo and olives This chicken tray bake with lemon, olives and orzo is a great midweek meal for all the family. It's super simple, and low in calories. Cacciucco (Tuscan fish stew) Cacciucco is a fish stew from Livorno, a port on the coast of Tuscany, and it should contain five types of seafood. This recipe comes from Caldesi in Campagna, an Italian restaurant in Bray. Grilled kofte (izgara köfte) A plate of grilled kofte – a Cypriot meat dish made with lamb or beef mince – will go down a treat at a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Spanish-style hake A midweek meal with a difference, our Spanish-style stew features meaty hake fillets, chorizo and slices of orange to pack a real punch. Chicken cacciatore This summery Italian one-pot is easy to make and freezes brilliantly, plus, it's low cal and gluten free. The recipe is easily halved if you only want to serve 3-4 people. Leek and green olive pissaladière Pissaladière is a dish which originated from Nice in Southern France. The dough is usually a bread dough thicker than that of the classic Italian pizza. This is a great version using leeks, green olives and sultanas. Spicy merguez and cod tray roast Spicy, smoky lamb merguez gives this sauce a rich, deep flavour and combines really well with the cod. You could also use cooking chorizo for a similar result. Baked Spanish-style rice with chicken and chorizo Try our Spanish-style one-pot. Made with chicken and chorizo and plenty of hot smoked paprika, this is a gutsy rice dish that is sure to impress friends and family. Spanakopita Check out this traditional Greek spanakopita pie recipe. This easy spinach filo pastry pie is super crispy and packed with creamy feta. Penne arrabiata This classic and simple Italian dish is on the table in under 30 minutes, and it packs a punch when it comes to flavour. Serve with ciabatta or focaccia to mop up the leftover sauce. Orzo deli salad Check out this super simple orzo salad recipe with crunchy red onion and sweet SunBlush tomatoes. This vegan salad recipe is easy to make and low in calories. Italian baked meatballs Meatballs baked in rich tomato sauce with a melting mozzarella topping - this recipe is all about comfort food. It's also perfect for freezing, making it a great option for when you don't want to cook mid-week. Chicken parmesan Our take on a classic comfort food dish, this recipe for chicken parmesan is easy and ready in just 30 minutes. Cod, cherry tomato and green olive tray roast This recipe for cod, cherry tomato and green olive tray roast is so quick and easy to prepare but looks impressive when you pull it out of the oven. Serve with a big bowl of buttered orzo. Green gazpacho with burrata and prosciutto Check out this vibrant gazpacho recipe with punchy jalapeños, crispy prosciutto and creamy burrata. Chilling this gazpacho will allow its flavours to develop fully. You could use red tomatoes, but you won’t get as vivid a colour. Tuscan slow cooked shin of beef with chianti Italian cusine never goes out of fashion. This recipe for Tuscan slow-cooked shin of beef with chianti is a brilliant example of how to do things simply but perfectly. This is a great one to make when you need to feed a crowd Marinated tomato and feta salad This recipe for marinated tomato and feta salad makes a quick and easy vegetarian meal for two midweek. It also makes a tasty lunch to take to work. Antipasti rigatoni This recipe for antipasti rigatoni is a great Italian-inspired recipe for a speedy, healthy supper. Using the best Italian antipasti ingredients and combining it with pasta is ideal for a mid-week meal. Portuguese custard tarts Make classic Portuguese custard tarts Pastéis de Nata with step-by-step help from the olive test kitchen. Dusting the pastry with icing sugar gives the tarts a golden, caramelised crust when cooked. Loukoumades Greek donuts One of the pleasures of a Greek holiday comes in those moments after dark (and after dinner) when everyone moves to the tables in a local square to drink coffee and eat plates of tiny cinnamon-scented doughnuts. Whether your preference is for the sugar-dusted variety or those soaked in honey, try making them at home for a crowd-pleasing dessert with a difference. Tiramisu Whip up our smart, authentic version of this classic Italian dessert, made with mascarpone, marsala and savoiardi biscuits soaked in coffee and Tia Maria.
Manchester’s food scene is buzzing, with fine dining to street food, hidden cocktail bars to craft beer joints. See our pick of the best places to eat and drink
Looking for Manchester restaurants? We've found the best places to eat and drink in Manchester, from the trendy Northern Quarter to neighbouring Salford. For more exciting restaurants and weekend ideas for food lovers, check out our best UK city breaks and UK's best artisan bakeries. For more foodie guides, discover the best restaurants in Birmingham, best restaurants in Liverpool, best restaurants in Glasgow and the places to eat in the Lake District. Best places to eat and drink in Manchester Skof – for Michelin-starred dining Located within a handsome phalanx of Victorian-era buildings, Tom Barnes’ debut restaurant is a suitably class act. A former exec chef at Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume, Tom deftly deploys exceptional produce (some from Rogan’s Cartmel Valley farm) across tasting menu dishes of, say, Orkney scallop, barbecued kohlrabi, apple and watercress, or miso custard, mushrooms, truffle and dashi. This is precise, flavour-forward food served with a rare polished ease in a warm, comfortable dining room. Skof was awarded a Michelin star in February 2025. skofmanchester.co.uk Winsome – for prime seasonal British produce After winning acclaim at Manchester’s The Edinburgh Castle gastropub, chef Shaun Moffat has moved across town to create Winsome, a restaurant and adjoining bar at Whitworth Locke, a hip aparthotel on the edge of the city’s Gay Village. “Thoughtful British cooking” is the tagline, with Shaun using prime seasonal produce, from Yorkshire rhubarb to Brixham crab, in multi-size sharing dishes of, for example, confit mussels and trotter on toast, pork chop with a sorrel, mustard and trout roe sauce, or whole brill with parsley liquor. These are served with European wines and, from the Winsome bar, well-executed classic and original cocktails. winsomemcr.co.uk Idle Hands – for brunch Serene, canteen-feel hang-out, serving excellent coffee and well-executed brunches including Turkish eggs with garlic yogurt, chilli butter and za’atar focaccia, and garlic and thyme mushrooms on sourdough in a fennel cream. Idle Hands’ sweet pies (think pecan, chocolate cream, banana and cherry) are much-loved, too. idlehandscoffee.com Stow – for open fire cooking When Stow opened in late 2024 its mission statement was “great ingredients cooked over open fire with very little faff”, which landed with an appealing directness. In the open kitchen at this 30-cover restaurant and bar, chef and co-owner Jamie Pickles leads the team in creating seasonal, smoke-kissed sharing plates using a custom-built grill by Somerset’s Fire Made, a pizza oven and barbecue. Dishes range from red peppers with sherry vinegar or overnight roasted beetroots, ricotta and smoked honey, to brined chicken with tarragon jus or monkfish tail in a trout roe beurre blanc. These are accompanied by French wines, neat cocktails and a discerning, modern beer list. stowmcr.co.uk Kala – for a family-friendly feast Chef Gary Usher’s northern restaurant group, Elite Bistros, creates highly persuasive, multi-gen spaces. Places cool enough for your hipster cousin and classic enough for granddad that deliver for diners of all ages (kids’ menus available). On-point dishes range from baharat-spiced butternut squash with hazelnut ‘cream’ and dill pickled cucumbers, to braised featherblade, truffled parmesan chips and red wine sauce. A good Sunday lunch option, too. kalabistro.co.uk Exhibition – for three independent kitchens in one restaurant This striking open-plan venue is unusual and unusually good. It houses both a large bar (good cocktails, DJs, 1am finish at weekends) and a restaurant where you can order from three kitchens, simultaneously. These are Baratxuri, a seriously good homage to the Basque Country, Scandi-influenced Osma, and Jaan, specialist in topped, Persian-style flatbreads. Whether having lunch with family, or cocktails with your crew, Exhibition works from all angles. Note: Jaan is a spin-off from Another Hand, a cool, creative restaurant hidden up on Deansgate Mews, and a must-visit in itself. exhibitionmcr.co.uk Slap & Pickle@Society – for food-hall favourites From the Arndale Market – home of the legendary, Mexican-owned Pancho’s Burritos – to Mackie Mayor, grand offspring of Altrincham Market, Manchester has a varied food hall scene. At Society, we can’t get enough of Slap & Pickle’s next-level smash burgers; also, Yoki’s Korean fried chicken or mandu dumplings, and Chaat Cart’s Indian dishes. The bar features a vast range of beers from excellent West Yorkshire brewery, Vocation. societymanchester.com Madre – for Mexican In its Sunday markets, pop-up events and venues such as NY-style pizza bar, Nell’s, and bakery-café, Pollen, the Kampus residential development is something of a foodie hub. Stylish, clubbable Mexican restaurant Madre is a key draw. Do not miss its slow-cooked beef birria tacos; wood-fired, pistachio-crusted lamb; and epic crispy potatoes with garlic cream. Madre exec chef Sam Grainger also runs the eclectic Medlock Canteen, across town at Deansgate Square. thisismadre.co.uk Higher Ground – for local produce and natural wines A restaurant, yes. But also in its sourcing and ethos, a model for hospitality’s sustainable future (think seasonal, heritage UK ingredients; whole animal butchery; minimal-waste cooking; natural wines). Often using produce from allied market garden, Cinderwood, chef Joseph Otway creates dishes both arresting and irresistibly comforting: an Isle of Mull cheddar tart; marinated celeriac, whipped goat’s curd and salted gooseberry; roast pork with a mushroom grain porridge. For a more casual taste of this aesthetic, Higher Ground has a wine bar, Flawd, at New Islington Marina. highergroundmcr.co.uk Go Falafel – for lunch on-the-go This corner of town (Gujarati snacks at Bundobust, the veggie-slash-vegan options at Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant, Asmara Bella) is home to some of Manchester’s tastiest meat-free food. If you’re dashing around, Go Falafel is an essential stop. Packed with vibrant pickles and salad items, lush hummus, tahini and perfectly crisp, light falafel, its takeaway wraps are brilliant. gofalafel.co.uk Erst – for a natural wine bar and sharing plates The Ancoats side of Manchester city centre is alive with good food, from cutting-edge Michelin-starred Mana to Detroit-style pizza destination, Ramona. Natural wine bar and restaurant Erst, a chic, minimalist space with a convivial buzz, is a neighbourhood favourite of national renown. Chef Patrick Withington handles vivid flavours with great confidence across sharing plates of, for example, grilled scallops in roe and charcuterie sauce; short rib ragu with cavatelli pasta; or bream tartare, blood orange and radish. erst-mcr.co.uk Lupo – for everything Italian Tucked away on a Prestwich trading estate, about three miles from central Manchester, Nico Pasquali’s Lupo, a combined restaurant, take-out counter and bakery, is a cult favourite worth hunting out. Seated in a cosy, colourfully decorated nook of this warehouse space, you can relax over quality pasta dishes, pizzas and family recipes such as a starter of agrodolce fried peppers. lupocaffe.co.uk Nell's – for New York-inspired pizza A homage to New York pizza, Nell’s was created by Jonny and Charlotte Heyes, owners of the legendary bar Common in Manchester’s hip Northern Quarter. The foundation for Nell’s pizza – served in slices and whole 14-inch or 22-inch pies – is a 36-hour fermented dough made with Shipton Mill organic flour. Examples of its creative toppings include the Corn Supremacy (miso corn, Lancashire cheese and crispy onions with garlic and jalapeño creams) and the Funghi Jambon’s combination of roast ham, mushrooms, vodka sauce, mozzarella and oregano. Nell’s has four locations to choose from. nellspizza.co.uk Grub & Fairfield Social Club – for foodie events Hidden up Red Bank, on the edge of the city centre, Grub is best known for hosting spring-summer street food parties in its hip, upcycled beer garden. But this multiuse venue (cinema, comedy, disco bingo!) also hosts food events, from kids’ pizza making to immersive screenings of food-themed films such as Ratatouille. Nearby sister venue, Fairfield Social Club, will, this year, host cider and Italian food festivals, a regular Turkish brunch and food quiz, Mouthful, where contestants face on-stage taste challenges. grubmcr.com Companio Bakery – for baked goods and classes In addition to its original Ancoats outlet, Companio now has an attractive bakery-café in the Northern Quarter, where – as well as retailing A1 breads, pastries, savouries and coffee – co-founders Baneta Yelda and Neil Large are hosting collab events, supper clubs and baking classes. Tutorials in sourdough breads, brioche dough or cinnamon rolls will be seasoned with, for example, events where Iraqi-born Baneta explores Middle Eastern cooking. companiobakery.co.uk Climat – for wines and views of Manchester's skyline Manchester’s Climat, the second venue from Chester’s Covino team, is a wine-led rooftop restaurant, where the 300-bottle list ranges from classic grand crus (in Burgundy, a climat is a unique, prized vineyard plot), to hip orange, pét-nat or small-producer wines from less-celebrated areas. Executive chef Luke Richardson’s love of the new wave of informal, internationalist Parisian bistros informs Climat’s menu, created with head chef Simon Ulph. Signature vol-au-vents sit alongside sharing plates of, for example, sardines, salsa verde, lemon and pine nuts; tandoori quail, chilli carrot salad and lime pickle; or duck with clementine and radicchio. restaurantclimat.co.uk Rudy’s – for pizza Rudy’s is an unanimous favourite among Manchester’s foodies that has now spread across the UK. It’s a go-to place for pizza and cocktails with your pals. Pizza dough is made on site twice a day and cooked for no longer than a minute to produce a springy base. Choose from toppings including classic margherita with buffalo mozzarella, spicy nduja sausage with tomato and fior di latte, or white pizza with smoked mozzarella, Tuscan sausage and wild broccoli. The aperitivo list uses some of our favourite Italian brands to create great twists on classic cocktails – gin fizz is spiked with Cynar (a bittersweet artichoke leaf liqueur) and Disaronno is mixed with limoncello, lemon juice and fresh basil for a refreshing amaretto sour. Otherwise, go for a creamy Dolci Colline prosecco, a bright and citrusy Sicilian white or forest-fruity Puglian red. rudyspizza.co.uk 10 Tib Lane – for date night Its scale and location (two compact floors on a back street), décor (candles, wood, distressed walls) and feel (calm, welcoming) make 10 Tib Lane a date night doozy. Start with cocktails, such as the whisky and soda made using a house yogurt-washed Chivas Regal. Revived, head upstairs for on-point sharing plates of smoked trout mousse, roe and brioche toast; sea bream with champagne sauce; or sea salt caramel tart. 10tiblane.com Pollen Bakery – for 28 hour fermented sourdough With its rich, caramelised crust, Pollen’s 28-hour sourdough was a game changer when it hit Manchester in 2016. Pollen’s Kampus and Ancoats Marina bakery-cafés, both stylishly functional spaces, maintain similar standards in their stellar brunch dishes (think eggs benedict with smoked ham hock, brown butter hollandaise and crispy kale) and pastries ranging from cinnamon morning buns, made using laminated croissant dough, to seasonal specials such as light joconde sponge cakes, topped with pistachio and Yorkshire rhubarb. pollenbakery.com New Century – a slick and stylish food hall Built in the 1960s within a then-futuristic office complex for the Co-operative Group, the New Century conference centre and dance hall was a key fixture in Manchester’s cultural life, hosting the likes of The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix. This now Grade II-listed building was reborn as a gig venue and ground-floor food hall. Its kitchens mean you can choose from pizza, 'Parmageddon', Japanese fusion and more. newcenturymcr.com Another Hand – for casual dining and natural wines In their slick Deansgate Mews hideaway, chefs Max Yorke and Julian Pizer marry the ancient (foraging and fermenting books share shelf-space with natural wines), and the modern – rare species of mushrooms cultivated indoors in Altrincham, for example – to produce visually dashing, highly creative plates. Think charred Hispi, pickled clams and burnt butter, or a trout tartare in a stunning smoked turnip and burnt apple dashi. anotherhandmcr.com The Feel Good Club – for relaxed & friendly brunches Kiera and Aime, the wives behind Feel Good Club, are on a mission to make spaces where people feel comfortable, safe and good about themselves. Their flagship coffee house in Manchester opened mid-pandemic from a simple aim to make one person each day feel less alone or give them a reason to smile. It also has a full bar and brunch menu with our favourite, classic crumpets on offer. Each Friday, they book out the long communal tables for freelancers and solo-workers. Look up their weekly events, you might catch anything from Plant Club, Karaoke, Juno’s Pup Club or even Miss Chief Cabaret. feelgoodclub.co Ginger’s Comfort Emporium at Afflecks – for small batch ice cream surrounded by curiosities Google Afflecks and you’ll find it described as an ‘emporium of eclecticism, a totem of indie culture in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.’ Iconic for its family of 60+ independent traders that make up the indoor market, it’s a seamless side-step into Ginger’s Comfort Emporium. Tucked in a bright corner of the first floor, it’s home to deliciously innovative real dairy, vegan ice cream and sorbet flavours you likely won’t have tried anywhere before. Chef and former food stylist Claire Kelsey has several British Street Food Awards and a recipe book, MELT under their belt, thanks to an idea she had in 2010 to refurbish an old ice cream van. Original ice cream flavours, including marmalade on toast and olive oil & sea salt, remain on the menu today. Toasted ice cream sandwiches, shakes and changing specials are also up for grabs. The mint stracciatella, flavoured with fresh mint leaves, was a perfectly sweet refresher. gingerscomfortemporium.com Mackie Mayor – for global food against a historical backdrop This 1852 Grade II listed market building is the only one remaining fully intact in the city’s historic Smithfield Market and is now home to 10 independent bars and kitchens. Its high window-lined ceiling means the space is always flooded with natural light and even when it’s busy, doesn’t feel overcrowded. It’s a great brunch spot for sharing a tray of Pico’s breakfast nachos layered with salsa roja or verde, queso fresco and topped with a runny fried egg. You don’t need to book, plus it’s dog friendly. instagram.com/mackiemayor Freight Island – for social street food, live music and rollerskating Just five minutes from Manchester’s Piccadilly station is one of the city’s latest examples of urban regeneration: a food hall in the footprint of what was formerly a freight depot, now a vibrant centre for eating and socialising. The space is packed with multi-level terraces, long benches and tables for trying diverse eats from the variety of street food joints, but there are quiet spots dotted around if you’re after a more relaxed date-night. Venture past the live music stage and you’ll find o Mayfield Park, the new green space, which opened in September 2022 as Manchester’s first new city park in 100 years. It’s 6.5 acres big, perfect for mooching around to walk off your food. escapetofreightisland.com Siop Shop – for alternative artisan doughnuts Coffee and doughnuts are the specialties here, but whatever you’re imagining, it’s better. Siop is the Welsh word for shop and this is just one of many personal, creative touches that owners, Iwan Roberts and Lucy Jackson of Blawd Bakery have curated to create a relaxed and welcoming pit stop on Tib Street. The doughnut menu changes regularly. During the Manchester Coffee Festival in November, we tried the brand’s limited edition coffee bean, ‘48hr cold proofed carbonic macerated thermal shock brioche with coffee creme diplomat injection’ doughnut. For firework night, they developed an apple compote-filled number with a toffee glaze on a lollipop stick. This is fun, delicious food. siopshop.co The Midland Hotel – for regal afternoon tea Its elegant tea room is a modern addition but the Grade II Midland has been acing the scone game since 1903. Said scones arrive with clotted cream and award-winning jams from Cheshire’s Mrs Darlington’s, amid a regal parade of sandwiches and enticing work from pastry chef, Austin Appleton. Think Valrhona dark chocolate mousse with salted caramel or raspberry opera cake with lemon grass panna cotta. The Midland’s loose leaf teas include three unique blends created with supplier Quinteassential. themidlandhotel.co.uk Wash House speakeasy – for satisfyingly secret cocktails Before Covid descended, the password to this speakeasy on Shudehill Street was reportedly, ‘I’d like to put a wash on.’ Now you book in advance, but the concept remains the same. Laundrette on the outside, cocktail bar within, the Wash House is inconspicuous to those not in the know and for those who do, an adventurous cocktail menu awaits combining a liquid alchemy full of surprises. washhousemcr.com Bundobust – for Indian street food and craft beers Bundobust is many things (craft beer haunt, Indian street food hangout, veggie restaurant) but it sells itself as a ‘beer and Indian joint’. The basement bar is filled with casual, communal tables that encourage interaction with fellow punters, and has a relaxed order-at-the-bar system that keeps the crowd mingling. The food menu is all about vegetarian Indian street food. We suggest opting for one of the combos that arrive on wooden trays – a modern twist on the thali. Plant-based are filled with paneer and mushroom tikka skewers marinated in yogurt curd, crisp onion, broccoli and kale bhajis spiced with fennel, and tarka lentil dhal to mop up with deep fried bhatura flatbread. Our highlight was the bundo chat – layers of crisp samosa, sweet-and-sour tamarind and frilly little crunchy bits on top. Beers include collaborations with Leeds brewery Northern Monk and several Manchester breweries (see some of the best in the Beermoth section below). There’s simple house chai for a booze-free option, though you can add a dash of bourbon or cognac if you’re after more of a kick. bundobust.com Federal – for leisurely brunch This popular antipodean cafe drags loyal Northern Quarter locals out of bed at the weekend for its epic brunches. Emily’s homemade banana bread is treacly and dark, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg with a fragrant vanilla mascarpone. If you’re really hungry, the hefty French toast is very popular, laden with homemade summer berry compote, almonds, whipped vanilla mascarpone and salted caramel; while corn fritters with a choice of toppings make a worthy savoury choice. Federal’s owners are committed to excellent sourcing, with sourdough bread brought in from Lovingly Artisan in the Lake District, and coffee carted up from London’s Ozone Coffee Roasters (try a signature espresso martini made with vanilla infused vodka and Ozone espresso). It’s a lovely spot to spend a few hours – above wooden floorboards mustard banquettes hug two sides of the almost triangular corner room, and lush green plants spill out of tiny hanging pots. federalcafe.co.uk El Gato Negro – for stylish small plates This upmarket tapas restaurant opened in 2016 and quickly gained a reputation as Manchester’s go-to spot for a splash-out dinner, and now has a branch in Liverpool too. Set over three storeys of a converted townhouse, there are plenty of choices when it comes to seating – a ground floor bar framed with shiny black tiles and seats that spill out onto the pavement, and red leather stools overlooking the open kitchen on the first floor, allowing punters to inhale aromas from the Josper grill. Then there’s el Gato Negro’s trump card, a swish rooftop dining area, complete with sliding roof, where you can enjoy a glass of fresh and fruity Albariño wine from Galicia. The restaurant’s small plates menu sees chefs adding modern twists to traditional tapas dishes. Though we thought some additions weren’t needed (Galician octopus, for example, was so soft and beautifully finished on the Josper grill that it didn’t need the punchy pickled shallots), other dishes really shone – long, slim heritage carrots were drenched in walnut pesto, miso and aubergine purée, while croquettas entailed an extra cheesy béchamel encased in crisp breadcrumbs. elgatonegrotapas.com Bunsik – for Korean street food A viral sensation in London, Bunsik’s Korean-style corn dogs have now landed in Piccadilly Gardens. These crispy, deep-fried skewers of battered, crumbed chicken sausage (with the option of added mozzarella and diced fries) share a menu with Korean street food faves, including ddukbokki – tubular rice cakes in a spicy sauce – and fried chicken. bunsik.co.uk Beermoth – for craft beers by the bottle This small shop on buzzy Tib Street is jam-packed with bottles, cans and kegs of beers from Manchester, as well as from the UK and across the globe. Brews from the inner city include neon-packaged Runaway Brewery (smoked porter, summer saison, American brown ale), Track Brewing Co. (visit its weekly brew tap events under the arches of Picadilly), and Cloudwater (which has gained a global reputation over the past few of years). The friendly staff sure know their porters from their DIPAs, so make sure you pick their brains. We came across a fab new favourite from Northern Ireland after describing our preferences. beermoth.co.uk Adam Reid at The French – for fine dining Hidden behind a curtain in a corner of the grand lobby of the Midland Hotel, there’s more than a feel of Alice in Wonderland as you are transported through mirrored doors into the dining room of The French. Soft grey and sage green tones give everything a muted luxurious feel and there are two huge cylindrical chandeliers which throw light back and forth via the mirrored panelling around the room. Chef Adam Reid’s cooking is inventive and playful but executed with real precision and flair. When we visited, a nibble of the creamiest smoked cod roe with puffy squid ink wafers kicked the six-course tasting menu off in style. Crispy pig’s trotter to start, proper came as fall-apart meat slowly braised in a rich deep umami soy base then breadcrumbed and deep fried into a crisp nugget, with pickled onion purée. Courses to follow include corned beef and potato hash, brill with silky artichoke and basil purée and suckling pig belly served with fermented cabbage and punchy cherry sauce. Reid won the Great British menu in 2016 with his Empire apple dessert – a blown sugar apple filled with a meadowsweet custard mousse – and our incredibly pretty pud is a take on that, this time a shiny orange clementine sugar shell filled with airy white chocolate mousse. It’s a little piece of cooking wizardry which perfectly reflects the rest of the menu at this magical place. themidlandhotel.co.uk/thefrench TAST – for Catalonian cuisine Executive chef Paco Pérez, who holds five Michelin stars across seven restaurants around the world, is behind the Catalonian menu at Tast. ‘Tastets’ are similar in size to tapas, and beg to be matched with the all-Spanish wine list, Catalan gins and out-there cocktails (try vodka with apple, black garlic and basil oil). Order a couple of tastets each, then move on to shared rice platters, or the likes of Iberian pork presa and bone-in sirloin steak cooked in a charcoal oven. The décor is slick but understated, with plenty of natural light. tastcatala.com 20 Stories – for modern British with a view All-day restaurant, bar and grill, 20 Stories sits on the 19th floor of the No1 Spinningfields building in central Manchester. The modern British menu in the main restaurant showcases local produce, with the majority sourced within a 50-mile radius of the city. Herdwick lamb sits on potato gnocchi and chanterelle mushrooms, poached John Dory is served with a smart langoustine velouté and white asparagus, and butter-poached salsify is topped with burnt leeks and parsnip purée. There’s also a more casual brasserie focussing on the grill, serving the likes of Yorkshire beef steaks, grilled heritage beetroot salad, and bone marrow burgers topped with beef cheek, mushroom and an onion ring. With 360-degree views, the swish space also brings the outside in with glamorous interiors inspired by nature (plenty of wood, hanging plants, stone features). The bar and outdoor terrace is dedicated to cocktails, including the signature 20 Stories cocktail made with Tanqueray gin, vermouth, honey and herb cordial, and grapes shaken with fresh lemon. 20stories.co.uk Salut – for wine by the glass “Salut aims to be the place where you want to break bread and drink wine with your pals,” says Sara Saunby, co-founder of Salut Wines, which she opened with husband Jon in 2014. With the help of an Italian Enomatic wine preservation and serving system, Salut offers around 60 wines by the glass as well as a large range of craft beers and spirits. salut.co.uk Porta – for inventive tapas Founded by brothers Ben and Joe Wright, there are now four Porta wine and tapas bars spread across the north-west. The Iberian-influenced tapas – staples of jamón, croquetas and patatas bravas but also slow-roasted ox cheek, pickled walnuts and purple sprouting broccoli with romesco sauce – is complemented by a carefully curated selection of Spanish wines, cava, beer, sherries and vermouth. portatapas.co.uk A weekend break in Manchester Mooch around Manchester’s Northern Quarter and adjoining trendy Ancoats neighbourhood for the weekend. Start at antipodean-style Federal, and brunch on French toast laden with summer berry compote or corn fritters piled high with toppings. Work your way through the Northern Quarter’s network of shops, cafés and bars – Beermoth is jam-packed with local brews. Amble over to Ancoats’s New Islington Arena to scandi-cool Pollen Bakery to enjoy canalside Manchester tart cruffins and cuddles with Maru the chow chow. For dinner, Rudy’s is the local go-to for Neapolitan pizza and refreshing aperitivo with pals. The next day, head over to The Feel Good Club for crumpets with thick lashings of butter and jam, or Mackie Mayor for a less traditional nacho brunch beneath the high glass ceilings of the former Smithfield market, built in 1852. For something sweet, pass Siop Shop to grab an artisan doughnut before venturing down to Mayfield Park, circling back to visit Escape to Freight Island’s self-contained deck courtyard lit by strings of festoon lights for wiling away long afternoons with Pomona Island craft brews and plates from its restaurants within. For a whistle-stop tour of Manchester’s cultural and foodie history on foot and more meals than you can fit in, try a bespoke Scranchester Food Tour. Where to stay in Manchester Converted textile warehouse Native Manchester is part of the Grade II listed Ducie Street complex of serviced apartments under five minutes walk from Piccadilly station. Each apartment comes kitted out with a well-equipped kitchen, living room and super comfy bedrooms, plus the lobby doubles up as a restaurant, bar and all-day deli. There are also classes available at BLOCK gym in the basement. Studio doubles from £125 per night, check availability at booking.com Words by Alex Crossley, Tony Naylor and Mark Taylor More UK restaurant guides Best restaurants in Deal Best restaurants in Birmingham Best restaurants in Broadstairs Best restaurants in St Albans Best restaurants in Bristol Best restaurants in Edinburgh Best restaurants in York Best restaurants in Whitstable Best restaurants in Oxford Best restaurants in Cambridge Best restaurants in Margate Best restaurants in the Lake District
Make the most of this sought-after shellfish with our recipes, from lobster rolls to lobster macaroni cheese and a posh twist on fish and chips
Looking for easy lobster recipes? Want to know how to eat lobster? Try our ideas here then check out our crab recipes, including crab thermidor. Lobster makes an excellent entertaining dish when you're really trying to impress – try lobster tails, lobster macaroni cheese and a seriously posh version of a prawn cockail. When is lobster in season? Lobster season starts in October and ends in April. How to serve cooked lobster Serve hot with a garlic melted butter for a classic approach. Halve and fill with a cheesy white sauce before grilling for a classic lobster thermidor. Use the meat to elevate comforting dishes such as lobster macaroni cheese or creamy lobster bisque. For a lighter option, serve cold with homemade mayonnaise, béarnaise or hollandaise for dipping. Add lobster to salads or rolls—try a lobster roll with lemony mayonnaise in a soft brioche bun. What to have with lobster Pair with sides like leafy green salads, crusty bread, or even chips for a posh twist on fish and chips. Lobster recipes Lobster thermidor This classic lobster dish offers luxury and comfort in equal measure. It requires a little effort to make, but its impressive results. Take it further with a leafy green salad and crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Lobster bisque Make this creamy lobster bisque for a dinner party starter or special occasion. Classic lobster roll We’ve got the Americans to thank for lobster rolls. Our favourite rolls are at Fraq’s Loster Shack and Hawksmoor, but now that Ocado sells frozen lobster tails they’re very easy to make yourself at home. Other supermarkets sell smaller, Canadian lobsters, which you can also use in this recipe. Lobster toastie Take your toastie up a notch with chunky chopped lobster in a silky, oozy four-cheese sauce. Lobster thermidor en croûte We've given a twist to the classic salmon en croûte with a luxurious lobster thermidor filling. Serve this as a centrepiece on Christmas Eve with buttered cabbage. Lobster macaroni cheese Try our easy yet impressive mac 'n' cheese recipe with lobster. Everyone loves mac ’n’ cheese, but the addition of sweet, rich lobster turns this into a luxurious treat. This would make a brilliant Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve celebration dinner. Lobster and kimchi An exclusive Richard Corrigan lobster recipe, straight from his kitchen at Daffodil Mulligan. It takes a little effort to make, but the results are awe-inspiring. Bateman's lobster rolls The lobster roll to end all lobster rolls, from Manzi's seafood restaurant in Soho. Homemade mayo and a sharp thousand island dressing take this posh sandwich to the next level. Chinese lobster noodles Chef Jeremy Pang's lobster dish combines the meaty shellfish with stir-fried egg noodles and an umami oyster sauce. Lobster tail pasta Lobster tails are a good-value way to buy lobster, though if you have access to whole lobster add the claw meat to the recipe as well. Ready cooked, this luxurious meal can be on the table in less than 20 minutes, making it a brilliant Friday night dinner. What better way to start the weekend? We have plenty more posh pasta recipes here. Lobster goujons with courgette fries Lobster and chips, anyone? Put a sophisticated modern twist on the classic British fish and chips with this recipe for lobster goujons with courgette fries. Baked lobster fideo pasta Check out this baked lobster fideo from David Gingell of Western's Laundry, one of London's hottest new restaurants. This recipe not only looks impressive, it's packed with flavour too. It may take a little bit of effort but it's definitely worth it. Lobster salad with salsify and orange This lobster dish is dressed with a vermouth, shallot, star anise and clove reduction. The finished result is served with orange segments and salsify. Tricky but worth it. Prawn and lobster cocktail John Torode uses a mixture of big meaty prawns and smaller sweet ones for texture and flavour, with added lobster for a special starter. The sauce is rich and refreshing with a spicy kick. You can make the sauce in advance then assemble everything just before serving. Lobster curry If you want to try cooking lobster, this Thai green curry is a great place to start. Divide the lobster into the claws and tail meat as they have different cooking times. Prawns would also work here. Make sure you have lots of fresh herbs to give that true Thai flavour. Mini lobster rolls These mini lobster rolls are easy to make but look impressive -–perfect for hassle-free entertaining. Try our other canapes ideas here.