Bread

Lighter chicken katsu

For the chicken, pour the buttermilk into a wide, shallow dish. Season with pepper and a small pinch of salt. Pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper, then put them in the dish and turn them over in the buttermilk to coat well. Leave in the fridge for 1 hr. Meanwhile, heat a large, non-stick frying pan. Tip in the panko breadcrumbs and flour, and toast in the dry pan for 2-3 mins until they turn pale brown, stirring regularly so they don’t burn. Tip the crumb mix into a bowl, season with pepper and set aside to cool. To make the curry sauce, heat the oil in a medium saucepan. Tip in the onion, garlic and ginger, and fry for 6-8 mins until the onion is tender and starting to brown. Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, chilli powder and tomato purée, and fry for 1 min, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour in the stock and 250ml/9fl oz water. Add the carrot, soy sauce and honey, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 20 mins, uncovered, until the carrots are tender. Mix the cornflour with 2 tsp cold water, stir into the sauce and simmer for 1 min. Remove from the heat. Whizz the mixture to a smooth purée in a food processor. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, set over a large bowl, pressing it through well with the back of a wooden spoon so enough of the purée goes through to help thicken. Season with a small pinch of salt and set aside. Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and chilled. Heat oven to 230C/210C fan/gas 8. Line a baking tray with foil and sit a wire rack (preferably non-stick) on top. Tip the crumb mix onto a large plate, then lift the chicken breasts from the buttermilk (leaving the marinade clinging to it) and roll each one in the crumbs, coating evenly. Heat 1½ tsp of oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add 2 chicken breasts and fry for 1½ mins (without moving them), over a medium-high heat – adjusting the heat if necessary, so that they don’t burn. Turn the chicken over, add another ¾ tsp of oil to cover the base of the pan, and fry for 1 min more. Using a fish slice, transfer the chicken to the wire rack, then wipe any crumbs from the pan and repeat with the rest of the oil and chicken. Bake the chicken in the oven (on the wire rack) for 15 mins until cooked and crisp. Warm the sauce through briefly, remove the chicken from the rack and slice each one into 5 pieces. Serve with the sauce, sticky rice and mixed leaves.

Red lentil & squash dhal

Put the oil and the onion in a saucepan, and cook for 5 mins. Stir in the garlic and cook for a further 1 min, then stir in the spices and butternut squash. Combine everything together. Tip in the chopped tomatoes, stock and chutney, and season well. Bring to the boil, then gently simmer for about 10 mins. Add the lentils and simmer for another 20 mins until the lentils and squash are tender. Stir in the coriander and serve with warmed naan bread.

Polenta-crusted chicken with cornbread

If you have time, soak the chicken in the buttermilk (not regular milk) overnight. To make the cornbread, heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Grease 6 holes of a muffin tin, or a special cornbread tin if you have one. Tip the dry ingredients into a bowl and separately beat the eggs with the buttermilk or yogurt. Pour over the dry ingredients and beat together to make a batter. Divide the batter between the holes and bake for 20 mins until puffed up. Remove the tin from the oven and leave to cool. Put a rack in a roasting tin in the oven. Tip the polenta, flour and spices into a food bag with a generous pinch of salt and some pepper. Dip the chicken into the buttermilk, add a few pieces to the bag and shake to coat in the flour mixture, then place on a plate. Heat a decent puddle of oil in a large frying pan or wok and fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy. When all the chicken has been fried, place it on the rack and bake for 30 mins until completely cooked through. Serve with the cornbread and some coleslaw.

Amatriciana chicken traybake

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Find a large roasting tin that will hold the chicken thighs and potatoes in a single layer. Halve the chilli, scrape out and discard the seeds if you don’t like it too hot, and remove the stalk. Put in a small food processor or mini chopper with the tomato purée, olive oil and garlic. Whizz to a paste, then spread over the chicken. Add the chicken and potatoes to the tin with a good grinding of black pepper and some salt, then mix everything together well with your hands. Add the thyme and roast for 30 mins. Stir in the pancetta and roast for 15 mins more, then add the tomatoes and roast for another 15 mins until the tomatoes have softened and the chicken is cooked. Serve straight from the pan and eat with a green salad and some bread, if you like, for mopping up the juices.

Open rye sandwich with chicken & avocado

Divide guacamole between rye bread, spreading it evenly. Arrange 4 slices of tomato on each sandwich, and top with a sliced Cajun grilled chicken breast (see ‘goes well with’). Finish with lime juice and some ground black pepper.

Chicken, vegetable & noodle soup

Put the kettle on. Chop the leftover chicken into small pieces. Put the gravy in a jug and make up to 1 litre with boiling water from the kettle. Pour into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the noodles, vegetable stir-fry, spring onions, chilli and chicken. Simmer rapidly for 5 mins until the noodles are tender, then serve with crusty bread.

Chicken souvlaki

Put the onion in a bowl, pour over enough boiled water from a kettle to cover, then set aside for 5 mins. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with the olives, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley and/or mint leaves, beetroot and chicken. Season the yogurt and toast the flatbreads. To serve, top each flatbread with generous spoonfuls of the souvlaki, yogurt and a drizzle of oil.

Greek chicken kebab

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade, along with a good few pinches of salt and some pepper. Add the chicken thighs and mix everything together. Cover and chill overnight. Light a lidded barbecue, then let the flames die down. Once the coals have turned ashen, mound them up on one side. Thread the chicken thighs onto 2 metal skewers – so that both skewers go through each piece of meat – packing the thighs down so that they are really compact. Place the chicken kebab on the side without any coals underneath. Pop the lid down and cook for 45-55 mins, turning regularly, or until cooked through – prise the chicken pieces apart in the centre to check this. Cover the chicken with foil and leave to rest for 20 mins before slicing. (If cooking in the oven, heat to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Rest a wire rack over a roasting tin and place the chicken on top. Cook for 45-55 mins or until cooked through.) Slice strips of chicken from the kebab and stuff into pittas, warmed on the barbecue. Serve with Dill yogurt sauce, tomato, red onion & cucumber salad, and crunchy lettuce.

Golden roast chicken with sweetcorn, sage & garlic

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Untie the chicken, then loosen the skin from the breast meat using your fingers. Take care not to make any rips. Season half the butter, then mash the garlic into it. Push the butter and then the sage leaves under the skin (get the sage leaves as flat and spread out as you can, so that they look nice as you bring the bird to the table). Push half the onion into the cavity, then retie the legs loosely with string. Smooth the rest of the butter all over the chicken and season generously. Put the rest of the onion in a large roasting tin and set the chicken on top. Cover loosely with a large piece of foil and roast for 1 hr 40 mins. Remove the foil; the chicken will be almost cooked, and the onions turning dark gold and soft. Turn the corn cobs in the cooking juices, then return to the oven for 20 mins more, turning them over halfway, until tender and catching a little colour here and there. Insert a skewer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh. When it’s cooked, the juices that run out will be clear. Cover the whole pan loosely with foil again and let the meat rest while you dress a salad and gather everyone to the table.

Marrakech lamb with tahini squash gratin

Remove the lamb from the fridge and allow to come to room temperature while you prepare the stuffing. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan, add the onion and fry for 8-10 mins until starting to turn golden. Add the garlic and spices and cook for 1 min more, then scoop out into a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, herbs, pistachios, feta, cherries, lemon and tahini. Season and mix everything together. Unroll the lamb and season well on both sides. Pack the stuffing down the centre of the lamb, pressing to help it stick, then re-roll and tie up with kitchen string (see tip, below left). Flip the lamb over so it is seam-side down, and pack any stuffing that has fallen out back in. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Now assemble the gratin. Slice the squash in half to separate the thinner top half and the bulbous bottom half. Peel both pieces with either a sturdy peeler or a sharp knife. Cut down the centre of the thinner piece, then slice very thinly into half moons. Halve the bottom piece and scoop out the seeds, then thinly slice this too. Whisk the tahini, cream and stock in a jug with some seasoning. Arrange the sliced squash in a shallow ovenproof baking dish, approximately 22 x 30cm, seasoning well between the layers. Finish with a layer of neatly lined-up half moon slices. Pour over the tahini stock. Place the lamb on top of the gratin, seam-side down, and rub with the remaining oil. Place in the centre of the oven and roast for 1 hr 20 mins for slightly pink lamb. Lift the lamb off the gratin and transfer to a plate, covered with foil to keep warm, and leave to rest. 4 While the lamb rests, increase oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Spoon any excess fat off the top of the gratin, then return to the oven for 20 mins until golden and crisp. Place the lamb back on top of the gratin to serve, scattered with mint leaves and a pot of Saffron yogurt (see tip, below left) on the side.

Liver parfait with Sauternes jelly

Melt the butter in a wide frying pan and add the shallots, herbs and some seasoning. Cook gently for 10 mins until very soft. Spoon the shallots into a food processor and discard the herbs; pour the butter into a jug, leaving 1 tbsp in the pan. Turn up the heat in the pan and add the livers. Season and fry for 30 secs on each side or until just browned all over. They will still be very raw inside. Take out of the pan and put in the processor. Splash the Sauternes into the hot pan and reduce by half, scraping up any tasty bits as it bubbles. Tip onto the liver and shallots. Process the livers until totally smooth. With the motor running, slowly pour in the cream and add the eggs, one by one, then the warm butter. Season with 2 tsp sea salt and some pepper, but don’t taste the mixture as it’s still raw. Pass through a sieve, using a spatula to help. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and boil a full kettle. Put 6 heatproof glass tumblers, small Kilner jars or large ramekins into a roasting tin. Pour the parfait into each one. Pour hot water around the parfaits, letting it come as far up the sides as is safe for you to carry. Bake for 45 mins until the parfaits have set without a wobble and risen a little in the middle. Cool at room temperature (I make this more speedy by filling the pan with cold water and letting the whole thing stand on a wire rack), then chill. To make the jelly, soak the gelatine in cold water until it is totally floppy. Heat the wine and sugar until it dissolves, then remove from the heat. Squeeze out as much water from the gelatine as possible, then stir into the wine until totally dissolved. Set aside. When cooled but still liquid, pour this over the top of the parfaits, adding a few thyme leaves here and there. Leave to set in the fridge for at least 30 mins. Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Serve with toast and cornichons.

Easy peasy risotto with chilli & mint crumbs

Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and cook for 5 mins, then add the garlic. Stir in the rice for 1-2 mins, then add the stock, a little at a time, stirring continuously until the rice is nearly cooked and the stock has all been absorbed – this will take about 20 mins. Meanwhile, tip the peas into a colander and run under the hot water tap until defrosted. Drain well, tip into a bowl and roughly mash with a potato masher. Remove the risotto from the heat, stir in the peas, cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice, then season well. Grate the bread on a box grater into chunky crumbs. On the finer side of the grater, grate the chilli. Heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan, add the chilli, lemon zest and crumbs and cook for 2 mins until crispy, then add the mint and sprinkle over the risotto before serving.

Acquacotta

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and gently fry the celery, carrots, onion, garlic and thyme for 10-15 mins until softened. Meanwhile, cover the porcini with hot water and soak for 15 mins until softened and swollen. Drain the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid, and roughly chop. Add to the softened vegetables along with the soaking liquid and cook for another 5 mins. Stir in the tomatoes and cook for 10 mins until they begin to break down, then pour in the stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Poach the 6 eggs in a separate large saucepan of simmering water for 3-4 mins until set, then remove with a slotted spoon. Add the parsley and a little seasoning to the soup, and mix in the torn-up toasted bread. Divide the soup between 6 bowls and place an egg on top of each. Serve scattered with extra thyme.

Spanish chicken with chorizo, potatoes & chickpeas

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Insert the zested, halved lemon into the chicken cavity, and mix the 1 tbsp paprika with 1 tbsp of the oil and some seasoning. Rub this all over the chicken and sit it in the middle of a big roasting tin. Toss the potatoes and chorizo with the rest of the oil and scatter around the chicken. Cover everything with a big tent of foil and roast for 30 mins. Remove the foil from the tin, baste the chicken, then stir the lemon wedges and garlic cloves into the spuds and chorizo. Roast uncovered for another 30 mins while you mix the wine, stock and 1 pinch of saffron together. Pour the stock mixture into the tin with the chickpeas and some seasoning, stirring together with the potato and chorizo, then put back in the oven for a final 30 mins. Check the chicken is cooked through, then stir the parsley into the tin. Mix the lemon zest, another pinch of saffron and 1-2 pinches of paprika into the yogurt and serve alongside.

Chicken schnitzel with coleslaw

For the coleslaw, get your child to mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Season a little and set aside. Place a layer of cling film on your work surface and pop the chicken fillets on top. Cover with another piece of cling film and, using a rolling pin, ask your child to bash the chicken until it is 2-3mm thick. Put the flour on a plate and season, then put the egg on another plate. Get your child to dip the chicken in the flour to coat, then into the egg. Mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a shallow bowl, then ask your child to toss the chicken in the mixture to completely coat in the crumbs. Put the chicken on a plate and chill in the fridge until ready to eat if you’re not cooking them straight away. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a fairly high heat and cook the chicken schnitzels two at a time. Sizzle them for 2-3 mins each side until completely golden, then lift out onto kitchen paper to drain. You can keep them warm in a low oven while you cook the rest. Serve with the coleslaw.

Lebanese chicken wraps

Lay the chicken breasts on a sheet of baking parchment, cover with another sheet of parchment, then flatten by bashing them with a rolling pin. Mix half the yogurt in a large bowl with half the lemon juice, the lemon zest, allspice, olive oil, garlic and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly, then stir in the chicken, making sure it is well coated in the mixture. Cover and chill for 30 mins to marinate. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 mins each side or until cooked through (you may need to do this in batches). Transfer to a board and slice. Spread the rest of the yogurt over the wraps and fill with the pine nuts, cooked chicken, parsley, tomatoes and cucumber. Drizzle over the rest of the lemon juice and roll up. Put the wraps back on the griddle pan for 30 secs each side to lightly toast, then serve with a mixed salad.

Spiced black bean & chicken soup with kale

Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the garlic, coriander stalks and lime zest, then fry for 2 mins until fragrant. Stir in the cumin and chilli flakes, fry for 1 min more, then tip in the tomatoes, beans and stock. Bring to the boil, then crush the beans against the bottom of the pan a few times using a potato masher. This will thicken the soup a little. Stir the kale into the soup, simmer for 5 mins or until tender, then tear in the chicken and let it heat through. Season to taste with salt, pepper and juice from half the lime, then serve in shallow bowls, scattered with the feta and a few coriander leaves. Serve the remaining lime in wedges for the table, with the toasted tortillas on the side. The longer you leave the chicken in the pan, the thicker the soup will become, so add a splash more stock if you can’t serve the soup straight away.

Mini schnitzels with garlic sauce

Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Place the chicken thigh fillets between 2 pieces of cling film and bash with a rolling pin to about 1cm thick. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Put the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs on 3 separate plates. Season the flour, then toss the chicken pieces in it to coat, followed by the egg and finishing with a coating of breadcrumbs. Put the breadcrumbed chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 10-12 mins. Meanwhile, in a small pan, melt the butter, then stir in the garlic and cook for 3-4 mins until it is softened. Turn down the heat, whisk in the crème fraîche and most of the parsley and season to taste. Serve the sauce in a small pot on the side, to dip into, sprinkle the remaining parsley over the sauce, and serve with salad leaves and skinny fries, if you like.

Braised chicory with pan-fried home salt cod

Wash and trim the fillets as necessary. Feeling the cod carefully with your fingers, locate and remove the pin bones from the centre of the fillets. Lay the fish, skin-side down, in a shallow dish. Mix the salt with the lemon zest and sprinkle evenly over the fillets. Cover the dish with cling film and chill for 30 mins. Cut the chicory in half lengthways and remove and discard the tough central core (it may be bitter). Blanch in plenty of boiling water for 2 mins, then drain well. Heat the extra virgin oil and butter in a large sauté pan and add the chicory, cut-side down. Cook for 5 mins or so until the surface of the chicory begins to brown. Turn the chicory and pour in the lemon juice and stock. Add the garlic, season and bring to a simmer, then cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 20 mins. Wash the cod fillets well under running cold water, then pat dry using kitchen paper. Brush the fish with the olive oil, then place in a heavy-based non-stick pan, skin-side down. Cook the fish on a medium-high heat for 5-7 mins or until the skin is golden brown. The fish should be nearly opaque. Turn and cook for a further 1-2 mins, then turn over once more, remove the pan from the heat and leave the fish to rest for 2 mins. Add the capers to the chicory and sprinke with the parsley. Serve with the fish and crusty bread, if you like.

Chiang Mai curried noodles (Khao soi gai)

First, make the pickled chilli & shallots: Put the chilli and shallots in a small bowl and pour the vinegar over. Add some salt and let it sit to pickle while you make the curry. In a large saucepan, heat the 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add the curry paste and turn the heat down to medium. Cook for 5 mins, then add the curry powder and chilli flakes. Cook for 1 min more, then add the coconut milk, coconut cream, stock, fish sauce and lime juice. Bring to a simmer. Chop the chicken into pieces and add to the curry. Cook for 15 mins or until tender. Boil some water in a large saucepan for the noodles. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a small wok – it’s ready when a small piece of bread sizzles when dropped in. Add 75g of the noodles to the wok in 4 batches until they bubble up and go crispy. Use a wire mesh ladle or slotted spoon to remove them and drain on kitchen paper. Boil the remaining noodles for 2-3 mins until al dente, then drain. Divide the noodles between 4 bowls. Pour the curry over each and top with coriander, beansprouts, some drained pickled chilli & shallots, spring onions and a drizzle of chilli oil. Top with the crisp noodles and devour while it’s hot.

Lighter Coronation chicken & avocado sandwich

In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, curry powder, apricots, coriander, chilli (if using) and half the lime juice. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat in the sauce, seasoning to taste. Halve then slice the avocado and place in a shallow dish with the rest of the lime juice, tossing to coat. Divide the chicken mixture in 2 and spread equally over 2 slices of bread. Top with the mango slices, avocado and a couple of leaves of the lettuce. Put another slice of bread on top and wrap tightly in cling film or greaseproof paper. Keep wrapped in the fridge until serving.

One-pan jerk roast chicken

First make the jerk paste. Put all the ingredients in a food processor, add a good pinch of salt and blend to a fine purée, adding a splash of water if the mixture is struggling to break down. Tie the legs together if you like, and put in a large flameproof roasting tin. Pour over the jerk paste and rub all over and inside the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the juiced lime halves and cover the tray with foil. Chill for up to 48 hrs or a minimum of 2 hrs. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cook the chicken for 45 mins. Take the chicken out the oven, remove the foil and carefully lift it onto a plate, pouring any juice from the cavity into the tin. Tip the onions, peppers and sweet potatoes into the tin, and season well, then toss in the tray to coat in any residual jerk paste. Put the chicken on top of the veggies and drizzle it with a little oil. Lower the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and return the roasting tin to the middle shelf, uncovered. Roast for a further 45 mins or until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked through – if you have a meat thermometer, check that the temperature has reached 75C. Carefully remove the chicken from the tin, place on a plate and wrap in foil, then leave to rest. Place the roasting tin on the hob over a medium heat. Stir in the beans and coconut milk, scraping the bottom of the tin to lift off any tasty bits. Simmer until the sauce has thickened a little, then season to taste. If the sauce looks oily, skim the fat off the surface with a spoon. Put the chicken back in the pan and scatter over the coriander leaves before taking to the table. Serve with rice and flatbreads for mopping up the sauce.

Tofu escalopes with black olive salsa verde

Steam or boil the potatoes for 20 mins or until tender. Cut the pressed tofu into 4 rectangles, then splice each rectangle in half, like cutting a deck of cards. Lay the slices on a plate and sprinkle over the soy sauce. Set aside for 5 mins. Meanwhile, make the salsa verde. Put the garlic, basil, capers, oil and sugar into a food processor with 3 tbsp lemon juice. Pulse until roughly chopped. Stir in the olives and season with pepper and a little salt. Put the flour on a plate and season with pepper. On another plate, mix the Parmesan and lemon zest into the breadcrumbs. Beat the egg, mustard and 2 tsp water in a wide bowl. Pat 1 slice of tofu in the flour, then dip into the egg and coat with the breadcrumbs. Set aside. Repeat process until all the tofu is coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the tofu gently until golden brown, about 5 mins each side. Slice into finger-width strips with a serrated knife, then mix together with the watercress and potatoes. Spoon over the salsa verde, drizzle over a little extra olive oil, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Andalusian-style chicken

Add the saffron to the hot stock to soak. Heat the oil in a medium pan and cook the onion until it is soft and just beginning to turn golden. Push to the side of the pan and add the chicken. Cook for a few mins until the chicken is browned all over. Add the cinnamon and chilli, and cook for a couple of mins. Add the stock, vinegar, honey, tomatoes and raisins. Bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 10 mins until the sauce is reduced and the chicken is cooked through. When ready to serve, scatter with the coriander and nuts, and serve with bread on the side.

Caesar salad burgers

Heat a griddle pan over a high heat until smoking hot. While it’s heating up, put the chicken pieces between 2 pieces of baking parchment and bash with a rolling pin to flatten. Unwrap the chicken and brush the pieces with olive oil. Cook the chicken on the griddle pan until cooked through, turning once – this should take about 10 mins. Transfer the chicken to a plate, pour over a little of the lemon juice and season. Put the rolls on the griddle pan, cut- side down, to lightly toast them. In a small bowl, stir together the crème fraîche and remaining lemon juice. Build your burgers with the chicken, egg slices, lettuce, a dollop of the crème fraîche mixture, the cress and Parmesan shavings.

Baked tomato, gruyère & potato gratin

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Generously grease a large, deep, ovenproof dish. Strip the leaves from 3 of the thyme sprigs. Mix the Gruyère with all but 2 tbsp of the grated Parmesan, then mix the double cream with the stock. Start layering up the sliced potatoes with sprinklings of the shallots, garlic, thyme leaves, cheese and most of the walnuts, plus plenty of seasoning. Drizzle a little of the cream mixture over each layer too. When you’ve layered in half of those ingredients, top with half of the tomatoes. Continue layering the rest of the ingredients, finishing with the last of the cream. Top with the remaining tomatoes, then sprinkle over the breadcrumbs, the remaining Parmesan and walnuts, and enough thyme to look pretty. Add a few more knobs of butter, then cover with foil. Bake the gratin for 1 hr 15 mins, then remove the foil and bake for a further 40 mins until golden and crispy on top, and a knife poked into the centre of the potatoes slides in easily. Leave to rest for 10-15 mins, then serve.

Cheat’s katsu curry

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cook the chicken following pack instructions. Meanwhile, to make the katsu sauce, heat the oil in a medium saucepan and fry the onion and carrots for around 8–10 mins or until soft, but not golden. Transfer the onion and carrot to a blender. Add the gravy, curry powder, peanut butter and soy sauce, then whizz until very smooth. Pour the sauce mixture back into the pan and heat until simmering hot, stirring frequently. Slice the chicken into strips, divide between 4 plates, then pour the katsu sauce over. Add a spoonful of pickled red cabbage to each portion and serve with cooked rice and salad leaves.

Spanish chicken traybake with chorizo & peppers

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Using a pestle and mortar, crush the garlic and thyme leaves with a little seasoning and 2 tsp oil to make a paste. If you don’t have a pestle and mortar, finely grate the garlic, then stir everything together. Rub the herb and garlic paste on the underside of the chicken to flavour it. Cut each of the pepper halves into 2 or 3 chunky strips, depending on their size. Pile into a large roasting tin with the chorizo and olives, toss with the remaining oil, then sit the chicken on top, skin-side up. Scatter over the tomatoes, spoon over the vinegar, season and tuck in the thyme sprigs. Roast for 1 hr until the chicken skin is crispy and the vegetables have softened. Serve with crusty bread, pasta or potatoes.

Roast chicken & roots

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the chicken in a large roasting tin. Remove any trussing elastic and re-tie the chicken’s legs with string, if you like. Rub the lemon juice into the chicken, then rub in 1 tbsp of the oil and sprinkle with the thyme and plenty of seasoning. Roast for 25 mins.

Mix the squash, carrots, parnsips and onion in a bowl with the remaining oil, lemon zest and plenty of ground black pepper, and toss together well.

Take the chicken out of the oven and put on a plate. Scatter the vegetables into the tin, nestling the garlic cloves underneath, then put the chicken on top. Return to the oven for a further 45 mins, turning the veg after 20 mins until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

Take the chicken out and place on a warmed platter. Cover with foil and leave to rest for 10 mins. Cook the spinach in a saucepan with a drizzle of water, and season with black pepper. Scatter the vegetables around the chicken and serve with the spinach. Squeeze the garlic out of the skins and smear over the chicken, if you like.

smoked haddock and wild mushroom traybake 1

Smoked haddock & wild mushroom traybake

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the potatoes in a large pan and cover with the chicken stock and 50ml water. Bring to the boil, then gently simmer for 8-10 mins until tender. Carefully remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the stock.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the onions for about 8 mins until golden brown. Spread them over a 26 x 5cm ovenproof dish and arrange the potatoes neatly on top. Season well and pour over the chicken stock. The stock should soak into the onions, leaving the potatoes dry.

Spoon the crème fraîche over the potatoes in an even layer. Lay the haddock on top, then scatter over the mushrooms and butter, leaving some of the potatoes and onions visible. Cover with foil and put in the oven for 8 mins.

Meanwhile, make the topping by mixing the lemon thyme, brioche breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Remove the foil from the fish and sprinkle over the crumb topping (making sure that some of the mushrooms are still visible). Return to the oven for 5 mins, then place under the grill for about 2 mins or until golden brown.

To give the dish some acidity, lay the lemon segments in a roasting tin and char with a blowtorch, or char in a griddle pan over a high heat. Arrange on top of the golden crust and serve in the middle of the table with wilted spinach, if you like.

crispy pancakes with creamy chicken and bacon

Crispy pancakes with creamy chicken & bacon

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-8 mins each side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate. Tip the lardons into the pan and sizzle for a few mins until crispy, then tip out onto the plate with the chicken.

If the pan looks dry, add the remaining oil, then the onion. Cook for 5 mins until softened and translucent, then stir in the mushrooms and some seasoning. Cook for 5-10 mins until the mushrooms are soft and most of the liquid in the pan has cooked. Stir in the flour, mixing it into the mushrooms to make a chunky paste, then pour in the milk, a little at a time, whisking continuously until you have a smooth sauce. Bubble for 2-3 mins until thick. Chop the chicken into small chunks and add back to the pan along with the lardons and any juices from the plate. Check the seasoning, stir in the parsley, then leave to cool and chill until you’re ready to fill the pancakes.

To make the pancakes, tip the flour into a large bowl and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Make a well in the centre and crack in the 2 eggs. Pour in the milk, then use a large whisk to combine the eggs and milk, working the flour into the liquid until you have a smooth, thin batter. Heat a large frying pan or crêpe pan with a drizzle of oil.

When the pan is hot, pour in just under a ladleful of the batter and quickly swirl the pan to spread it across the surface, filling any gaps with an extra drizzle of batter. When the underside of the pancake is golden, flip and cook for 30 secs more. Transfer to a plate and make three more pancakes in the same way, then cool until you’re ready to assemble. If you want to make the pancakes a day ahead, once cool stack on a plate, separated with sheets of baking parchment, then wrap the plate in cling film. Chill for up to 2 days.

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and line two baking trays with baking parchment. Take one pancake and brush a circle of beaten egg around the edge. Pile a quarter of the chicken mixture into the centre of the pancake (the sauce should have thickened while chilling), then fold the pancake over and press the edges together to make a pasty shape. Transfer to a baking tray and continue assembling the remaining pancakes. Brush the top of each one with more egg and scatter over the breadcrumbs, then bake for 20-25 mins, swapping the trays halfway through. Leave to cool for 5 mins before serving with salad or baked beans, if you like.

Pitta pocket

Fill the pitta half with the chicken breast, cucumber and cherry tomatoes.