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Jalebi Recipe

Ingredients Ingredients 1 litre vegetable oil, for deep-frying flaked almonds or finely chopped pistachios, to

katsu

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.

Chorizo & rosemary pearl barley risotto

Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and fry the chorizo for 3-4 mins until it turns golden and releases its oil. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the onion and garlic to the pan, and cook for 3-4 mins, until they begin to soften. Add the pearl barley and stir well to coat in the oil, before tipping in the chopped tomatoes and the chicken stock. Bring just to the boil, then turn down to a simmer and cook for 30 mins, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has been absorbed and the pearl barley is tender. You may need to top up with a little extra water as you go. Season and stir in the rosemary and chorizo to serve.

duck ragu 2

Venetian duck ragu

Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the duck legs and brown on all sides for about 10 mins. Remove to a plate and set aside. Add the onions to the pan and cook for 5 mins until softened. Add the garlic and cook for a further 1 min, then stir in the cinnamon and flour and cook for a further min. Return the duck to the pan, add the wine, tomatoes, stock, herbs, sugar and seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover with a lid and cook for 2 hrs, stirring every now and then. Carefully lift the duck legs out of the sauce and place on a plate – they will be very tender so try not to lose any of the meat. Pull off and discard the fat, then shred the meat with 2 forks and discard the bones. Add the meat back to the sauce with the milk and simmer, uncovered, for a further 10-15 mins while you cook the pasta. Cook the pasta following pack instructions, then drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and add the pasta to the ragu. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and cook for 1 min more, adding a splash of cooking liquid if it looks dry. Serve with grated Parmesan, if you like.

rabbit pie

Mr McGregor’s rabbit pie

Toss the rabbit joints (or diced meat) with half the flour and some seasoning. Heat half the oil in a flameproof casserole dish and brown the meat on all sides. Lift out the meat, add the remaining oil, the leek and fennel seeds, and fry gently until softened. Stir in the remaining flour until it has disappeared. Add the cider and scrape up any stuck bits on the dish as it comes to the boil, then add the stock, return the meat to the dish, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40-45 mins until the rabbit is really tender and falling from the bone. Lift out the meat and, while you’re shredding it from the bones in big chunks (if you’ve used joints), boil down the cooking liquid to about a third. Stir the cream and mustard into the liquid, taste for seasoning, then stir the rabbit back in. Spoon into a small pie dish or baking dish. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Stick a thin strip of pastry around the edge of the dish. Slice the remaining pastry into 2.5cm-wide strips with a floured knife, then weave into a tight lattice. Lift up carefully, using a rolling pin to help you, then stick on with a little beaten egg. Trim the edges to finish. Brush the top with more egg and bake for 25 mins until golden. Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add the carrots for 2 mins, then the radishes for 2 mins, followed by the peas for 1 min. Drain. When the pie is done, melt the butter in a small frying pan. Add the drained veg with the sugar, turn up the heat and fry to caramelise a little. Serve immediately alongside the pie.

chicken 8

Honey & cumin chicken and aubergine skewers with pistachio dukkah

Pre-soak wooden skewers in warm water for 20 mins. (You will need about 32 skewers and they must be able to fit inside a griddle pan or frying pan.) Meanwhile, mix the marinade ingredients and some seasoning in a large bowl, then tip half into another bowl. Add the chicken to 1 bowl and the aubergine to the other. (If you’re not catering for vegetarians, you can mix them together in one bowl.) Leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 20 mins, or up to 24 hrs. To make the dukkah, toast the sesame, cumin and coriander seeds in a dry pan until aromatic. Meanwhile, tip the pistachios into a small food processor and blitz until finely chopped, but still with some texture, then transfer to a bowl. Tip the toasted seeds and spices into the processor and blitz again until finely chopped, then add these to the pistachios, along with the paprika, black pepper and a good pinch of salt. Mix, then set aside until ready to serve. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Thread the aubergine onto skewers, about 4-5 chunks per skewer, and place on 2 parchment-lined trays. Bake for 20-25 mins until tender and golden, turning the skewers and swapping the trays halfway through cooking. Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan or a frying pan (or use both to speed up the cooking) over a medium-high heat. Thread the chicken pieces onto the remaining skewers. Cook the chicken skewers in batches in the hot pan, turning regularly to prevent the honey burning. When nicely charred, but not cooked through, transfer to a baking tray. When all the chicken skewers are browned, drizzle them and the aubergine skewers with the remaining honey. Pop the chicken into the oven with the aubergine for the final 5-10 mins cooking, or until they are cooked through and sticky. Serve the skewers with a bowl of dukkah for dipping.

chicken 9 1

Chicken garden salad with elderflower dressing

Bring a medium pan of water to the boil and fill a large bowl with ice-cold water. Drop the asparagus into the pan. After 1 min, add the sugar snaps. After another 30 secs, tip in the peas. Cook for 30 secs more, then drain and tip the vegetables into the icy water – this will cool them quickly, helping to keep their bite and vibrant colour. After 1-2 mins, drain and set aside in the colander while you prepare the other ingredients. Dry your bowl, pour in the dressing ingredients with plenty of seasoning and whisk together. Add the chicken, radishes, onion, cooled and drained vegetables, and the lettuce, and gently toss everything together until well coated in the dressing – the easiest way is to use your hands. Pile the salad onto a large platter and scatter over the pea shoots, if using. Serve straight away.

pilaf 2

Broad bean & dill pilaf

Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then soak in warm water for 5 mins and drain well. Heat the butter in a saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Sizzle everything for 8-10 mins until softened, but not coloured. Stir though the rice and pour over the stock. Cover, bring to the boil, then turn down heat to a minimum and cook the rice very slowly for 10 mins. Lift the lid, and quickly scatter over the podded beans, then replace the lid. Turn up the heat and simmer for 5 mins until all the liquid is absorbed. Add the dill, give the rice a good stir and serve with extra butter melting through.

chicken 10

Spicy chicken with rice & beans

Cut 2-3 slashes in each chicken thigh, sprinkle the spices over and turn to coat. If you have time, cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for 2 hrs, or overnight in the fridge. Heat half the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and cook for 4 mins. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 secs more. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the remaining oil to the pan and sprinkle over the sugar. Cook over a medium heat until the sugar begins to caramelise. When it turns dark brown, add the chicken and cook for 4 mins, turning. Pour in the passata, stock and vinegar, then add the pepper, onion and garlic. Season and stir. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 25 mins, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, put the rice in a saucepan, cover with water and add salt. Bring to the boil and cook for 10-12 mins. Drain and return half to the pan with half the kidney beans, then cover. (Run the other half of the rice under cold water, drain and leave until cold, then mix with the remaining kidney beans. Chill in a container for Thursday’s recipe.). Serve the chicken with the rice and beans, and spoonfuls of natural yogurt.

roast chicken

Lemon & garlic roast chicken with charred broccoli & sweet potato mash

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and put the chicken in a large non-stick roasting tin. Halve 1 garlic clove and rub it over the chicken. Drizzle with oil, rub in with your fingers, then stuff the cavity with the thyme, 1 lemon half and the garlic you just used. Cut the other lemon half into quarters and scatter around the chicken with the other garlic clove, halved. Cover the tin with foil and bake for 40 mins, then remove the foil and spoon over the hot juices. Arrange the broccoli around the chicken, turning well in the juices, and return the tin to the oven for another 20-30 mins. To check that it is cooked through, pierce between the leg and thigh – if the juices run clear, the chicken is ready. Re-cover with foil and set aside while you prepare the sweet potatoes. Put the sweet potatoes in a pan of boiling water, return to the boil, then simmer for 7-10 mins until tender. Drain well, then mash. Set aside 100g of sweet potato mash if using for Chicken wrap with sticky sweet potato, see ‘goes well with’, then add the cream cheese to the rest and stir well. Remove the broccoli from the roasting tin and divide between 2 plates. Put the chicken on a serving plate, discard the lemon and garlic from the tin and remove as much of the fat from the juices as possible. Pour the remaining juices into a serving jug. Carve the chicken and serve about 100g (1-2 slices) per person (keep the rest of the chicken for Chicken wrap with sticky sweet potato if making, see ‘goes well with’). Serve with the broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes, and a drizzle of the lemony-garlic juices on top.

open chicken sandwich

Lemony chicken skewers, herbed new potatoes & apple coleslaw

If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 mins. Heat the grill to high and place a non-stick baking tray beneath it. In a large bowl, mix the marinade ingredients, then add the chicken, turning it to ensure it is thoroughly coated. Cover and set aside. Put the potatoes in a large pan of boiling water and cook until a fork easily pierces them – about 12 mins. Meanwhile, mix the oil and herbs in a small bowl. While the potatoes are cooking, make the dressing for the coleslaw. Mix together the crème fraiche, mustard and lemon in a large bowl. Add all the vegetables and the apple, and stir well. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan. Pour the herb mixture over them, stir gently to mix, cover to keep warm and set aside. Finally, divide the chicken between 4 skewers and place on the hot baking tray, spooning excess marinade over the chicken. Put the tray under the grill and cook for 6-8 mins, turning the skewers every 2 mins or so to ensure even cooking. Cut open a piece of chicken to ensure it’s cooked through. Serve with the potatoes and coleslaw, reserving half the coleslaw for Smoked mackerel platter (see ‘goes well with’).

anise chicken

Star anise roast chicken

Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Put the chicken in a large roasting tin, then put a few onion slices, garlic cloves, a small piece of the ginger and 1 star anise inside the chicken. Brush chicken all over with the sesame oil. Pour over the stock, then scatter all of the remaining veg into the tin. Grate the rest of the ginger and garlic over the chicken and veg, and add the remaining star anise to the stock. Cover the chicken with foil and roast for 1 hr. Remove the foil twice to baste the chicken with the liquid. Mix the soy and sugar together. Remove the foil and pour over the soy mixture, then return to the oven for 15-20 mins. Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid and cook for 10 mins. Set aside and keep warm. When the chicken is cooked through – the juices should run clear when a sharp knife is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh – remove from the tin and rest on a plate covered with foil. Pour a ladleful of the juices from the tin into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Mix the cornflour with 2 tbsp cold water and add to the pan. Heat, stirring continuously, until thickened. Strain the gravy into a jug. Stir and press the onions to squeeze out any extra juices. Drain the potatoes and mash with the olive oil. Serve half the chicken with the veg and half the gravy. Save the rest for Chicken, vegetable & noodle soup (see ‘goes well right’, right)

noodles 3

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 13 1

Frango churrasco (Grilled lemon & garlic chicken)

Place the chicken in a shallow, non-metallic dish and cover with all the other ingredients and mix everything together. Cover and chill for at least 2 hrs, or overnight if possible. Bring to room temperature 1 hr before grilling. Thread half the thighs onto 2 large metal skewers, or wooden ones soaked in water for 10 mins. Repeat with the remaining thighs and another 2 skewers. Heat an outdoor barbecue until very hot, or use an oven grill. Place on the grill for 6 mins on one side, then turn over and cook for 4 mins. Cook for a few mins more on each side if they are large – keep the heat on medium so they don’t burn. Remove and keep warm under foil.

sesame chicken 0

Sesame chicken salad

Put the chicken in a pan and pour over cold water to cover. Tip the soya beans into a steamer. Bring the pan to a gentle simmer, then cook the chicken for 8 mins with the beans above. Meanwhile, mix the dressing ingredients in a large bowl. When the chicken is cooked, slice and toss in the dressing along with the beans, carrot, onions, tomatoes, coriander and basil. Mix really well, pile onto the salad leaves and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

fussy eaters

Fussy eaters top-your-own sweet tomato pasta

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the red pepper and sweet potato, and cook for 5-10 mins until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min more. Add the red wine vinegar, sizzle for a moment, then add the chopped tomatoes and season. Cover and simmer for 30 mins until the sweet potato is really soft, adding a splash of water if it starts to look dry. Tip the sauce into a blender (or use a hand blender) and whizz until smooth. Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead or frozen for up to 3 months. Cook the pasta following pack instructions and reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan. Once the pasta is cooked, drain well and toss with the sauce and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Serve the pasta in a big bowl for everyone to help themselves, with extra toppings to choose from to keep fussy eaters happy.

chicken souvlaki 1

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.

chicken broth

Cold chicken noodle salad

Shred the meat from the leftover chicken legs, and discard the skin and bones. Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the noodles following pack instructions. Drain the noodles and cool in cold running water. Mix together the wasabi, soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Toss the cooled noodles with the dressing and arrange on a serving plate. Top with the chicken, chilli, spring onions and coriander. Toss everything through just before serving.

chicken broth

Chinese poached chicken & rice

Put the sliced ginger, the garlic, peppercorns and half the soy in a large pan with the chicken legs. Add enough water to cover, and season with a little salt. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a low simmer, put on the lid and poach for 30 mins. Meanwhile, heat a pan and add the sesame oil and spring onions. Soften for 1 min, then remove from the heat and stir in the grated ginger and remaining soy sauce to make a relish. When the chicken is ready, remove from the pan, set aside 4 of the legs and chill for tomorrow. Add the pak choi to the poaching liquid and cook for 3-4 mins. Strain the poaching liquid to remove the ginger, garlic and peppercorns, reserving the liquid. Pull the skin from the remaining 4 chicken legs and discard. Tear the meat into thick pieces. Serve in bowls with rice, the pak choi, a ladle of the hot chicken broth, the spring onion relish and extra soy sauce, if you like.

korean 1 1

Korean BBQ wings

Soak 12 wooden skewers in water for at least 10 mins. To make the sauce, pour the vinegar and soy into a jug. Heat the sugar and 1 tbsp water in a small pan until the sugar has dissolved, then simmer until it turns a deep caramel colour. Standing well back as it will spit, pour in the vinegar and soy. Reduce the heat and let it bubble for a few mins, then add the remaining sauce ingredients, stir well and cook for 5 mins until smooth and thickened. Set aside. Light the barbecue (or set your oven grill to medium). Once the coals have died down, spread out to an even layer. Cut the tips from the chicken wings, then stretch them out as straight as you can and push a skewer through the length of each wing. Brush the skin with the oil and season. Cook the wings on the barbecue or under the grill for 10 mins each side, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crisp. Remove the skewers to a large plate. Pour two-thirds of the sauce into a bowl, reserving the rest in the pan. Using a brush, coat each skewer well with the sauce from the bowl, then return them to the barbecue or grill and cook for a further 2-3 mins each side until the sauce has caramelised. Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Reheat the reserved sauce, adding a splash of water to loosen if needed, then drizzle over the skewers. Top with the sesame seeds and spring onions.

venison sausages

Venison sausages with piquant beans

Heat the oil in a deep frying pan with a lid. Add the sausages and cook, turning them, until they are brown. Lift from the pan, then add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 5-8 mins until softened – add a splash of water if the onion starts to colour too much before it softens. Add the fennel seeds and cook for a few mins until toasted. Pour in the beans and their liquid, plus half a can of water. Add the tomato purée, stock, celery, vinegar and honey, then cover and leave to cook for 12 mins. Add the sausages and cook until warmed through, then stir through the parsley.

watercress soup

Watercress & artichoke soup

Put the potato and spring onions in a pan and pour over the stock. Cover and cook for 5 mins until the potato is tender. Add the watercress, stir until wilted, then blitz with a hand blender or in a food processor until completely smooth. Add the buttermilk and the 4 whole artichokes and blitz again. Top with the chopped artichoke and watercress sprigs just before eating.

roast duck griddled plum salad 1

Roast duck & griddled plum salad

Up to 2 days before, sit the duck legs in your slow cooker or a small casserole or baking dish – if you don’t have a slow cooker, heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Pour over the stock and pomegranate juice so that the legs are submerged. Poke in the cinnamon stick, cover with the lid, or tightly with foil, and slow-cook for 4 hrs on High, or in the oven for 2hrs, until the duck is really tender. Cool in the liquid, then chill until you make the salad. One hour before you want to start the salad, lift the duck legs from the liquid, pat dry with kitchen paper and sit in a roasting tin to dry out a little. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Rub the cumin and cinnamon all over the duck legs with plenty of salt and some ground black pepper, and roast for 15-20 mins. Meanwhile, cook the bulghar wheat following pack instructions, then drain well. Heat a dry griddle pan, brush the halved plums with a little olive oil and griddle for about 5 mins on either side. Set everything aside to cool a little while you prep the rest of the ingredients. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil, add the green beans and cook for 2-4 mins until tender but still with some bite. Drain under cold running water to cool. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients with plenty of seasoning. When the duck is cool enough to handle, shred the meat and crispy skin from the bones. Transfer to a platter with the roasted plums, pomegranate seeds, red onion, bulghar wheat, green beans, flaked almonds, feta and herbs. Toss everything together gently with the dressing and eat immediately.

jerk chicken 1

Jerk chicken

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. With a stick blender or in the small bowl of a food processor, whizz together the jerk seasoning, coconut cream, chilli, spring onions, thyme, garlic and ginger. Stir in the lime zest and juice, and season to taste. Slash the chicken thighs down to the bone a couple of times, then smear over the jerk paste. Roast in the oven for 45-50 mins until golden brown and cooked through. Sprinkle over more thyme and serve with rice & peas.

warm greens shallots with allspice dressing 1

Warm greens & shallots with allspice dressing

Cover the shallots with boiling water and set aside until cool enough to handle, then peel and discard the skins. Heat the oil in a large pan, and add the shallots. Cover with a lid and cook over a low heat for 8-10 mins until starting to caramelise. Add the vinegar, honey and allspice to the pan along with some seasoning. Give everything a good shake in the pan, then bubble for 10 mins until the shallots are tender and sticky, adding a splash of water if the honey looks like it might burn. Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water to the boil, add the greens and cook for 2 mins until they are just tender but still have a nice bite. Add to the shallots and toss through the sticky dressing.

marrakech lamb with tahini squash gratin 1

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.

west indian style chicken legs

West Indian-style chicken legs with sauce chien

To make the sauce, place all the ingredients in the small bowl of a food processor, with 2 tbsp boiling water and a pinch of salt. Blend and taste, adding another squeeze of lime juice if needed. Rub the chicken with the spices, chilli and 1 tsp each of salt and pepper. Pour a third of the sauce over and marinate for at least 3 hrs, or overnight. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Transfer the chicken to a roasting tin and roast for 1 hr, or until crisp and the meat pulls away from the bone. Serve the chicken with the remaining sauce and some coconut rice.

shepherds pie with lambs liver 1

Shepherd’s pie with lamb’s liver

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wide, lidded frying pan or flameproof casserole dish. Fry the mince for 10 mins or until well browned. While it cooks, remove large tubes, stringy bits and membrane from the liver, and discard, then finely chop the liver. Add the liver to the mince and cook for a few mins until it changes colour. Tip the mince and liver into a bowl, deglaze the pan using a splash of the stock, then pour the liquid on top of the mince and liver mixture. Wipe out the pan. Heat the rest of the oil. Add the vegetables and herbs, season and soften for 10 mins. Stir in the purée, Worcestershire sauce, mince, liver and stock. Cover and simmer for 1 1?2 hrs until the sauce is rich and the meat tender. After 45 mins, stir it and add a splash of water if at all dry. If any bits of liver look prominent, mash them into the sauce. Start the mash topping with 30 mins cooking time to go. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain. Warm 150ml of milk in the potato pan, then add the drained potatoes and the butter. Mash until smooth, adding more milk if needed. Season generously and stir through most of the cheese and all the parsley. When the mince and liver is ready, transfer it to a deep baking dish. Top with the mash, smoothing it to the edges of the dish, then scallop the top with a knife or leave it rough. Scatter with the rest of the cheese and bake for 45 mins until golden and bubbling. Let stand for 5 mins, then serve with seasonal vegetables and an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce.

liver parfair with sauternes jelly 1

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

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.

aquacotta

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.