Spicy Carrot and Coriander Soup
Recipe by:
Jon Barnes
This is a really lovely creamy soup with a bit of a kick to it. It's an ideal winter warmer or as spicy starter which delights the palate. Leave out the Worcestershire sauce and it's suitable for vegetarians.
Herbed Chicken Salad
Recipe by:
Chris Gaskill
I came up with this as I was trying to use things I had on hand. I have fresh dill growing on my balcony, which was the key inspiration for this gorgeous version of chicken salad.
Middle Eastern salad
Recipe by:
Azmina Govindji
Based on ‘fattoush’, the colourful, crunchy salad served throughout the Middle East, this version adds tuna fish for extra flavour and protein. Make sure you grill the pitta bread until really crisp to prevent it from going soggy when mixed with the other ingredients, and serve the salad as soon as possible after making.
Monkfish and mussel kebabs
Recipe by:
Azmina Govindji
To create these succulent mini kebabs, marinated cubes of monkfish fillet and fresh mussels are threaded onto skewers with a selection of colourful vegetables, then lightly grilled. They make an extra special hot nibble to hand round at a celebration party or present on a buffet table. You can use any firm fish that will hold it's shape.
Chorizo, grilled pepper and tomato bruschetta
Recipe by:
Azmina Govindji
This open sandwich of toasted ciabatta bread with a mixed pepper topping is typical of the style of food enjoyed in Mediterranean countries, where bread, along with plenty of fruit and vegetables, is a mainstay of the diet. A little chorizo sausage adds a spicy note to the sweet pepper mix.
Mushroom and thyme toasts
Recipe by:
Azmina Govindji
Make this whenever you are short of time and want to prepare a satisfying snack quickly. The rich flavour of chestnut mushrooms is enhanced by cooking them with garlic, herbs and a dollop of tangy crème fraîche, and they taste wonderful piled on top of toast spread with low-fat soft cheese.
Pears grilled with pecorino
Recipe by:
Azmina Govindji
Many cuisines have long traditions of combining fruit with cheese. This recipe stems from the Tuscan combination of juicy pears with salty ewe's milk called pecorino. With some of the cheese melted over the pears and the rest combined with cool grapes and salad leaves, this makes a stylish first course, or light main dish for two.
Spiced couscous tomatoes
Recipe by:
Azmina Govindji
Choose ripe, well-flavoured tomatoes for this dish. Hollowed out, they make the perfect container for a spicy aubergine, dried apricot and nut couscous. The vitamin C-rich juices are squeezed out of the scooped-out tomato flesh and seeds, and whisked with a little harissa paste to make a tangy dressing. Serve with sesame breadsticks.
Hot and spicy tuna rolls
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
Here, the soft interiors of large crusty bread rolls are hollowed out to provide a crisp casing for a gently spiced mix of tuna, sweetcorn and red kidney beans, and then warmed in the oven. For a light lunch that is satisfying and well-balanced, serve with a mixed tomato and leaf salad.
Avocado with Sweet Piquanté Peppers and crab
This makes a beautiful presentation for a starter or light weekend lunch. Avocados are filled with a fresh combination of Peppadew™ Sweet Piquanté Peppers and crab meat, tossed in a light dressing and garnished with chives.
Turkey and Avocado Wraps
Recipe by:
June Faver
I wanted to come up with something that was quick and easy to make and that the whole family would enjoy. I serve them with salsa.
Easy Peasy Potato, Onion & Bacon Bake
Most of us have some potatoes, onions and bacon in our larder and this is an easy and quick recipe. Can be used as a side or main. I threw this together the other day when I was bored of the usual potatoes and its tasted pretty yummy!
Quick and Easy Lunch Time Noodles
I was feeling a bit peckish and with it being the end of the week I didn't have much in, so I had a look to see what I did have and came up with this... it's nothing extravagant, but it makes a tasty and filling lunch! Other things could be added, like sweetcorn, garlic, etc., which I would have added had I had them! lol!
Fruity Cheese On Toast
Sneak one of your 5-a-day into a traditional family favourite. A very simple recipe; ideal for a light meal or a warm snack.
Cucumber Sandwich
Recipe by:
jennifer
I worked at a sandwich shop that made these vegetable sarnies stuffed with cucumbers, sprouts, tomatoes and avocadoes. They were a vegetarian dream!