Roast carrot and apple soup - Vegan, DF and GF

This recipe reinforces my idea that Granny Smith apples actually count as vegetables... roasted and caramelised with the carrots and then turned into a soup with stock and cashew for depth of flavour and creaminess... There's a kick of mustard also so the soup is very good all round.

Chana masala - Vegan, DF and GF

Chana masala is a flavoursome and substantial chickpea curry - team it with mixed rice or flatbread, and maybe a dhal or a chunky vegetable curry for an Indian food feast! There's garlic, ginger, chilli, freshly ground spices, tomato and lime to sharpen the flavours up. And it will only take about 3/4 of an hour to make!

Pumpkin and red lentil dhal - Vegan, DF and GF

Here's a handy dhal recipe to team with the Chana Masala! The lentils and pumpkin take about the same amount of time to cook but the lentils are voted much more likely to stick on the bottom of the pot, so regular stirring is encouraged for this one... It's a close call between soup and dhal, the spices are aromatic rather than hot, and dhals are great the next day for lunch for snacks after school/work.

Parsley and parmesan pikelets with pumpkin hash - Vegetarian 

A couple of substitutions will make the pikelets GF and DF - using a GF flour blend obviously, and plant-based mylk will do the trick. Pecorino is a great substitute for parmesan if sheep's milk is okay for you. (If you need these subs for your recipe order just let me know)The pumpkin hash has chopped rosemary to give some complexity to the flavour. 

Pork and apple meatballs in tomato gravy - DF and GF

Here we go again with the apples....  I really like how bright and fresh this meal is - the tomato and apple and oregano give it a very lively flavour! It's great with pasta or polenta, smashed potatoes would also be a good shout. 

Porterhouse and portobello potato top pie - can be DF and GF

Steak and mushroom pie... potato-top, some greens in there... This is a classic good time winter dinner... give yourself about 3/4 to an hour from start to table.