Braised eggplant and pak choi with peanuts - Vegan, DF and GF

This is surprisingly quick to make - the eggplant is fried until golden on both sides (the inside and the outside...) then the pak choi is also fried until golden along with aromatics, tarmari and sesame oil. Add the eggplant back to the pan, sprinkle with nuts, done! Contains peanuts but these can be replaced with cashews if peanuts are problematic. (just let me know)

Carrot and pumpkin risotto - Vegan, DF and GF

You have probably figured out by now that risotto is my go-to fast food. 20 to 30 minutes, comfort food that uses whatever you happen to have on hand - it's a great way to use up small amounts of many things in the fridge! In this instance it's also a cheery bright orange colour to wake up your wintry evening. Carrot, pumpkin and nutmeg - teamed with short grain rice, vegetable stock and finely chopped onion. A thumb of ginger grated in wouldn't go amiss either...

Spicy pinto beans with Saag Aloo topping - Vegan, DF and GF 

A simple substitution of vegetable oil for butter makes this one vegan and dairy free. The mash topping is genius - cooked potato and cauliflower with some baby spinach wilted in, then swirled with turmeric and cumin seeds toasted in butter or oil. Bake until bubbly and crispy. Is SO GOOD. The pinto beans have onion, garlic, fresh chilli and tomato in a simmer while you make the mash...

Quick kale and chickpea braise - Vegan, DF and GF

This one only takes about 20 minutes and the flavours are really well layered up. I like the way the kale stems are also used. This one has preserved lemon in it which may be a bit of a polarising flavour! Would work just fine without but it does add another dimension. There's plain yoghurt with harissa swirled through it to go with - you could use coconut yoghurt, or whipped tahini (whip tahini with lemon juice until light and creamy...)

Chicken with leek and mushroom - DF and GF

This is another speedy dinner - only 20-30 minutes. My recommendation would be to start any starch first - potatoes in the oven, rice on the go... The chicken is dredged in seasoned chickpea flour which makes it super tender and juicy; You can use white wine or stock for the sauce. Is very easy to make!

Lamb and quince tagine - DF and GF

Tagine is perfect for the slow cooker (or a clay pot at the back of the wood burner for most of the day). There are plenty of aromatic spices in here - ginger, coriander, cinnamon - quince and dried apricot, some cayenne for heat, flatleaf parsley and onion. Pick up some flatbreads on the way home or make some on the fly when you get there, and dinner is (mostly) done.