One pot meal

If preferred, use an orange instead of a lemon. Note

This recipe is a personal favourite. If you are in a rush, it’s quick to cook for the family - Mike Van de Elzen

Mash potato and parsnips with a little milk or cream and butter, if liked. Note

Naan bread is available at most supermarkets. Simply reheat and serve. Note

Take yourself on a trip to Thailand with aromantic mint, chilli, coriander and lime. This powerful beef dish is best served with a fresh, crispy lettuce leaf.

Whipping up something to eat from pantry staples such as rice and adding a handful of seasonal vegetables and herbs can be just the ticket when you crave a lighter meal during the summer months.

Allow about 40 minutes cooking time per 500g of corned beef. Note

To make this with fish, use 500g white fish fillets. Note

Add sliced celery with the carrot and a little paprika with the tomato paste. Note

Sumac is tangy. If you don’t have any, squeeze a lemon over the dish to serve. Note

This rich beef casserole dish is a perfectly comforting and hearty meal for cold winter nights. The addition of potatoes means it’s a complete meal, serve some green beans or any of your favourite green vegetables on the side. What cut of beef should be used for this dish? Chuck, braising and stewing beef all […]

You can replace chorizo with 4 thickly sliced Frankfurts or 4 thickly sliced bacon rashers. For a more substantial meal, serve with poached, fried or scrambled eggs. Make toasties with two slices of wholemeal bread using any leftovers. Note

Poach eggs in a frying pan of simmering water with a dash of vinegar 2-3 minutes. Note

Enjoy this warming, fragrant chicken broth as the base for your next casserole or risotto, or simple enjoy on it's own as a light soup on a cold Winter's evening.

You could serve lamb tagine with cous cous or mashed potato. Note

Sausage and tomato risotto

Satisfying, without being heavy, this easy dinner is full of flavour.

2 OF 5-A-DAY, Halve it, Super Easy Note

Warm up with a bowl of this soothing chicken and corn noodle soup. This Asian-inspired soup is quick, easy and tasty - a great way to take the winter chill out of the air.

2 1/2 of 5-a-day, double it Note

Prepare this deliciously warming chicken, corn and noodle soup for your loved ones in no time at all. It's easy to make and packed full of goodness to warm your body and soul.

It’s important to cook the caramel until it is a deep amber colour. If it’s removed from the heat too soon, it will be runny and won’t coat the chicken well. Note

EQUIPMENT Sharp knife; large saucepan with lid (or camp oven); wooden spoon Cook these delicious beans in a pot on the barbecue or campfire, or in a camp oven – a lidded pot that rests on hot coals. If you prefer you could use 500g dried cannellini beans, which have to be soaked in cold […]

This beef bourguignon recipe is full of flavour and cabernet melot - the ultimate winter dish!

Frying in a combination of butter and oil gives you that yummy buttery flavor but with less risk of the butter burning. Swiss brown mushrooms have a stronger flavour than regular white mushrooms. If you don’t have four small visually appealing frying pans for the individual serves, cook the four portions in one large frying […]

Place the chicken and paprika in a plastic freezer bag and shake until chicken is coated. You can use barbecued chicken instead of thigh fillets. You’ll need 2 cups of shredded meat. To thaw the frozen vegies, place in a small bowl and pour over boiling water. Stand for 1 minute then drain. Microwave rice […]

Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of peas. Note

No flameproof pan? Cover handle with foil to prevent it burning under the grill. Note

Try this mince recipe on pasta. Note

You can use frozen spinach (thawed) instead of fresh. Replace chives with green onion. Replace half the stock with water. Polenta will thicken on standing. It is best cooked just before serving. Note

You can use penne instead of tortellini – cook in boiling water for 10 minutes before baking. Note

You can bake frittata in a 19cm-square pan or cook on stove tap in a medium (20cm base measurement) frying pan until just set, then cook under a preheated grill until golden. Replace tuna with thinly sliced, pan-fried chorizo sausage. Note

Use regular white crusty bread. Replace basil with parsley. Basil can bruise easily – chop just before using. Use any leftover basil in soups, casseroles and dips. Note

Potato and coconut cream are not suitable for freezing. Add chopped tomatoes if you like. Do not boil cream as curry may curdle. Note

This takes a white to cook, but it is mostly unattended – leaving you free to do other things! Use any combination of vegies; cooking time might vary. Note

Try using honey sauce instead of lemon chicken sauce. Use any type of battered frozen chicken or fish. Note

This pork dish is meltingly tender after 90 minutes in the oven. The crisp freshness of the red pepper salsa, scattered over the finished pork, takes this from a good dish to a great one.

Whatever you do, don’t overcook broccoli! To make sure it retains its crisp texture and vibrant green colour, trim florets to uniform size and stir-fry, steam, boil or microwave. Note

Budget tip: You can use chicken stock instead of wine. Top pie with scrunched sheets of filo pastry instead of puff pastry. Note

Use fresh ginger if you can’t find galangal. To bruise lemongrass, place on a flat work surface and press gently with the flat side of a large knife blade; bruising releases the flavour. Note

You could use sun-dried tomato tapenade in place of the pesto, if preferred. Note

Serve sprinkled with shaved parmesan and rocket leaves. Note

Add your favourite antipasto vegetables. Note

You will need 1 small barbecued chicken for 2 cups. Note

Use leftover shredded barbecued chicken or add or few sliced mushrooms. You’ll need to process 3 slices white day-old bread for breadcrumbs. Note

Deal with the dinner rush with this tasty and filling meal from Sophie Gray

You can use canned tuna instead of salmon. Note

Omit balsamic vinegar. Use brown or apple cider vinegar instead. Use floury potatoes. Note

Quick and easy sausage fried rice recipe that is extremely delicious and can be on the table in less than 15 minutes. The best way to make the most of leftover cooked rice.

How easy – everything in one baking dish! No stress, no messy clean-up.

Quinoa flakes are available at most major supermarket; if unavailable, use extra rice flakes or stir in a puffed quinoa cereal mix just before serving. Note

Substitute pasta with low-GI noodles, such as udon, rice or hokkien. Note

A gourmet twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, we've added a spicy tuna mix into this lasagne to create a protein-packed, gourmet dish the whole family will love.

Panko breadcrumbs can be found in Asian grocery stores and the Asian food aisle of most supermarkets. Note

It’s important to cook the chorizo over moderate heat so the juices in the pan don’t evaporate. You’ll need 1 large lemon. Grate zest from lemon before juicing. Note

Replace caramelised onion with bought onion jam. Note

Risoni is small rice-shaped pasta available from the pasta aisle. Note

An effortless combination, tender chicken and grilled mushrooms are beautiful tossed through this creamy pea risotto dish. Serve up for dinner with a glass of wine for a warming, hearty meal.

To hard boil eggs, cook in boiling water for 5-6 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Peel and cut each egg into quarters. Note

If desired, place under a hot grill during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a crisper result. Toss a few dry breadcrumbs through the cheese for extra crunch. 425g can tuna can be used in place of salmon. Note