Beef, Leek & Red Pepper Ragout

Another “what shall I do with the veggie box content?”. This is a lovely beef ragout made from minced meat with lots of chopped seasonal vegetables. We had it with gnocchi today and my boys just gobbled it down but I think jacket potatoes would be lovely too. Feel free to also add any root vegetables left-overs from your fridge.

Salmon & Spinach Pie

Salmon and spinach are a great combination and it couldn’t be any easier to turn them into something delicious. Little enamel pie dishes are perfect for children’s portions and will also give your meal a nice touch when cooking for friends, however a larger dish works just as well.  Get the kids involved helping you to decorate the pie. All you need is extra pastry and some cookie cutters or knifes. Not sure if I should tell you this but I actually found our fish shape in Max’s play dough tools.

Lamb, Spinach & Chickpea Curry with Couscous

My boys just love spinach, so this mild lamb curry makes the perfect family meal for us. However, it's also nice without spinach. If you’re expecting guests for dinner, I’d serve it with rice, lentil dhal and chapattis.

Cheesy Salmon and Broccoli Pie

I’m not usually a fan of combining fish with cheese but in this case I think it really works. My boys really enjoyed this tasty mush but, of course, mash and broccoli could also be served separately if preferred.

Vegetable Lasagne

The picture might not look as appealing but this lasagne really tastes very nice, you wouldn’t even miss the meat. I’ve chopped the vegetables really small so that my kids can’t pick them out and it worked!

Ham and Mushroom Pasta Bake

This is a slightly healthier version of an Austrian family favourite. The recipe is for four but I think Erich and I could probably finish it, just because it’s so nice!

Parsnip, Leek and Potato Soup

This is a great light supper for the whole family. In future, I will just save a few spoons before seasoning and mash them up for baby Leo.

Pumpkin, Chickpea and Roasted Pepper Stew

A lovely wintery one-pot dish. The spices really work their wonders here. It’s such an easy dish without meat but it still tastes like a hearty stew. It fills your tummy and keeps you warm.

Kedgeree - Smoked Fish Rice

I’m not quite sure whether this recipe is Indian or British but we like it. It’s basically a mild curry rice with smoked haddock, parsley and boiled eggs, with some vegetables smuggled in. A very tasty and healthy family meal.

Sausage and Potato Casserole (Potato Goulash)

Family comfort food.   Spent the last two weeks at grandma’s house where we got spoiled with Austrian cuisine. However, back in my own kitchen, meals have to go a bit quicker.

Green Asparagus Omelette

Spanish omelette my way. An omelette is a quick and easy way out if you don’t know what to cook, assuming you’ve got potatoes and eggs in your fridge. With asparagus being in season this is a quick and easy idea for lunch or dinner after a busy day out.

Chicken & Aubergine Ragout with Couscous

I just love aubergines, especially when they are all sloppy. This lovely ragout can be served over pasta, baked potatoes or, like I did it this time, with couscous. The raisins add some sweetness, which kids will love. Well, Max definitely did!

Best Ever Mushy Pea Risotto

While I was cooking it, Max sat on the work top munching parmesan and goats cheese. I didn’t even know he liked it! It got quite messy when he then started stirring the puréed peas and put a spoonful in his mouth, or should I say face? Anyway, it was fun, only took 30 minutes and was simply delicious!

Quick Ebly and Vegetable Stir-fry

The perfect dish for sunny days. Ebly is a brand name for Durum Wheat. You can buy it from Waitrose or Ocado. It looks like pearl barley but actually tastes more like pasta. Ebly takes only 10 minutes to cook and contains more nutrients than pasta. It’s simply great and kids love it!

All-in-One Roast Chicken & Mushroom Rice

This is proper comfort family food. Soft chicken with a lovely crusty skin and super tasty sticky rice, yummy! Don’t get put off by the amount of garlic that goes into it. You’ll be surprised how tasty it is. We had it with brown rice this time. Use white rice if you don’t have time to  soak it overnight. Brown rice without soaking doesn't work.

Veal & Carrot Ragout

Veal has a subtle flavour and fine texture, which makes it perfect for family meals right from the beginning. Add carrots, sage, parsley and white wine and you’ll get an amazing pasta sauce. I’ve already stocked up my freezer.

Mild Chicken Korma

A mild aromatic curry  This is the perfect family meal! We love the sweet and savoury flavours combined with the almonds and coconut giving the sauce a rich nutty texture. It’s quick and easy and most importantly, it’s free from artificial colours and preservatives.

Traditional Beef Goulash

A simple and tasty Austrian-Hungarian classic. It takes some time to cook but is ideal for re-heating. In fact, it’s even better if enjoyed the next day.

Ribollita

Beans, tomatoes and spring greens combined with plenty of garlic and olive oil, what a feast! You may even want to double the quantities as this is a great one for freezing.

Stuffed Peppers in Tomato Sauce

A lovely traditional home cooked meal that you won’t find in a restaurant; It’s easy to prepare but takes some time to cook, however it’s definitely worth it!