Plant based favourites

​I’m not one to get sucked in to the latest food fad, however there’s no denying the current trend towards a more plant-based diet. For some years now I’ve got into the routine of veggie cooking during the week, saving a slow cooked meat dish for the weekend - it just seemed to make sense as part of my lifestyle and became a routine really. And I do have a few routines when it comes to eating! My post pilates brunch on a Wednesday has to be eggs, the kids always have pasta on a Thursday before swimming and Friday night can’t be anything other than curry!

So here are my top 3 plant based recipes that have become firm favourites as part of our routine!


Artichoke and white bean on toast - with lemon and capers
This a great speedy lunch or a lovely canape using a jar of artichokes and butter or cannellini beans. Spread generously onto rye bread or toasted sourdough, I love to go to Gails for sourdough. It's always a good excuse to pop in for other treats and goodies!

​Recipe below

400g tin butter beans / cannellini beans - drained
280g jar of artichokes - drained
½ clove garlic
Handful fresh basil
Juice of 1 or 2 lemons
Olive oil, salt and pepper
Capers and lemon zest

• Pulse the garlic, beans and about half of the basil in a food processor until finely minced and crumbly.
• Cut the remaining basil into ribbons and chop the artichokes. Toss the bean mixture with the lemon, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper and artichoke hearts. Taste and adjust to your liking.
• Serve on toasted sourdough or rye bread. Top with lemon and capers.

Recipe adapted from Pinch of Yum


​Turmeric and coconut baked cauliflower

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I make a LOT of veggie curries; they are such an easy way to get more veg into your diet - cauliflower, aubergines and spinach are some of my favourites. This recipe is by Anna Jones from The Modern Cook’s year but I also love Meera Sodha​ for veg and vegan inspiration.

A whole roast cauliflower makes a great centrepiece and you can play around with this to make it as spicy as you like!
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If you don’t need this to be vegan and wanted it to stretch even further some paneer is a tasty addition!

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Beetroot & red onion tarte tatin

I do love an apple tarte tatin, especially at Terroirs in Covent Garden - theirs is definitely a winner! For ages I've fancied trying a savoury one.

This beetroot and red onion tarte tatin was delicious and really easy. Perfect served with a crisp green salad.

I'm always about the all butter puff pastry but there are plenty of vegetarian & vegan options available, such as this one. Jus-rol also does a gluten free version too.

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