Corn chowder with crabLeeks, corn and potatoes make this chunky seafood chowder a satisfying main meal soup. Serve garnished with a swirl of sour cream and some crusty wholegrain bread to accompany.
Chilli–lime chicken saladIn this salad, chicken is gently poached in stock to give an almost melt-in-themouth texture and is then mixed with salad greens and vegetables and topped with a chilli–lime dressing.
Moroccan vegetable tagineEven meat-eaters will love this flavour-packed vegetable stew, cooked in a traditional Moroccan tagine, or a stew pot if you can't hunt one down. Despite the long list of ingredients, the stew is simple to prepare for a hearty family meal. Serve it with couscous spiced with a little harissa sauce.
Blue cheese–stuffed burgersTangy, melting blue cheese gives these burgers a surprise centre – a real treat for a midweek meal.
Vegetable and pasta soupThis classic pistou from the south of France, topped with a richly flavoured garlic and basil paste, called aïllade, and a sprinkling of parmesan, makes a nourishing main meal. Serve with crusty bread.
Pasta, ham and broad bean saladThis quick and easy pasta salad is just right for busy people. It is appealing and sustaining and the watercress and walnut pesto dressing adds a great flavour.
Penne primaveraThis classic Italian pasta dish is traditionally made with young spring vegetables from the garden. Today vegetables are available year-round, so this dish can be made any time.
Roasted Pumpkin RisottoHalf the world's people rely on rice as their staple food. Rice offers B vitamins and some minerals; its protein features a good balance of amino acids.
Irish stew recipeTraditional recipes for Irish stew use a tough, fatty cut of lamb and only potatoes, onions and herbs. This up-to-date version with lamb leg steaks is leaner, and more colourful with the addition of carrots.
