Paneer Tikka

I’m a bit pushed for time this week as we have the builder in, I’m been recipe testing and prepping for Wakelyn’s Dal Festival tomorrow where I’ll be demo-ing and compering, and I haven’t yet packed for our holiday next week (burglars please note: our builder will be living on the premises). However, a few people have asked how I made the paneer tikka I pictured on social media, so here you go. You’ll be disappearing down a few internet rabbit holes so gird your loins. Continue reading

21st Century Medieval Pottage

Hop on board Mrs Portly’s time machine, we’re going back to the Middle Ages, because this is my 21st century take on a medieval pottage. The secret ingredient is poudre douce, an ancient spice mix which gives depth and complexity to what’s otherwise a straightforward lentil and vegetable soup. Continue reading

Apricot Tartlets with Almond & Lavender

While apricots are comparatively cheap and the lavender is still flowering, make these easy but luscious little tarts. Assembled in minutes, they make a lovely summery dessert. A dollop of vanilla ice cream doesn’t go amiss. Continue reading

Summer Vegetable Pie

If you equate pies with autumn and winter, think again. This is such a light, delicious concoction, it almost floats into your mouth. Packed with summer vegetables and soft, aromatic herbs and topped with paper-thin filo, it’s a joy to eat. Continue reading

The Courgette Edit

Compilation posts can seem a bit lazy but trust me, a lot of work has gone into the Courgette Edit. I’ve been growing and cooking courgettes for years, and as anyone who has planted summer squash knows, they are inexhaustible. No matter how many you eat or give away there is a constant supply and new recipes are always welcome. Continue reading

Crispy Cheesy Courgettes

Hallelujah! Put the flags out! I’ve finally found a courgette recipe my husband actively enjoys. To be honest that’s mostly because the offending vegetables (fruits, whatever) are camouflaged beneath a thick blanket of cheese and breadcrumbs, but my goodness, we’re getting through the heatwave-induced glut pretty darned fast. Turns out these crispy, cheesy courgettes can convert even the most died-in-the-wool summer squash sceptic. Continue reading