We are big advocates of trying to keep to a vague routine during lockdown, but there is one exception. We cannot be alone in having got stuck in something of a culinary rut, with the same round of sandwiches appearing on our plates most days. This week we vow to ditch the predictable lunchtime and go for something tastier and healthier too.

Courgetti With Piccolo Tomaties, Grilled Corn And Herb Dressing

Great British Chefs
Courgetti with Piccolo tomatoes, grilled corn and herb dressing

Well isn’t this one pretty as a picture? As the weather warms up, Great British Chef Emma Potts rustles up a zingy, delicious and healthy lunch that is so summery it’s bound to put a smile on your face. Don’t have all the herbs in? We say basil would work just as well. As ever in lockdown, it’s about tweaking and adapting – and we think this one could take a few omissions or swaps and still be a delight.

The Big Chickpea Salad

Melissa Hemsley
The Big Chickpea Chopped Salad

If, like the rest of the population, you prepped for lockdown by randomly buying up cans of chickpeas, Melissa Hemsley has a tasty and filling idea for using a few of them up. This is a big, hearty, anything goes kind of salad. If you don’t have fennel, for example, just leave it out and throw in some extra cucumber, or celery if you have it. The chickpeas, tomatoes and cucumber are non-negotiables in our book, but everything else can be tinkered and tailored. The dressing is sublime – but if you only have olive oil and/or a squeeze of lemon? Well that’ll do just fine. Simple and super, especially with a big hunk of bread to mop up the juices.

Chorizo, Lentil and Butterbean Hotpot

Lizzie Loves Healthy
Chorizo, Lentil, Butter Bean And Red Pepper Hot Pot

We’re at that point in the year when the weather is still up and down – it’s high summer one day and then back to winter the next. This hotpot packs a big flavour punch. We love that it has enough lovely Mediterranean vibes to make it suit the summery days, and yet is warming enough for the cooler ones. If you can get your hands on one, a baguette to serve, as suggested here, is a glorious thing.

By Nancy Alsop
May 2020

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