gluten-free

Hands down some of the easiest yet wow-factor dishes are those that land in a slow cooker. The slow, low nature of the cooking process allows more of the flavour to be released and to combine with the complementary ingredients of the dish. I’m on a mission this winter to create more plant-based slow-cooked

This is an interesting way to use hemp. It has a clean and creamy texture and flavour.

These delicious little hemp bites are packed full of nutrients and hidden vegetables. A crowd-pleaser for the whole family!

By adding hemp seeds to your smoothies, you not only get a lovely mild nutty flavour but they are rich in omega 3 and 6 and are a great source of protein.

A foolproof way to cook the perfect roast chicken, loaded with nutrient-dense vegies and a delicious biryani stuffing with a hemp twist.

Each component of this is delicious in its own right, but combined they make a force to be reckoned with. Plus, it makes a lovely protein and fibre-rich dessert. If you’re lucky you might have some compote or crumble left to dress your morning porridge with — yum!

Being nut-free, this muesli bar is a versatile, delicious, nourishing addition to your school lunchbox. It freezes well also, so it’s great to batch-bake. Alternatively, serve it warm with cream or yoghurt for a luscious dessert.

This pilaf is one of my all-time favourites. I love the fresh herbs and burst of freshness from the pomegranate. It’s a great way of using up any fresh herbs you may have in the fridge, but I recommend using a mix of fresh parsley and mint which pairs perfectly with the zest of the lemon.

Miso is one of my favourite fermented foods which I use often in marinating fish, in dressings and as a simple snack as a soup with seaweed. It only seemed fair to try it out in a more Asian-fusion-style pilaf. I think it’s an absolutely winning combination.

Team this delicious pilaf with your favourite protein or another side of nourishing vegies for the easiest, most flavoursome meal, that’s ready in no time at all.

I’ve learned so much about pilaf writing for this issue of EatWell — it’s so diverse, delicious and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Plus it’s a bit of a crowd-pleaser, in particular this gorgeous pilaf which is full of wholesome flavours and ingredients. If you don’t have cauliflower then swap it for three cups of cooked rice such as brown or basmati.

Pine nuts are a nutritious seed containing vitamins E and K, magnesium and beneficial monounsaturated fats, all needed for good heart health. Eating foods like garlic, onion and mushrooms that are good sources of the trace mineral selenium will help boost immune function and reduce inflammation in the body.