Recipes

We usually have a variety of herbs in our fridge throughout the week, but by the end what’s left often looks a little weary. So rather than pop them in the bin or compost I try to make use of what remains by whipping up a scrumptious pesto. While a traditional pesto calls for pine nuts, ricotta, parmesan and olive oil I’ve swapped them for hemp oil and cashews, which create a beautiful earthy but creamy flavour. Serve with your favourite pasta — ours is pulse pasta — and some extra green vegies such as peas and you have a really delicious, wholesome meal.

One of the best things about nori rolls is that kids love to make them; when kids make things in the kitchen they also tend to eat them. I swap white rice for brown rice because it increases fibre and is a wholefood.

This is a super fun way to mix up the kids’ usual sandwich routines. If you don’t have a square lunchbox, just top the open sandwiches with another slice of bread and layer them into the lunchbox. Kids will still have a smile on their faces eating them and may even want to play.

This frittata will provide you with everything you need from a meal in just one slice. It’s packed full of protein, carbohydrates, good fats and a healthy serve of vegetables. I’ll often make this on a Sunday afternoon in preparation for the week ahead. A slice of this is great for any meal of the day and fits perfectly into kids’ lunchboxes.

These little meatballs are delicious as is or served in lettuce cups or wraps. The mix of protein and a little veg makes them a nourishing and versatile lunchbox meal.

One way I ensure my kids’ lunches are healthy without me having to spend hours in the kitchen is to cook meals that can be packed in the lunchbox the next day. I often bake this quick and easy recipe for dinner in the hope that there will be leftovers to fill wraps for school lunches the next day. It’s delicious and very sustaining for busy kids.

A pastry-free alternative loaded with maximum comfort and nutrition. This would also work well with any leftover legume-based dish you may have, perhaps Mexican-style beans or an Indian dahl.

Clive of India curry powder is one of my favourite curry powders when it comes to making pies. When the spices combine with the puff pastry, it’s incredibly moreish. I also love this curry mixture without pastry, in a bowl with brown basmati rice.

This tart is a trusty friend when you want to take something simple but special along to a potluck feast or lunchtime communal gathering. Its gluten-free almond crust, filled with the flavours of creamy goat’s cheese, cumin, nutmeg and earthy pine nuts, just begs to be shared with others. A beautiful recipe to extend love through food.

You know by now that a healthy microbiome (the bacteria in your gut) is essential to good health. Everyone knows yoghurt provides good gut bacteria but what if you don’t want to consume animal products or just have problems with dairy? To solve your dilemma, here are some plant-based probiotic — and prebiotic — foods plus some delicious recipes to get them into your diet.

This pie is a far cry from the basic meat and potato pie that most of us remember. The spices and long list of vegetables make it a truly healthy and hearty meal.

Paying homage to the humble Brussels sprout, this pie is a lovely combination of deliciousness and goodness. Packed with fibre, protein, calcium and the goodness of greens, it makes a delicious dinner but also travels well in lunchboxes for a nice surprise.