As a colourful side dish to liven up a boring old grilled chop, I boil them with frozen sweetcorn and serve them mixed together with a knob of butter.

For tasty vegetarian meals, a little creativity with some fresh herbs can make all the difference. Which is why this rich and creamy risotto with bright peas and mint is a real winner for me.

Many people are intimidated by risottos, imagining them to be a very 'cheffy dish'. But for relaxed home cooking, risotto is actually a simple and versatile thing to prepare. If you've got the patience to stand by the stove for half-an-hour, stirring and stirring, you've already cracked it.

Use either Arborio or Carnaroli rice as they contain more starch than other varieties.

Keep a pan of stock just simmering nearby, so as not to...