This rich combination of spices cooked in coconut cream is classic Malaysian cooking, combining the country’s Indian and Straits-Chinese influences. This recipe uses black mustard seeds (sometimes sold as brown mustard seeds), which are more pungent than the white (or yellow) seeds used in most prepared mustards. Not suitable to freeze. Note

This hearty roasted pumpkin and tomato soup is a fantastic warming winter dish.

We used black tea leaves, but you could also use a smoky tea such as lapsang souchong. It’s a good idea to do the smoking on the barbecue. Note

You can use thinly sliced gluten-free bacon instead of the pancetta, if you like. Note

Lasoda or sebago potatoes can be used for this recipe. Potato flour can be used in place of wheat flour for a gluten-free version; make sure to use a gluten- free chicken stock as well. Note

Basil can be substituted for parsley. Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Bring the Med to your home with these scrumptious lamb meatballs and a garlicky white bean dip.

Use chipolata sausages if you prefer them. Cook the tomatoes until the skins begin to shrivel and split, then add the spinach and stir until wilted. Push the mixture slightly to the side of the frying pan to make four holes for the eggs to slide into. Crack the eggs, one at a time, into […]

Chicken, chorizo, tomato and saffron come together in this delicious Spanish pie.

A creamy beef and coconut cream soup that packs a big spicy punch.

Crispy Middle Eastern-style potato and spinach frittatas packed full of za'atar, a blend of roasted dry spices.

Remaining garlic-infused oil can be used in salad dressings. Note

Calzones are folded pizzas or pizza turnovers filled with good things – one of the best foods ever invented for a picnic, a party or eating on the go. Note

Mexican-style chicken fajitas with pan-fried chicken and capsicum.

Shichimi togarashi (also known as seven-spice mix or seven-spice blend) is a Japanese spice blend. It is available from specialist spice shops and Asian grocery stores Note

If red curry paste is a little too fiery for your taste buds, use a milder curry paste, or less of the red curry paste­.

Delicious and simple appetizers: corn and pea samosas packed full of spices.

The fish can be marinated and threaded onto skewers a day ahead, store, covered, in the refrigerator. You can use any large fish fillets or steaks, such as ling, gemfish, snapper, kingfish or silver warehou, for this recipe. Soak 12 bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to avoid scorching or […]

Empanadas are crispy pastries stuffed with spicy beef, tomato and potatoes.

Rogan josh, traditionally made with lamb, is an Indian tomato-based curry, and literally means "meat in spicy red sauce".

The combination of mashed potato, bacon, onion, cheese and sour cream in these cakes is so good you’ll find it hard to stop at one. You can also use lasoda or pink-eye potatoes for this recipe. Note

This fragrant pilaf with crunchy almonds is a great accompaniment to meat stews and curries.

Delicious little pork kofta on skewers served with mint yoghurt from Australian Women's Weekly.

Crispy Swiss rösti with pan-fried ham and cherry tomatoes from Australian Women's Weekly.

This delicious and simple mash can be whipped up in no time at all.

Polenta tends to become firmer as it stands; stir in a little extra boiling water if you prefer a softer texture. Note

Light and summery dish of pan-fried pork with a sweet and spicy pineapple and cucumber salsa.

A Western-influenced Japanese rice dish with prawn and fish in a creamy sauce.

Make your own Italian-style gourmet roasted beetroot pizza from scratch in no time at all!

If fresh plums are not available, use drained canned plums. Yellow rock sugar is available in Asian supermarkets; it has a richer, subtler flavour than granulated white sugar. It is used mainly for braises and sauces as it gives them a beautiful lustre and glaze. Note

These golden mushroom fillo triangles are the perfect cocktail party snacks.

A steak sandwich is one of the most satisfying lunches out there, and this one is a little fancy with beetroot salsa and creamy aïoli.

We used bream fillets here, but you can use any firm white fish fillet, such as perch, blue-eye or ling, if you prefer. Note

A rich and warming casserole that is perfect for cold winter nights.

It seems a strange combination but, trust us, it's good. The salty crunch of the popcorn is great with the tang of the citrus and pomegranate and the mustard flavour of the radish and it also looks striking on the table.

Allspice, also known as pimento or Jamaican pepper, is so-named because it tastes like a combination of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and cumin ­all spices. It is available from spice shops and supermarkets. Note

Yellow rock sugar is available from Asian supermarkets. It’s mainly used in braises and sauces as it gives them a lustre and glaze. To freeze; pour stock into freezer-proof containers, leaving a 2.5cm space to allow for expansion. Seal, label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a […]

Using a slowcooker takes this delicious Italian meatball and pasta dish to the next level.

Raita translates as yogurt, and when seasoned with vegetables, fruits or spices, it makes a wonderful cooling accompaniment to fiery curries. Leaving raitas to stand 30 minutes before serving allows their flavours to blend more intensely. Note

You could set out a platter of sliced chicken, bowl of salad with serving tongs and stack of tortillas for everyone to assemble their own great food-to-go. Note

Pan-fried chicken with an aromatic and flavoursome cranberry and pine nut pilaf.

The crunchy sesame seed crust on the tuna gives a nutty aroma while leaving the tuna rare. Note

Meatballs simmered in a sweet and sour sauce are the ultimate comfort food.

Delicious and authentic Italian-style rigatoni with spicy pork sausages from Australian Women's Weekly.

Moroccan-smoked trout and chickpea wrap for a quick and healthy snack on the go.

Simple, quick yet luxurious pan-fried liver from Australian Women's Weekly.

We used a mild curry powder for flavour but use what you like. Freeze any leftover coconut milk and store it in user-friendly portions for future meals. Note

An exotic salad with grapes, apples and goat's cheese.

This recipe is best made close to serving. Note

Cook ½ cup (100g) white short-grain rice for this recipe. Note

Chicken can be marinated in cajun mixture overnight. Cook chicken and fill pockets as required. Note

Potato and onion bhaji is a spicy and delicious fast food dish from Maharashtra, India.

If you don’t have leftover mashed potato, prepared mashed potato is available from the vegetable section of most large supermarkets. Note

An exquisite Asian-style duck dish with citrus peaches and duck fat potatoes.

Crispy and delicious spinach and feta triangles for sharing with family and friends.

A quick and easy authentic Italian ravioli with tomato, pea and basil sauce from Australian Women's Weekly.

Cute little green Thai chicken curry bowls that pack an aromatic and flavourful punch.

An exquisite lunch dish of parmesan polenta with a delicate walnut and capsicum salsa.

You can also use coliban or lasoda potatoes for this recipe. Note

Oatmeal, also sold as oatmeal flour, is made from milled oat kernels; it is not the same product as rolled oats or oat bran. It is available at health food stores. Note

A bright, colourful and fresh Vietnamese salad with pan-fried tofu.

Roast chicken pairs beautifully with the flavours of lemon and mint while the broad beans add a touch of green.

Any whole white fish would be fine to use in this recipe. Ask the fishmonger to clean and scale the fish for you. Use herbs such as tarragon, chervil, lemon thyme, dill and chives. Note

Use a mandoline or V-slicer with a julienne attachment to slice the carrot into thin strips. Baby asian greens are a mix of baby buk choy, choy sum, gai lan and water spinach. Note

Makes enough for six 210g servings of fried chicken drumettes. Note

Chicken can be prepared and stuffed with cheese a day ahead; store, covered, in the refrigerator. Remove toothpicks before serving. Note

Nana's roast chicken simply doesn't stand up to this spice-packed Middle-Eastern roast with a creamy feta sauce.

Makrut lime leaves, aromatic leaves of a citrus tree, are used similarly to bay leaves or curry leaves. They are available from major supermarkets and Asian food stores. If you can’t buy snake beans, use regular green beans. Laksa pastes vary in heat, so use only as much as suits your heat tolerance. Note

Bring the flavours of Italy to your home with this sweet and delicious ravioli pasta with burnt butter sauce.

Do ahead The dough can be made a day ahead. Pear and onion mixture can be cooked 4 hours ahead. Note

This exquisite ruby grapefruit, orange and basil salad brings colour and zest to any dinner table.

A delicious soup full of seasonal spring vegetables.