Workday lunches

A more sophisticated cousin of fish-n-chips and mushy peas, this seared ocean trout and potato smash with pea and mint salsa is simple to prepare, and a healthy and delicious way to increase your oily fish intake.

Chermoula is a fragrant and flavourful marinade made from a combination of spices mixed with lemon juice. It is commonly used in North African cuisine to flavour seafood or meat. We've used trevally for this recipe.

This vegetarian version of the old British classic is every bit as hearty as its meaty cousin. Lentil cottage pie is the perfect option when you're after something meat-free, but substantial.

The chilli pancetta gives the linguine a lovely spicy kick. If you can't find it, use regular pancetta and add chilli to taste. Just a short time in the pan will be enough for the asparagus to add a touch of crunchy texture.

This cured salmon salad is deliciously fresh and light. The process of 'cooking' the fish by bathing it in lime juice and sherry results in a melt in the mouth texture that marries beautifully with the Asian style dressing and crisp salad leaves.

Try these prawns with chilli, coriander and lime butter for a refreshing twist on this Aussie seafood staple. It works beautifully as a starter or even as a main, along with fresh, crusty bread.

Packed full of vegetables, this chickpea and pumpkin ratatouille is perfect as an accompaniment or a meal on its own.

For such a classy dish, this is a really simple and quick recipe. There's only one thing to be careful of; don't overcook the seafood or it will be tough and leathery.

Penne matriciana is a simple peasant style pasta dish made with fresh tomato and bacon. It can be on the table in 30 minutes and is a tasty and satisfying meal that will please even the fussiest of eaters.

These barbecue prawn and chorizo skewers are so easy to prepare and assemble. The the tangy lime flavoured mustard dressing will have your guests coming back for more. Serve with a cold beer or crisp wine.

Baked eggs are actually a great way to make a healthy, protein packed breakfast without fussing around in the kitchen. Just whack everything in a dish, pop it in the oven and get on with getting ready until it's cooked.

Snapper is an incredibly versatile fish. It can be barbecued, grilled, steamed or fried with equally delicious results. This pan seared version with buttery capers results in tender flesh and tasty, crispy skin.

The secret to a perfectly cooked, moist pork steak is to take the meat out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before cooking on a medium heat. This will prevent the outside from being overcooked when the inside is done.

Beef carpaccio is a fantastic appetiser to serve when entertaining guests. Buy the best quality beef you can afford for a luxury, melt in the mouth texture and flavour.

Drizzled with a herby lemon dressing and scattered with toasted pecans, this salad is a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of spring.

For a new take on the usual Tex-Mex fare, consider this delicious chicken taco salad. You've all the fresh and healthy ingredients of a usual taco, but none of the mess that is involved in eating with your hands.

Mussels are high in protein and low in fat and calories, so you can feel much better about bathing them in this delicious creamy wine infused soup and mopping up every last drop with some crusty bread.

Full of creamy coconut flavour and packed with jewels of the sea, this seafood curry is a celebration of all things tropical. Adjust the chilli for more or less kick, and serve with rice to mop up that delicious sauce.

Crisp outsides, crunchy corners and soft, tender insides with a honey, mustard and rosemary marinade make these the perfect roasted root vegetables.

Give your family a taste of Southeast Asia with these garlic prawns and buk choy with herbed rice. Buk choy is becoming a common vegetable in many Australian kitchens and not without good reason. It's healthy, delicious and versatile.

These crusty cheese and mustard dampers are best served piping hot, straight from the oven. They are the perfect on their own or alongside a steaming bowl of hot soup and will fill your kitchen with the most delicious aroma.

You could use apricots as well or instead of either fruit for this divine peach and nectarine trifle. As a rule of thumb, just go with whatever is best in season.

This herbed beef fillet is exceedingly good. We've cooked it to a rare finish in this recipe. Whichever way you decide cook it, remember to rest it for at least 10 minutes to get the most out of this delicious cut of meat.

Try this exquisite salad as a light lunch or as a side to your next dinner.

This light and crispy potato galette has a definite Spanish flavour, thanks to the chorizo, olives and paprika that tops it. A quick and easy dish that's perfect for a light summer lunch with friends.

Pomegranate molasses is thick and brown with a concentrated flavour. It possesses tart and fruity qualities similar to balsamic vinegar and complements the lamb cutlets beautifully in this recipe.

Forget about perfect presentation with these tasty little spinach and ricotta free-form pies because rustic is the order of the day. Dispense with cutlery and enjoy them hot from the oven, or cold as part of your next picnic.

The ham hock can be cooked a day or two before it’s needed. Keep the ham from the bone, covered with the reserved liquid, in the fridge; reheat it when needed in a saucepan over a low heat.

It's worth the wait.

The spices we've used here are used extensively in Moroccan cooking and bring a particular depth of flavour and vibrancy to meat dishes. Cooked in this way, the lamb will be perfectly moist and tender.

Ceviche is a centuries-old Latin American dish using citrus juice to 'cook' seafood. We used kingfish fillets in our recipe, but you can use whatever you prefer. ­Just be certain to buy the freshest sashimi grade fish you can find.

This coconut rice with capsicum and coriander is a great quick and easy vegetarian meal. Calrose rice is a medium-grain rice that is extremely versatile; you can substitute short or long-grain rice, if necessary.

This light and tangy seafood salad is perfect for summer alfresco dining. We used ling fillets for this recipe, but any firm white fish will do the job just as well.

It's important to be precise when making proper sushi. Don't make the pieces too big; each should only make a single mouthful. If correctly formed, hand-moulded sushi should be able to be eaten upside down using fingers, or on its side if eaten with chopsticks; it's the fish and not the rice which is to be dipped in soy sauce.

This prawn and sweet chilli salad ticks all the boxes. It's full of fresh and healthy ingredients, it looks beautiful on the plate and it is full of those zingy Asian flavours that compliment seafood so well.

This healthy and tasty vegetable and lentil potato pie is packed full of vitamins and every bit as hearty as a meat based cottage pie. Perfect for a family meat-free Monday meal.

This simple salad is well-balanced and completely delicious. Top tip: after placing lamb in preheated pan don't move it until it is well sealed (at least 3 minutes) as the water released when you move the lamb will make it stick to the pan.

The tamarind and honey work together in this dish to create a lovely sweet and sour flavour combination that compliments the delicate flavour of the prawns beautifully. Your dinner party guests will love it.

Wrap fresh pita bread snugly around this delicious chicken kebab with garlic sauce. Add plenty of fresh salad and you have perfectly balanced meal, with limited washing up. Win.

Like a spaghetti pie with an eggplant, parmesan and breadcrumb crust, this Sicilian spaghetti is rich, earthy and very satisfying. Perfect for filling up on a cold evening or for lunch after a stiff weekend walk.

We've given a spin to this classic rending, cooking the lamb slowly until the coconut milk sauce thickens and is quite dry, the succulent meat becomes so tender it virtually falls apart.

Go upmarket with these juicy steak and aioli sandwiches, served on crusty grilled ciabatta with perfectly seasoned grilled tomatoes. Serve it with plenty of salad and you'll have a perfectly balanced and delicious meal.

Any white fish can be used for this chargrilled fish and vegetables recipe. An entire fish looks impressive on the plate, but you can also use smaller fillets. Either way you'll end up with a fresh, healthy and tasty result.

Haloumi cheese is a semi-soft cheese from Cyprus that is simply perfect for grilling. The kids will love these vegetable and haloumi skewers, and the grownups can enjoy them with the zingy harissa and lemon mayo.

This tagliatelle pasta with broccoli and anchovies is simple and delicious. Don't let the family be put off by the addition of anchovies, they leave no overwhelming fishy taste, just a delicious savoury flavour.

For shallow-frying, use enough oil to reach half-way up the food; cook the prawn until brown and crisp, then turn over and cook the other side. Their texture will contrast beautifully with the avocado.

Agnolotti is a type of filled pasta, similar to ravioli but smaller. We've teamed a ricotta and spinach version with a creamy fennel sauce here for a perfectly hearty and easy meat-free meal.

The secret to our delicious lasagne is the pork and veal mince in the meat sauce, which gives it a balanced and rich flavour. The ricotta in our white sauce gives it an extra creaminess and lusciousness without the guilt.

There are countless versions of dhal, all equally healthy and delicious. Try our warming pumpkin and eggplant version for a hearty meat-free meal. Serve with Indian flatbread to mop up every bite.

This fragrant and fresh yellow fish curry is quick and easy to prepare. Firm, white fleshed fish like ling, blue-eye, trevally, coral trout, red emperor and mahi mahi have the perfect texture for this kind of recipe.

The seasoning mix on this spiced fish with lemon yogurt sauce sure packs a flavourful kick. We used perch here, but you could use any type of firm fish; ling, blue eye, or barramundi would work equally well.

This brightly coloured lamb salad tastes just as good as it looks. Make sure you rest the lamb for at least 10 minutes for a perfectly moist and tender result.

Impress your guests and feast on this succulent baked ham with redcurrant and balsamic glaze, from Christmas through to New Year. Store it in the fridge in a damp pillowcase while you work your way through it.

Spiced with ginger, lemongrass, chillies and fish sauce, this Asian-style prawn soup is hot, savoury and delicious. Full of noodles, it makes a great weekend lunch dish, or a light dinner.

These eggplant and haloumi skewers with roasted tomato sauce are the perfect easy finger food to serve at your next gathering. This kind of cheese is just begs to be fried and served warm.

Serve this delicious hot seafood platter at your next gathering. Simply arrange the seafood on a large white serving platter with plenty of lemon wedges and watch it disappear.

Textural, substantial and with an earthy flavour, pearl barley is an incredibly versatile grain that can be used in soups, stews and salads. It’s also packed with nutrients and low in kilojoules.

For a new take on deep-fried fish, try this crispy and delicious whiting tempura. Cut into smaller pieces for finger food and serve alongside the dipping sauce, or with a crisp salad as a main meal.

If you want to serve up a healthy lunch with lots of protein and vegetables, these little vegetable and feta frittata are the way to go. They're also great as after-school snacks, and make a fab packed lunch.

Raita is a traditional condiment from the subcontinent commonly served alongside curries. The coolness of the raita ingredients compliments the spice beautifully. It can also be served on its own, as a dip.

Making your own pasta dough is incredibly satisfying and easier than you might think. You do need a pasta machine, but the investment is worthwhile; just one bite of freshly made pasta and you'll see why.

This deliciously green soup is full of complex flavours, the sweetness of green peas, peppery rocket and the iron-green of spinach, all topped off with mustardy grilled brie croûtes.

With a thin base and thin slices of zucchini, this is a crunchy pizza that combines simple yet stunning flavours for an easy and delicious meal.

If you can’t find sausage mince, buy the same weight in sausages and squeeze the mince from the sausage skins. Note

Beef fillet is a beautiful, premium cut of meat. This dish can be created successfully with a boneless mini lamb roast or lamb rump. It's all cooked in the one baking dish, minimising the washing-up, and is so easy it could be delegated to anyone in the family.

This tasty lamb mince kebabs are spiced with cumin and ginger, and enlivened by mint and lemon. Quick, easy and a delicious mid-week meal.

You could serve this tart as a cheese course in a menu, or make a lunch or brunch out of it by serving it with a bitter leaf salad.

Try these cheesy baked bean toasted sandwiches for a delicious, quick lunch or snack. If you don't like smoked cheese, just use ordinary cheddar, or whichever hard cheese you prefer.

Seafood salad does not have to be accompanied by mounds of mayonnaise. Try our prawn, scallop and asparagus salad with ginger dressing for a light, fresh and zingy alternative. For best results, serve with a crisp chardonnay.

A light and sweet Thai-style beef curry with tender chunks of beef cooked in a tamarind, lime and chilli spiced coconut curry. Serve on a bed of steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

For this tea-smoked ocean trout with orange and herb yoghurt dressing we used oolong tea, but your favourite black tea will be fine to use instead. You could also try this cooking method with salmon or mackerel.

Winter comfort food has never been better with this effortless soup and irresistible garlic bread, filled with capsicum, tomatoes and beans.

These exquisite quiches are great for picnics, platters or simply as a snack.

Served with shoestring fries, this crisp salad with deep-fried eggs and hot sliced chilli makes a tasty, sophisticated lunch or light dinner.

Try this delicious Spanish-inspired stuffed squid recipe for an impressive starter or lunch.

This rich and hearty soup can be whipped up in about half an hour. Evaporated milk (not to be confused with condensed milk) is canned unsweetened milk from which some of the water has been evaporated.

Brown lentils can be substituted for the puy lentils, although they do require longer cooking. Note

You can use smoked paprika in place of sweet if you prefer a darker flavour to your lamb.

Who doesn't love a good steak sandwich? This one is so much more gourmet than the usual, though. Think: creamy ricotta, fresh roasted capsicum and tender steak fillets... Yum!

Ranch is a creamy, onion-flavoured dressing usually made from mayonnaise and either buttermilk or sour cream. Use caesar dressing, if you prefer. Note

These little spinach and cheese parcels are very tasty extremely versatile; you can serve them on their own, as a soup accompaniment, or as part of an antipasto platter.

There should be no complaints at the dinner table when you present the family with good old fashioned lamb and vegetables. We've made things a little more exciting with the addition of mint sauce; it goes wonderfully with spring lamb.

Fire up the barbecue with these deliciously spicy vegetarian kebabs.

The perfect black olive paste for tapas, platters or simply a snack!

Quick, easy and delicious Indian-style chicken tikka stir-fry from Australian Women's Weekly.

Wrapped in crisp prosciutto, this creamy vegetable terrine would make a delicious side dish or lunch served with salad.

The fish can be refrigerated for up to 36 hours. You can substitute the gin with vodka or omit the alcohol completely. Micro herbs are small punnets of baby herbs or cress and can be found at good greengrocers, growers markets and some of the larger supermarkets; substitute with small picked leaves from regular bunches […]

A soft and tender braised lamb and yoghurt curry from Australian Women's Weekly.

Delicious triangles of lamb kibbeh piled high with bright and refreshing tomato, pomegranate and feta.

One of the classic dishes of Louisiana, famous for creole and cajun cooking, gumbo takes its name from an African word for okra, without which this hearty vegetable stew would not be the same.

A healthy white bean, corn and avocado salad from Australian Women's Weekly.

For a milder pesto, substitute baby spinach leaves for rocket. Note

You just can't go wrong with this traditional Christmas turkey with forcemeat stuffing of onion, bacon, pork, chicken, breadcrumbs, parsley, pistachios and tarragon.

This risoni and bean salad is robust enough for a light yet satisfying vegetarian lunch, or perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken or steak.

Fresh, light, fragrant and healthy. Serve this Asian-style fish with a bowl of steamed coconut rice for an easy and tasty meal for two.