For anyone in Britain juggling a hectic schedule, the quest for nutritious, home-cooked food can feel like a losing battle. A new cookbook aims to change that, offering a treasure trove of speedy, plant-packed dishes designed for modern life.
Speedy Soups and Stews for Nourishing Meals
Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella, has released 'Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking For Busy Lives', packed with recipes that promise maximum flavour with minimal fuss. The philosophy is simple: delicious, wholesome food shouldn't require hours in the kitchen.
Among the standout recipes is a vibrant Zesty White Bean, Pea and Spinach Soup that comes together in under ten minutes. This comforting, creamy bowl combines white beans and peas for protein, spinach for greens, and a hit of lemon for depth. It's ideal for a speedy lunch or light supper with sourdough.
For something richer, the Satay-Style Aubergine Stew delivers big flavour with little prep. This one-pot wonder features aubergine, chickpeas, and tomatoes in a luxuriously creamy sauce made from peanut butter, tamari, and maple syrup. It's a deeply satisfying dish that cooks in around twenty minutes.
Creative Mains and Decadent Treats
The book also champions inventive ways to use common vegetables. The Miso-Roasted Cabbage with Butter Beans and Red Onion transforms humble sweetheart cabbage into a caramelised, umami-rich centrepiece. It's a one-pan dish that makes a compelling case for eating more varied plants each week.
For a crowd-pleasing meal, the Spicy Courgette and Black Bean Tortillas with Cashew Aïoli are packed with protein and fibre. Thick courgette ribbons are pan-fried and paired with smoky black beans, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and drizzled with a creamy, zesty cashew sauce.
Pasta lovers aren't forgotten. The Lazy Mushroom Lasagne simplifies the classic by roasting mushrooms until golden, then folding them into a tomato and lentil ragù. A silky sauce made from cashews and silken tofu replaces traditional béchamel, creating a decadent yet straightforward bake.
Global Flavours and Simple Sweet Bites
For those craving Asian-inspired flavours, the Ginger and Tahini Noodles with Tofu and Edamame offer a creamy, umami-packed bowl ready in minutes. Fresh ginger, tahini, and tamari create a luxurious sauce that coats noodles, crispy tofu, and edamame.
A Cauliflower and Coconut Curry with Lemony Rice brings warmth and vibrancy. Cauliflower florets and green beans are roasted with spices and cherry tomatoes before being combined with coconut milk. It's served alongside fragrant rice infused with lemon rind.
No recipe collection is complete without a sweet treat. The Date, Banana and Peanut Butter Freezer Bites, a viral social media sensation, live up to the hype. A base of Medjool dates is layered with peanut butter and banana slices, then covered in dark chocolate and frozen for an easy, fibre-rich dessert.
'Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking For Busy Lives' by Ella Mills is published by Yellow Kite and priced at £25. It provides a practical toolkit for anyone looking to incorporate more plants into their diet without spending hours cooking, proving that healthy eating can be both simple and exciting.
