Pearl barley creates robust, nutty texture and, while it takes longer to cook than rice, it’s worth the effort. Dairy adds richness – we’ve gone for a triple hit with brown butter, mascarpone and goat

Fermented foods needn’t get you in a pickle, thanks to James Cooper & Natalie Preston’s tasty recipes

REAL FOOD CHAMPION ELLA MILLS HAS NOW MADE NUTRITIOUS COOKING SO SIMPLE THAT YOU CAN’T FAIL TO EAT WELL, ALL YEAR LONG

TO PREP 10 mins TO COOK 40 mins SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 500g orzo ✔ 2 echalion shallots, sliced ✔ 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped ✔ 1 bunch of dill ✔ ¼ lemon, juice ✔ 1 tbsp dried mint ✔ 5

Prima ’s homes and food editor, Bella Evennett-Watts, shares her top advice and insider tips for this month

■ Serves 6 ■ Prep 20 mins ■ Cook 2 hrs 10 mins 1 tbsp olive oil750g lamb neck, cut into chunks4 carrots, cut into chunks1 red onion, cut into wedges400ml chicken stock, plus extrafor the couscous400g