Make the most of your freezer. green sauce at the ready!

Often, it’s the supporting roles that command the most attention – like these glorious starters, sides and sauces

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Whether it’s for a midweek meal or casual dinner party main, stroganoff is a great go-to dish. Traditionally, it’s made with beef, but the mushrooms, paprika and soured cream also work well with pork.

SERVES 6 | PREP 20 MINS PLUS RESTING | COOK 2 HRS | EASY 1 tbsp olive oil300g venison mince1 onion, finely chopped3 garlic cloves, crushed2 bay leaves1 tsp ground cinnamon½ tsp ground allspice175ml re

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 5 mins ■ Cook 20 mins 5 tbsp olive oil1 tsp smoked paprika1 tsp cumin seeds400g can cherry tomatoes200g fresh cherry tomatoes2 garlic clovessmall bunch of parsleysmall bunch of basil

Keep the stress (and cost!) of festive entertaining in check with prep-ahead freezer meals you can pull out as needed