Italian inspiration

Parma Ham & Mozzarella Salad With Griddled Courgettes

Ingredients (Serves 2)

◆ 1 courgette, sliced lengthways

◆ A little olive oil

◆ 2 generous handfuls of rocket or mixed leaves

◆ 2 large tomatoes, sliced

◆ 6 cherry tomatoes, halved

◆ 125g ball mozzarella, sliced

◆ 6 slices Parma ham

◆ Freshly ground black pepper

◆ Basil leaves, to garnish

Dressing:

◆ 4tbsp olive oil

◆ 1tbsp wine vinegar

◆ 1tbsp balsamic vinegar

◆ 1tsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard

◆ Pinch of caster sugar, salt and pepper

1 Preheat a chargrill pan or the grill. Brush the courgette slices lightly with olive oil. Chargrill or grill for 1-2 minutes per side, until tender. Set aside.

2 Share the rocket leaves between two serving plates, then arrange the tomatoes, mozzarella and Parma ham on top, then add the courgette slices.

3 Make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, vinegars, mustard and sugar with a little salt and pepper.

4 Sprinkle the dressing over the salads, season with a little black pepper, then serve garnished with basil leaves.

Cook’s tip: Omit the ham for a vegetarian version

Chicken Cacciatore

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

◆ 2tbsp olive oil

◆ 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs

◆ 1 onion, sliced

◆ 1 carrot, sliced

◆ 2 garlic cloves, crushed

◆ 150ml red wine

◆ 400g can chopped tomatoes

◆ 100ml chicken stock

◆ 1 small red pepper, deseeded and chopped

◆ 1 small yellow pepper,

deseeded and chopped

◆ 100g mushrooms, sliced

◆ 1tbsp tomato purée

◆ 2tsp dried oregano

◆ 40g pitted black olives

◆ Salt and freshly ground black pepper

◆ 1tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus sprigs to garnish

◆ Sliced ciabatta bread, to serve

1 Heat the olive oil in a flameproof casserole dish and add the chicken thighs. Sear on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

2 Add the onion, carrot and garlic, then pour in the red wine and add the tomatoes and stock. Stir in the peppers, mushrooms, tomato purée, oregano and olives. Season.

3 Partially cover and cook over a medium-low heat for 35-40 minutes, adding a little extra water if needed. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

4 Stir in the chopped parsley and serve garnished with parsley sprigs, accompanied by