Simply the best

Enjoy a relaxed weekend feast with these delicious dishes that can be prepared ahead of time, and simply warmed up when you’re ready to serve

■ 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

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

Toast, soup, a bake, a biscuit… When the days are dark and cold, you want simple recipes with a nod to nostalgia and childhood comforts, but with flavours that feel right for now

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

What’s your go-to when you need a big, warm foodie hug? From saucy pasta to indulgent puds, our food team share their ultimate comfort dishes