This take on pasta e ceci is like a hug in a bowl. It should be brothy, so add more water as it cooks if you need to. As it uses such humble ingredients, seasoning is key. A drizzle of good olive oil

Ingredients (Serves 2) ◆ 1tbsp vegetable oil◆ 1 red or brown onion, sliced◆ 500g sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks◆ 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped◆ 2tbsp Tikka Masala curry paste◆ 400

■ Serves 2 ■ Prep 15 mins ■ No cook 140g bulgur wheat1 tsp each ground allspice and ground cumin6 stoned dates, chopped small handful of parsley, chopped400g can of chickpeas, drained2 tbsp flaked toa

From weekly shops to smart shortcuts, food writer Laura Goodman explores how rising costs and busy lives are reshaping our family meals

Need midweek meal inspiration? These recipes have a little something for everyone, and are ready in 60 minutes or less

■ Serves 8 ■ Prep 30 mins plus 10 mins resting ■ Cook 1 hr 500g kale, thick stalks discarded and roughly chopped1 tbsp each butter and olive oil2 onions, chopped3 garlic cloves, finely chopped750g ric