Dahl con polpettine di agnello e cavolo riccio croccante - Dahl with Lamb Boulettes and Crispy Kale

Dahl is one of my favourite dish in the cold season. I prepare it at least once a week, as it is quick, healthy, tasty, comforting  and so versatile that I can always serve it in different variations. Today, I combine my dahl with mini-boulettes of minced lamb and I finish it with crispy kale. Three dishes - dahl, boulettes and crispy kale - in one-course meal to share with family and friends. If you prepare and cook the boulettes and the kale while the dahl is simmering, it will take no longer than half an hour to have your meal ready. It is just a question of organisation. 

Zucchine ripiene - Stuffed Courgettes

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Stuffed vegetables are so popular in the Italian cuisine that each region, each town and village, and each family seems to have its unique version. Each variation is delicious, especially in summer and autumn, when courgettes, aubergines and peppers are ripe and sweet. 

Riso integrale e lenticchie - Brown Rice and Lentils

Rice and lentils combine very well together and even better when you use the brown rice.

Linguine con fiori di zucca e zucchine - Courgette flower and courgette linguine

Today I found the last courgette flowers of the season at the farmers' market. Back home, I immediately made a pasta sauce for our Sunday lunch. A true delicacy.

Insalata tiepida d’orzo con cavolo riccio e feta - Pearl Barley Salad with kale and feta cheese

Today I felt like having a simple grain salad for lunch. It is a light and fulfilling meal, which I always enjoy to prepare by combining the ingredients I have in the pantry. 

Vellutata finocchi e scalogni - Fennel and Shallot Veloute'

This morning, I spotted frost covered windscreens on the cars parked in the street. Winter has arrived, at last. I am recovering from a flu and I immediately decided not to go out for my shopping. I  work from home on Mondays and today I can be creative, inventing a soup with what's left in the pantry. Not much, but enough to make a comforting velouté.

Orecchiette al Cavolo Nero - Black Cabbage Orecchiette

Cavolo nero is a typical winter ingredient from Tuscany, today available in any London vegetable market and supermarket.