What to cook this springtime?

This season offers a wonderful array of fresh vegetables that will be readily available at your local supermarket or green-grocers. And it’s a great time to start transitioning from those winter-warmer recipes to some lighter dinner ideas.

Make the most of seasonal vegetables including leeks and asparagus or simply make the most of slightly quicker mealtime recipes, because although it’s not too hot to stand over the hob, that enticing sunshine will make you want to spend more time outside than in your kitchen.

I’ve collated my top 4 dinner ideas for two to try this spring, perfect to eat on a sunny evening or even during some April showers!

The “CBT” Stew – Cod Stew Recipe

It’s not quite warm enough to let go of stews yet. And this warming cod stew recipe actually works wonderfully alongside springtime weather. The simple tomato sauce base is kept fresh with the addition of spicy chorizo and seasonal asparagus. It’s also a great option to help incorporate cod into your diet, as it’s highly nutiritous and is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and minerals.

This recipe is fuss-free, and you can let the stew do its thing on the hob whilst you potter in the garden enjoying the springtime sunshine; that’s why it’s a great recipe for March and April. Take a look here!

Peanut Satay Style Chicken Pittas Recipe

Springtime is the ideal season to start making the most of fresh vegetables, including cucumbers, carrot and red onions. And what fresher way to enjoy all of these salad ingredients than pickling them and topping them onto some juicy, chicken satay pittas.

I love this fakeaway style dinner recipe; it’s incredibly simple to cook. Simply pickle your vegetables, whack your marinated chicken in the pan and toast up some pittas, and away you go!

This is a great way to fulfil your Friday night takeaway cravings. Get the recipe here!

Chicken, Leek & Asparagus Filo Pie Recipe

I personally will eat pie for dinner until the height of summer really kicks in. But even I can admit, sometimes when the weather gets a little warmer, it may not always be ideal to begin cooking a slow cooked, thick, rich beef pie (like my mouth-watering Steak & Trooper Ale pie recipe).

So how do I satisfy my pie craving in Spring? Well this lighter chicken pie recipe is a winner. The crispy, golden filo topping is super simple and makes it a far lighter eat.

The creamy, chicken filling makes the most of seasonal Spring vegetables like asparagus and carrots – making it a perfect seasonal Sunday dinner. Click here for the recipe!

Gambas Pil Pil Spaghetti – Garlic Prawns Recipe

Although this recipe may not be the most springtime-green inspired dish, I decided it really did deserve a place on my top 4 recipes for this fresh season. Why? This stunning prawn pasta dish for two is inspired by Spanish tapas, and I think a glimpse of English sunshine can make anyone want to whack a tapas board out on the table.

So whilst it might not be hot enough to get the breads, cheese and meats out on the garden dining table, it is the perfect time to whip up this super simple, spicy, garlicky pasta dish with juicy prawns and crispy prosciutto scattered on top. You can taste the sunshine already, right?

Out of all my pasta recipes, I’d say this is as fresh and spring-inspired as it gets, so it’s worth a go this season! Come and take a look at the recipe for Gambas Pil Pil Spaghetti here.

Discover more of my recent recipes!

• 
  Roasted Beetroot and Whipped Feta Flatbreads
  A light, vegetarian dinner recipe for two with beetroot, feta, toasted walnuts and a spicy honey drizzle. Flatbreads, pittas and naans are all high… Read more: Roasted Beetroot and Whipped Feta Flatbreads
• 
  Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
  A simple, affordable creamy pasta recipe with roasted broccoli. Pasta for dinner, quite frankly, never gets old in my household. Whether it’s a spicy… Read more: Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
• 
  Spiced Butternut Squash & ‘Nduja Risotto
  A warming risotto recipe for two with a little kick. Butternut squash tend to only receive love in the autumn, but they tend to… Read more: Spiced Butternut Squash & ‘Nduja Risotto
• 
  4 Spring Dinner Recipes To Freshen Up Your Menu!
  What to cook this springtime? This season offers a wonderful array of fresh vegetables that will be readily available at your local supermarket or… Read more: 4 Spring Dinner Recipes To Freshen Up Your Menu!
• 
  Crispy Coconut Prawns
  A tasty fakeaway dinner idea with golden, crunchy prawns and a honey, garlic & soy sauce. You may know by now that I am… Read more: Crispy Coconut Prawns