Cucumber and Tomato Chutney Cucumber and Tomato Chutney is a South Indian or Ceylonese accompaniment that goes very well with spicy lamb and chicken dishes. This version uses yoghurt instead of the traditional coconut milk, for a refreshing tangy flavour.

Spinach with Lentils (Dhal) Spinach with Lentils (Dhal) is an easily prepared South Indian dish suitable for vegetarians and highly nutritious and tasty. This recipe uses mung dhal and a good quantity of spinach.

Braised Chilli Spare Ribs Braised Chilli Spare Ribs is an Asian Pork Spare Rib recipe which uses a delicious marinade as braising liquid. Finishing off the dish by cooking until all the liquid evaporates leaves a glaze rich with the flavours of the marinade. Excellent as a main dish or bar snack.

Mah Mee – Nyonya Noodles Mah Mee is a Nyonya noodle dish from Malaysia that is fairly similar to Prawn Mee, but uses different seasonings and has less gravy (soup). The addition of garnishes like cucumber and omelette make it a great one-dish meal.

Mackerel Steaks with Salsa Verde Mackerel steaks marinated in garlic-olive oil to ensure moistness, and then broiled or grilled until just done. Served with Salsa Verde, baked potatoes and salad on the side, this makes a great easy meal that is elegant enough for entertaining. Use Swordfish, Tuna or Salmon steaks as alternatives.

Salsa Verde Salsa Verde is a great sauce for oil rich fish like Tuna, Mackerel, Swordfish and Salmon. Its tart, fresh taste beautifully complements these fish. Try it with meat and chicken also.

Beef or Chicken Kurma Chicken Kurma is a mild curry popular in Malaysia with Ceylonese and South Indians, whilst Malays also prepare this as Beef or Mutton Kurma. Delicious with steamed rice to soak up the mild yet spicy gravy, it makes a great centre-piece for an Asian Meal. Prepare large quantities and freeze the extras as it keeps well.

North African Rotisserie Chicken This North African Rotisserie Chicken makes a fabulous centre-piece for a meal, with the spice mix making the skin especially tasty. Especially nice cooked on a rotisserie, it can also be successfully roasted on a V-rack.

Stir-Fried Vegetables – Pad Si Sahai This Stir-Fried Vegetable dish, Pad Si Sahaiin Thai, is one of those quick and easy Asian stir-fries that allow you to improvise. Choose any four vegetables you fancy that go well together, or add chicken as I do to make it a one-dish main. Some restaurants use sliced pork or beef instead – get creative and enjoy.

Vietnamese Beef Soup This Vietnamese Beef Soup recipe is inspired by the typical Vietnamese Beef soup, but has more beef added for a fuller taste, plus regular spinach (instead of water spinach) for its sweeter flavour. Simple and fast to cook, you can have it as a hearty soup or as one of the dishes in an Asian style meal.