Naomi Sherman

Nothing pairs as beautifully as grilled steak with a fresh and tangy chimichurri. In researching flavour bases, I came across the classic Argentinean combination of sazon spice rub and chimichurri, so I based my rub on the traditional sazon. The main spice in sazon is achiote powder, or ground annatto seeds, but this is not readily available here. Instead, I’ve substituted it with the recommended combination of sweet paprika and turmeric.

This dessert has simple yet complex flavours. Soft, pillowy silken tofu is warmed and sliced into slivers which are then drenched in a sticky, sweet, spiced syrup that is to die for.

Crispy pastry encloses delicious veg-packed filling that tastes so incredibly satisfying that nobody will even notice there is no meat.

Packed full of delicious flavours and textures, this stir-fry is a quick and easy meat-free meal on those busy nights. Made with a few fresh veggies from the supermarket and pantry items, it’s a great addition to the menu roster.

Perfect for a quick dinner the kids will love, this sweet and tangy stir-fry has none of the usual heat. You can mix and match your stir-fry vegetables to suit what you have on hand or what your family prefers.

There are two sure-fire ways to make vegetables better. You can bake them, or you can coat them with cheese. Here, I’ve combined the two to make a dish where the sweetly softened leeks are bathed in a creamy cheese sauce until you have a tray of pure joy. You may want to keep the whole pan for yourself.

The ultimate in comfort food, this dish combines golden-brown chicken with luscious leeks and deeply delicious mushrooms in a rich and creamy sauce. Serve with silky mashed potato and eat curled up in front of a good movie.

Risotto … it’s so time-consuming! Nope, not when you do it this way. Perfect for a dinner party where you want it to look like you fussed but you were actually reading a book. I won’t tell if you don’t.

The bright and herbal flavour of celeriac is the perfect foil for the sweet, spiced wild rice stuffing. This dish is a centrepiece that is deceptively simple to put together and will please and surprise every eater at the table.

Incredibly lush and decadent stacks of crisp meringue layered with salted caramel, whipped cream and lashings of melted chocolate. Make each element yourself or use my time-saving tip below.