Food is a universal language which transcends demographics: it’s how we extend hospitality, express love and nurture each other. As an integral part of our identity and culture the sharing of food is central to how we connect with each other. Whether sharing a celebratory feast or offering tea and sympathy, food brings us together at all the most important moments in our lives. 

If you’re new to this way of eating you’re in for endless food joy as you explore all the possibilities and food combinations to create your perfect bowl. The key to a good Buddha bowl is to select a balance of fresh, natural wholefoods from a range of food groups which give you colour, flavour, texture and fragrance in abundance.

It’s recommended that we consume a minimum of 30 different plants per week for optimal health so if your 5 a day has been focused on limited items which you eat on repeat, for example bananas, apples, carrots, potatoes and peas, then it’s time to explore new fruit and veg horizons and expand into the wider world of plants, including wholegrains, nuts, spices and herbs.

Experimenting with vegan cakes can be soul-destroying if you don’t have a few basics up your sleeve to help you navigate the science of baking. Understanding the essentials of cake chemistry can help you enjoy consistently successful results.

Embracing seasonal eating is a simple yet powerful way to improve the quality of our diet, support local communities and reduce the environmental impact of food production. The benefits for personal and planetary health are huge.

Whatever your dietary goals might be, and the reasons behind them, starting to make the shift towards more plants is undeniably good for animals, good for you and good for the planet.

Colour, flavour, texture and fragrance are what I like to call the four pillars of creative cooking. When you focus on these four elements your connection with food changes as you start to engage the senses and bring joy back to the table.

If you’ve found yourself using pomegranate, the chances are you’ve fallen under the Ottolenghi spell whether you know it or not – he’s a huge fan of these gorgeous ruby jewels and he uses them frequently and fulsomely.