Ella's Pantry

All Recipes

5133 recipes found

Chicken & orzo with pesto crumb

Chicken & orzo with pesto crumb

This is one of those weeknight dinners I keep coming back to because it's genuinely easy and tastes anything but. The pesto breadcrumb topping gives the chicken this wonderful golden crunch while the orzo soaks up all the lovely flavors from the stock and tomatoes. What I love most is that everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is minimal. The cherry tomatoes bring a bright sweetness that balances beautifully with the basil pesto, and they're packed with lycopene, which is brilliant for heart health. Start to finish in just an hour, this feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a regular Tuesday night.

1 hr
Dairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free
Grilled lamb steaks with mint, smoky butter & Mediterranean veg

Grilled lamb steaks with mint, smoky butter & Mediterranean veg

There's something really special about lamb steaks with fresh mint and smoky butter that feels restaurant quality but honestly comes together in under an hour. The beauty of this dish is how simple it is to pull off, even on a weeknight when you're short on time. I love that the courgettes and tomatoes bring plenty of fibre and vitamins while keeping the whole meal feeling light and summery, despite that gorgeous smoky butter. The mint really lifts everything, giving it that brilliant Mediterranean vibe without any fussy technique. It's the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you've done something impressive when really you've just thrown a few quality ingredients on the grill.

45 mins
Gluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free
Lamb koftas in tomato sauce

Lamb koftas in tomato sauce

This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it comes together in just 40 minutes from start to table. The lamb koftas are packed with warm spices from the shawarma marinade and fresh coriander, which is brilliant for digestion and adds such vibrant flavor. What I love most is that you don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, just good quality mince, a few pantry staples, and a hot pan. The tangy tomato sauce brings everything together beautifully, and serving it alongside cooling yogurt and cucumber makes it feel special without any fuss. Trust me, once you make this, it'll become a regular in your rotation.

40 mins
Nut-FreeEgg-Free
Spicy lamb & bean burgers with tahini-dressed salad and sweet potato chips

Spicy lamb & bean burgers with tahini-dressed salad and sweet potato chips

Here's a weeknight dinner that's genuinely impressive without the fuss. These spicy lamb and bean burgers come together in just 40 minutes and are packed with protein from both the lean lamb and kidney beans, which are brilliant for keeping you full and satisfied. The tahini dressing adds a lovely creamy richness while the crispy sweet potato chips on the side make this feel utterly indulgent. What I love most is how simple it all is to pull together, especially when you're using frozen chips and tinned beans. It's the kind of meal that tastes like you've spent ages in the kitchen when really you've barely lifted a finger.

40 mins
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free
Green tikka & coconut vegetable curry

Green tikka & coconut vegetable curry

This is one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and tastes absolutely delicious. I love how the creamy coconut milk balances the warming spice of the green tikka paste, while chickpeas add loads of plant based protein to keep you satisfied. The best part? Most ingredients are from the supermarket, so it's budget friendly and convenient. Fresh coriander and spinach brighten everything up at the end, and you can have it on the table with fluffy wholegrain rice in just 45 minutes. It's comfort food that actually feels good for you.

45 mins
Gluten-FreeVegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free
Griddled harissa halloumi with lentil, pomegranate, courgette & mint

Griddled harissa halloumi with lentil, pomegranate, courgette & mint

This is one of my go to dishes when I want something that feels special but doesn't demand hours in the kitchen. The beauty of it is that everything comes together in under 40 minutes, so it's perfect for a weeknight dinner that still impresses. I love how the warm, salty halloumi contrasts with the bright pomegranate and fresh mint, while the harissa adds this wonderful spiced kick. Puy lentils are a real winner here too, packed with fibre and protein to keep you satisfied. It's simple, vibrant, and honestly costs far less than ordering takeaway.

(3)
3.7
40 mins
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeVegetarianVeganNut-FreeEgg-Free
Black garlic steak with Jerusalem artichoke purée

Black garlic steak with Jerusalem artichoke purée

You know how black garlic has this amazing umami depth that makes everything taste restaurant quality? Well, I've built this entire dish around it. The earthy, sweet black garlic pairs beautifully with a perfectly seared steak, while the Jerusalem artichoke purée underneath adds this creamy, nutty base that's naturally lower in calories than potato. What I love most about this recipe is that it comes together in under an hour, which is perfect for weeknight dinners, and the Jerusalem artichokes are genuinely budget friendly. The tenderstem broccoli and bright lemon finish everything off with freshness and vitality.

45 mins
Gluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free
Flatbreads with seaweed whipped feta & roasted tomatoes

Flatbreads with seaweed whipped feta & roasted tomatoes

This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in just 25 minutes from start to finish. The roasted tomatoes become sweet and jammy while the seaweed whipped feta adds an umami depth that feels fancy but requires minimal effort. I love using dulse seaweed here because it's packed with minerals and iodine, which supports thyroid health. The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients on hand already, making it both budget friendly and utterly satisfying on even the busiest evenings.

(3)
4.0
25 mins
VegetarianNut-FreeEgg-Free
The ultimate 10 bean chilli

The ultimate 10 bean chilli

There's nothing quite like a bubbling pot of chilli to warm you up on a chilly evening, and this ten bean version is my go to recipe when I want something truly satisfying. The beauty of using a ready mixed bean blend is that you get incredible variety without any fuss, plus beans are packed with fibre and protein that keep you feeling full for hours. I've layered in smoky chorizo, chipotle heat, and warm spices like cinnamon and cumin to create something with real depth of flavour. It takes just two hours from start to finish, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend dinner, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day.

2 hrs 10 mins
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free
Barbecued jackfruit

Barbecued jackfruit

Recently I discovered this amazing jackfruit recipe that's become my go to for feeding a crowd. What I love most is how quick and simple it is to throw together, yet it tastes like you've been slaving over a hot grill all day. Jackfruit is such a brilliant plant based option that's packed with fiber, which is fantastic for digestion. With just an hour total in the kitchen, you'll have these smoky, tangy sandwiches ready to go. The combination of harissa and sriracha gives it a real kick, while the barbecue sauce keeps everything beautifully balanced and moist.

1 hr 15 mins
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeVegetarianVeganNut-FreeEgg-Free
Cherry & pistachio tabbouleh with crispy tofu

Cherry & pistachio tabbouleh with crispy tofu

This is my go to dish when I want something fresh and satisfying but don't have much time. Cherry and pistachio tabbouleh with crispy tofu comes together in just 25 minutes and proves that healthy eating doesn't need to be complicated. The bulgur wheat is wonderfully filling and packed with fibre, keeping you satisfied for hours. What I love most is how the tart cherries and crunchy pistachios transform humble tabbouleh into something special, while the crispy tofu adds protein without any fuss. It's colourful, nutritious, and genuinely delicious.

25 mins
Dairy-FreeVegetarianVeganEgg-Free
One-pan beef lasagne with ricotta & basil

One-pan beef lasagne with ricotta & basil

My go to weeknight dinner has to be this one pan beef lasagne, and honestly, it's become a lifesaver on busy evenings. What I love most is that everything comes together in just 35 minutes from start to table, with minimal fuss and washing up. The lentils add extra protein and fibre, making it genuinely good for you without tasting like health food. The best part? You skip all the layering nonsense and just let everything cook together in one pan while the flavours meld beautifully. Fresh basil and creamy ricotta finish it off with a real touch of elegance that makes it feel special despite being utterly simple.

35 mins
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free