Mains

A grandmother's stew inspired by The Silver Spoon

A chicken curry built on black pepper rather than a long list of spices, its heat softened by onions and yoghurt. Best with roti or paratha.

Two layers, one of vegetables in tomato sauce and one of spinach, mushrooms and cheese, under a golden crust. Good enough to forget the meat.

Squid rings tossed with popping mustard seeds, curry leaves and dried red chillies. On the table in under 15 minutes.

The best way to enjoy pork: fork-tender meat and earth-shattering crunch.

Chicken thighs in a green coriander, garlic and chilli marinade, crumbed twice and shallow fried. My fish-free version of the Bengali fried fish.

White fish in a bright green coriander, garlic and chilli paste, crumbed twice and shallow fried until golden. Best with kasundi.