Curry comfort The British have a taste for curry that never seems to go out of fashion. Make the most of this winter staple by throwing together some homemade side dishes and adding extra-special finishing touches. Sprinkle creamy curries with chopped cashew nuts or flaked almonds for added luxury. Dip homemade chapattis in Madhur Jaffrey’s crunchy instant pickle, a perfect foil to rich sauces. To counter excess chilli, whip up a quick and cooling raita - just mix unsweetened soya yoghurt with chopped cucumber or fresh herbs and stir in other vegetables such as carrots or pomegranate seeds for colour. Serve dishes the traditional Gujarati way, by making the meal a one-course affair. Place small bowls of each dish on the table and allow guests to tuck in. Curries
Condiments and side dishes
Spicy snacks
Set the pulse racingIf you thought you knew all about pulses and lentils, think again. Forget stodgy suppers with rice on the side: Claudia Roden's Lentils with pasta and caramelised onions offers a surprising combination of flavours.
 During winter months, soup packed with pulses satisfies the palate and sticks to the ribs. Make a large quantity and freeze in batches ready to defrost when a swift supper is called for. Pair soups with vegetable bruschetta - match Cider, butter bean and thyme soup with Butter bean and sage bruschetta. Experiment with your own combinations: blend garlic and black olives to a tapenade with extra virgin olive oil, or whip up homemade baba ganoush (mashed aubergine) or hummus. When winter really bites, tuck into braised, spiced or stewed lentils served with hearty, vitamin-filled vegetables to ward off hunger and chills. These inspiring dishes will give you a warm feeling inside.
Party time Start your meal off with earthy root vegetables mixed with ripe winter fruits and drizzle salads with citrus dressing. For a special occasion, whip up a sorbet to cleanse the palate before the main course. Make celebratory feasts extra special by shaping the tofu drumsticks mixture (from the Sunday roast drumsticks below) into patties. Dot them with cranberry sauce and top with a deep-fried parsley sprig. Get your kids involved and cut out stars and other fun shapes from the mixture with cookie cutters. If you're in a more exotic frame of mind, rustle up Middle and Far Eastern-inspired recipes to banish winter chills. Ensure you leave room for dessert, as vegans will be spoilt for choice with this selection. From boozy oranges to rich Chocolate and pear torte, there are plenty of interesting alternatives to traditional winter puds. Wintry lunches often start in daylight and finish after nightfall. To lift your guests' spirits, pass round irresistible snacks such as sugared walnuts, perfect for nibbling in-between meals. To start the party, unearth your cocktail shaker and get flairing. A zingy Babycham and passionfruit cocktail should kick-start the appetite in time for tea.
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