Simply Nigel

Exclusive to Observer Food Monthly, Nigel Slater's brilliant new recipes are quick, easy and delicious. He shares his expert tips and shows you how to make the most of fresh, simple ingredients.

Nigel Slater’s fast food

On your plate in 30 minutes: Dal | Baked camembert | Pancetta and parmesan risotto | Baked bananas with passion fruit.

If you go down in the woods…

A wicker hamper, a tartan rug, a shady nook, a sunny field of buttercups? In your dreams, says Nigel Slater. The ideal picnic in Britain depends not on location or the weather but good, simple food. That means a nice joint of ham, roast chicken, crusty bread, cheese, crisp salad, juicy tomatoes and something cold and bubbly to drink.

Desert island dish

Each month we ask a chef to choose five ingredients they'd want if they were stranded on a remote island, and what they'd cook with them. Luckily the island has a wonderful herb garden and its own olive grove. The rest is up to them...

The show must go on

Acrobats can't work on a full stomach, technicians like to pig out. Chloe Diski learns the art of keeping 150 circus folk happy. And, yes, it does involve a lot of juggling ...

Recipes for success

Eating out in a selection of Britain's restaurants that have stood the test of time. By Matthew Fort.

Observer classic recipe

Jane Grigson was The Observer's distinguished food writer for many years. Here is a recipe that was first printed in this paper in March 1984

Moroccan tajine with pickled lemons

Jane Grigson was The Observer’s distinguished food writer for many years. Here is a recipe that was first printed in this paper in March 1983.