What can I cook in times of stress?

Here are a couple of recipes to help those who are suffering with pain or low energy levels. They contain some key anti-inflammatory and moodboosting ingredients.

Polyphenol Cauli-power

Serves 2

Packed with phytochemicals to neutralise our inner stress, this is warming and spicy.

Ingredients:

1 cauliflower, ½tsp ground coriander, ½tsp chilli flakes, ½tsp turmeric, ½tsp ground cinnamon, ½tsp garam masala, salt and pepper, 2tbsp olive oil.

To serve: 2tsp lime juice, coconut yoghurt, fresh coriander.

 Stir all the spices together in a small bowl.

 Separate the cauliflower into florets. Place in a large bowl and pour over the spice mixture, oil, stirring well until it is all covered.

 Leave to marinate (if time allows) or place on to a baking parchmentcovered tray.

Pre-heat oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Roast for 25 minutes until tender, turning halfway through. Drizzle with the fresh lime juice, then top with coriander. Serve with coconut yoghurt, if desired.

Butter bean squash salad with sesame Serves 2 Colourful, with a sweet herby taste and an indulgent homemade sauce. Tip: if your hands or wrists are particularly painful, give yourself a break and buy pre-cut vegetables and oven cook the kale instead.

Ingredients: 1 butternut squash, 2 sweet potatoes, olive oil, 5 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 200g strawberries, 250g curly leaf kale, 400g butter beans, drained and rinsed

For the tahini sesame sauce: 3tbsp tahini, 2tbsp honey, 1tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1tbsp sesame oil, 2tbsp olive oil, 1tsp water, ½tsp garlic granules, pinch of smoked paprika, squeeze of lemon juice, salt and pepper.

 Preheat the oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Peel the squash and potatoes, slice into wedges and place in a deep oven tray with the oil, salt, pepper and rosemary. Roast for 35–45 minutes, until soft and golden.

 Rinse and slice the strawberries. Put the sauce ingredients in an empty jar with a lid and shake. Just before the roasted vegetables are done, steam the kale for 3 minutes max.

 Plate with the kale at the bottom, then the squash and potatoes, then the butter beans, strawberries and a drizzle of the sauce.