SUMMER PASTA SALAD

SERVES 2–4

200g/7oz brown rice pasta

75g/⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped, plus 4 tbsp of the oil

1 tbsp Lucy Bee coconut oil

1 aubergine (eggplant), about 200g/ 7 oz, cut into small cubes

75g/¾ cup pitted olives, sliced

75g/½ cup pumpkin seeds or pine nuts, toasted in a dry pan

100g/3½ oz goat’s cheese, cubed

Handful mix of basil, coriander (cilantro) and parsley, chopped

6 spring onions (scallions), sliced

100g/3½ oz rocket (arugula)

Juice of ½ lemon

Lucy Bee Himalayan salt and ground black pepper

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet, rinse in cold water and drain. Add to a mixing or serving bowl and mix in the sun-dried tomato oil.

Melt the coconut oil in a frying pan, add the aubergine (eggplant) cubes and sauté until tender, adding more oil if needed (aubergines love oil). Stir into the pasta, along with the remaining ingredients, including salt and pepper to taste and a squeeze of lemon juice. Give it a good stir and serve immediately. It’s also good the next day for a speedy lunch.

TIP

I use Rizopia brown rice pasta.

BROCCOLI AND LEMON PASTA

SERVES 2

1 tbsp Lucy Bee coconut oil

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 lemon, quartered

200g/7oz long-stemmed broccoli

½ tsp dried thyme or few sprigs of fresh thyme

150g/5¼ oz brown rice pasta (I use Rizopia brand)

100ml/scant ½ cup dry white wine

Lucy Bee Himalayan salt and ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

Melt the coconut oil in a wide, heavy-based ovenproof frying pan. When hot, add the garlic, lemon (giving it a squeeze to release some of the juice), broccoli, thyme and some salt and pepper. Stir everything together then place the pan in the oven for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop it cooking further.

Take the pan out of the oven, remove the broccoli to a plate and place the pan over a medium-high heat. Add the wine and allow it to bubble a little then reduce to a syrupy consistency. Remove the fresh thyme, if using, stir in the pasta and heat it through quickly, stirring. Add the broccoli, check the seasoning and serve.