Aubergines can absorb a lot of oil when they are sautéed but baking them is a fuss free way to bring out the slightly smoky taste and soften the flesh to a velvety texture. They can be eaten warm or cold as part of a mezze. Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 large aubergines cut lengthwise, then score the flesh in a diagonal criss-cross
• Olive oil to brush over the flesh
• 4 heaped teaspoons of pomegranate seeds, or to taste
• Sea salt, a pinch to taste

Dressing Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp tahini
• 2 small cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp of ground cumin
• Juice of 2 lemons

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas mark 6
• Place the aubergines scored side up on a baking tray, brush with the oil and add a grind of salt. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, moving them around occasionally to stop them sticking to the tray
• Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Spoon over the baked aubergine and sprinkle on the pomegranate seeds.
• Serve with baked diced squash and sweet potato which can go in the oven at the same time as the aubergine, or a side salad and sautéed greens.

Aubergines are an excellent source of dietary fibre. They also are a good source of vitamins B1 and B6 and potassium, in addition they are high in minerals copper, magnesium and manganese and are rich in antioxidants. They are also low calorie when roasted.

Tahini is such a versatile ingredient lending itself to both savoury and sweet dishes. Made from toasted and crushed sesame seeds, its full of healthy fats with benefits from heart health to glowing skin containing vitamin B1, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc. It’s a fantastic food helping organs, muscles, skin, the nervous system, liver detoxification, brain health, the immune system and with anti-inflammatory properties. Consider drizzling a tablespoon on other vegetables before serving, as an alternative to nut butters, as a healthy snack on oatcakes; your body will thank you!

Pomegranates are much in focus these days and are one of the healthiest fruits Mother Nature has provided having incredible health benefits for your brain, body and beauty. Credited with preventing hardening of the arteries and to prevent muscle soreness. Packed with fibre, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and so on – you name it so just remember to make them part of your weekly food shop.

Garlic is filled with nutrient dense benefits and is well documented for its healing properties. Maybe you didn’t know that its more powerful when eaten raw as cooking dulls some of its nutrient levels, nevertheless when cooked it’s still powerful. If you have IBS symptoms just leave it out of the recipe as the allium family are the top contenders to exacerbate symptoms.