At this time of year, the farmers markets and produce aisles can be a bit banal, says American food writer Colu Henry. ‘But with a well-stocked pantry and spice drawer, you can create inspiring, flavourful meals that lean on cupboard staples. Utilising items such as tinned tomatoes, beans, roasted red peppers and ‘nduja to pack a punch, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant and versatile dishes to please any crowd. Plus, keeping a variety of nuts on hand for texture, fresh herbs for flavour and citrus for brightness will help you to make the ordinary anything but. These recipes are comforting, elegant and unfussy and, though easy to make on a weeknight, they are elevated enough for a dinner party.

This incredibly simple recipe uses very few ingredients, but the result is an elegant and wonderfully rich pasta dish. It also comes together in no time, so is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. ‘Nduja, a Calabrian spicy spreadable sausage, imparts a smoky flavour that pairs beautifully with the butter and the tomatoes. A bright salad of chicory leaves served alongside would be nice, as well as a big glass of Nebbiolo Italian wine.