Effortless!

Make this low-prep, get-ahead menu for six for simple yet impressive entertaining

- ANNA GLOVER

Effortless recipes

Easy on the eye and simple to make using plenty of shop-bought ingredients and no fiddly techniques. These recipes can be made ahead or require 30 minutes or less of prep - they're go-to ideas for entertaining.

Mustardy spring chicken pie

Make this comforting pie ahead of time using a few cheat's ingredients - it's still creamy, rich and filled with the freshness of spring. After it's been assembled in advance and chilled, simply put it in the oven as you sit down for the starter.

1 HOUR + COOLING SERVES 6 EASY

• unsalted butter 50g
• frozen sliced leeks 200g
• skinless chicken thigh fillets 6, cut into bite-sized pieces
• plain flour 2 tbsp, plus extra for dusting
• white wine or vermouth 150ml
• béchamel or white sauce 500ml (we used Chef Parmalat)
• frozen green vegetables (such as broad beans, peas or beans) 300g
• flat-leaf parsley 30g, finely chopped
• dijon or whole grain mustard (or use a mixture) 2 tbsp, plus 2 tsp
• puff pastry 500g block
• egg 1, beaten
• steamed greens or carrots to serve

1 Melt the butter in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the leeks for 10 minutes until soft. Add the chicken and fry for a few minutes until opaque, then sprinkle in the flour. Add the béchamel, green veg, parsley, and 2 tbsp of mustard. Season well. Transfer the mixture to a pie dish - the filling should fit in snugly. Leave to cool, then chill for up to two days, if you like.