COMFORTABLY NOM, NOM, NOM

When it’s cold outside, I crave proper comfort food, so this week I'm cooking dishes to bring a little warmth and joy. Think rich one-tray dinners, hearty pies and slowly simmered dishes that fill the house with good smells and make the dark evenings feel brighter. These are recipes you don’t want to rush, perfect for settling in after a long day. Add a cosy pudding and you've got all you need for the week ahead.

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■Prep: 25 mins ■Cook: 1 hr and 30 mins plus cooling ■Serves: 6 ■Difficulty: More effort

INGREDIENTS 2tbsp vegetable oil 440g paneer, cut into 2cm cubes 4tbsp ghee or butter 2 large onions, finely sliced 2 large garlic cloves, crushed Thumb-sized piece of ginger, finely grated ½ tsp hot chilli powder 2tsp ground cumin 2tsp fenugreek seeds 1½ tbsp garam masala 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 1tbsp caster sugar 300g potatoes, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes 150g spinach 150g frozen peas 100ml double cream 2tbsp cashew nut butter Plain flour for dusting 320g sheet all-butter puff pastry 2 large eggs, 1 whole, 1 yolk only, lightly beaten together (freeze the leftover egg white for another recipe) 2tsp nigella seeds Pilau rice or green veg, to serve

ONE-POT PANEER CURRY PIE