Why simple family suppers work best
The Most Useful Family Supper Is Usually the Least Fancy
A baked potato, some leftover cheese and whatever vegetables are looking slightly neglected in the fridge will feed people more reliably than a complicated recipe ever does.
I’m increasingly suspicious of meals that require a special shopping trip, three pans and the confidence to say things like “finish with a drizzle”. A good family supper should survive substitutions and somebody arriving home later than expected.
The trick is having one dependable base: jacket potatoes, rice, pasta or a bit of pastry. Then add the leftovers, something green and enough seasoning to make it feel intentional. Not glamorous, perhaps, but neither is washing up at half nine.
There is a lot to be said for food that quietly gets everyone fed (and leaves lunch for tomorrow).