When you need an elegant, restaurant-quality vegetable side dish but are short on time, this sauteed asparagus with mushrooms is the perfect solution. Earthy, wild mushrooms meet vibrant, tender-crisp asparagus in a hot pan, soaking up rich olive oil and aromatic crushed garlic. The entire dish comes together in under 15 minutes from prep to plate. The secret to elevating this simple pan-fry? A generous pinch of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt flakes tossed through right at the end to enhance the savoury, umami flavours of the mushrooms.
Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Asparagus Recipe
Lightning Fast: With just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes in the pan, this is the ultimate speedy side dish for busy weeknights or stress-free dinner parties.
Incredible Texture: Pan-frying the mushrooms on a high heat gives them a beautiful, golden-crisp edge, while the asparagus stays perfectly vibrant and tender-crisp.
Earthy & Smoky: Using a blend of wild mushrooms (like shiitake or chanterelle) paired with our signature smoked sea salt creates a deep, complex flavour profile that punches far above its simple ingredients.
How to Make Sauteed Asparagus with Mushrooms (Step-byStep)
Step 1 – Prepare the vegetables
Start by preparing your asparagus. Remove the tough, woody ends from the spears, then cut the remaining tender stems in half to create two shorter pieces per spear. Next, take your mixed mushrooms and brush them clean. Keep any smaller mushrooms whole, but cut larger varieties in half so everything cooks at the same rate.
Step 2 – Fry the mushrooms
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Add the prepared mushrooms and fry until they soften, release their moisture, and develop a nicely golden, crisp exterior.
Step 3 – Add the asparagus and garlic
Once the mushrooms are golden, toss the prepared asparagus pieces into the hot pan. Sauté the asparagus in the olive oil alongside the mushrooms for a couple of minutes until they turn bright green.
Step 4 – Finish and season
Add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Fry for another minute or so until the garlic becomes beautifully fragrant and the asparagus is perfectly tender. The whole cooking process should take 10 minutes or less. Remove the pan from the heat, season generously with Maldon Smoked Sea Salt flakes, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Pan-Fried Vegetables
Brush, Don’t Wash: Mushrooms are like sponges. If you rinse them under water, they will absorb it and steam in the pan rather than getting crispy. Always use a dry pastry brush or a damp piece of kitchen paper to gently brush away any dirt.
Keep the Heat High: To get that lovely golden-brown sear on the mushrooms without overcooking the asparagus, make sure your frying pan and olive oil are nice and hot before you start.
Add Garlic Last: Crushed garlic burns very quickly over high heat, turning bitter. By adding the garlic during the final minute of cooking, you infuse the dish with its fragrant flavour without risking a burnt taste.
What to Serve with Sautéed Asparagus
This garlicky, earthy side dish is incredibly versatile. It is a classic pairing for a pan-seared steak, a juicy roast chicken breast, or a thick-cut pork chop. For a vegetarian option, try serving these savoury vegetables stirred through a creamy Parmesan risotto or simply tossed with fresh pasta and an extra drizzle of good quality olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of olive oil
Yes, you can absolutely use butter instead of olive oil! While our recipe calls for asparagus sautéed in olive oil for a lighter, Mediterranean finish, you can absolutely substitute it with butter. Butter will add a rich, nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
How do I know where to trim the asparagus
The easiest way to find where the tough, woody end stops and the tender stem begins is to take one spear of asparagus and gently bend it near the bottom. It will naturally snap at the exact point where it becomes tender. You can use that snapped piece as a length guide to slice the rest of your bunch with a knife.
Can I use standard button mushrooms?
You certainly can use button mushrooms instead of mixed mushrooms. However, we highly recommend using a “mixed wild” pack (containing varieties like shiitake, oyster, or chanterelle) if you can find them. They offer a much meatier texture and a deeper, more complex flavour than standard white button mushrooms.
If you have never tried cooking radishes before, you are in for a treat. While raw radishes are famous for their sharp, peppery bite, learning how to roast radishes completely transforms them. The oven mellows their heat, turning them incredibly sweet, tender, and juicy. Paired with earthy, vibrant baby rainbow carrots and a drizzle of honey, this dish is the ultimate celebration of seasonal root vegetables. We finish the whole tray with a generous pinch of Maldon Pepper Sea Salt flakes to perfectly balance the natural sweetness with a subtle, savoury, peppered flavour.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Radishes and Rainbow Carrots Recipe
A Transformation of Flavor: Roasting radishes is a revelation, swapping their raw spice for a mellow, turnip-like sweetness that pairs flawlessly with caramelised carrots.
Visually Stunning: The mix of vibrant pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows makes this a beautiful side dish that will elevate any dinner table or Sunday roast.
Minimal Prep: With only 5 minutes of prep work required, you simply toss the vegetables on a tray and let the oven do the hard work.
How to Make Roasted Radishes and Rainbow Carrots (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
Step 2 – Prepare the vegetables
Lightly scrub the rainbow carrots to remove any dirt and place them whole onto a large baking tray. Take your mixed radishes and keep the smaller ones whole, while halving any larger ones so everything cooks evenly. Add them to the tray.
Step 3 – Prepare the garlic
Cut the whole garlic bulb in half horizontally right through the middle, creating two cross-sections. Nestle both halves onto the baking tray among the vegetables.
Step 4 – Season and toss
Drizzle the carrots, radishes, and garlic generously with the olive oil. Season well with Maldon Pepper Sea Salt flakes and cracked black pepper. Give everything a light toss on the tray to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated, then place into the preheated oven.
Step 5 – Roast and garnish
Roast the vegetables for 35 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and beautifully caramelised around the edges. Remove from the oven, arrange on a serving platter, and finish with fresh thyme leaves and a sweet drizzle of honey.
Tips for the Perfect Roasted Root Vegetables
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure your radishes and rainbow carrots have plenty of space on the baking tray. If they are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of caramelising and getting those delicious, crispy edges.
Squeeze the Garlic: Once roasted, those halved garlic bulbs become incredibly sweet and spreadable. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their papery skins directly over the vegetables before serving for an extra punch of flavor.
The Pepper Salt is Key: Because the carrots and radishes both become quite sweet in the oven—especially with the honey drizzle—the Maldon Pepper Sea Salt is vital. It cuts through the sweetness and adds a complex, savoury depth.
What to Serve with Roasted Radishes
This vibrant mix is incredibly versatile. It serves as a fantastic, colourful side dish for a classic Sunday roast chicken or beef. It also pairs beautifully with grilled fish, thick-cut pork chops, or as part of a larger vegetarian feast alongside grains like quinoa or farro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you roast radishes?
You can absolutely roast radishes! While often eaten raw in salads, roasting is arguably the best way to eat radishes. The heat breaks down their spicy compounds, turning them mild, juicy, and deliciously sweet.
Do I need to peel baby rainbow carrots?
No, there is no need to peel baby rainbow carrots! Their skins are very thin and hold a lot of nutrients. Simply give them a good scrub under cold water to remove any dirt before tossing them on your baking tray.
Can I use regular carrots or standard red radishes?
Yes. While the mixed colours of rainbow carrots and mixed radishes look stunning on a platter, the recipe works exactly the same with standard orange carrots and classic red globe radishes. Just ensure you cut any larger standard carrots into batons so they cook at the same rate as the radishes.
Cut the squid into a mixture of rings or thick slices with the skin scored in a crisscross pattern. Keep the tentacles left whole or cut into two pieces. In a large bowl mix together the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce and grated ginger. Add the prepared squid to the bowl and toss it through the marinade so it is well coated. Cover the bowl in clingfilm and set aside in the fridge for 15 minutes.
In a second large bowl, mix the plain flour, cornflour and Maldon Pepper Sea Salt.
Place the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan, so it comes 3 inches up the sides. Place it on a medium heat and let the oil come up to 180c.
Take the squid out of the fridge and lift each piece out, shaking off any excess marinade and then transferring it into the flour bowl. Toss each piece well in the flour, again shaking off any excess, before dropping them into the hot oil. Do this in smaller batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.
Use a slotted spoon to lift the fried squid out of the oil when it is golden brown (after 2 – 3 minutes), and place onto a tray with some kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.
In a small bowl mix together the mayonnaise, finely chopped coriander and dill, and lime juice.
Serve the fried squid immediately with the herbed mayonnaise and some extra Maldon Pepper Sea Salt.
Preheat the oven to 180c.
Cut the butternut squash down the middle from the stem to base. Scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Then use a sharp knife to score the butternut squash flesh in a crisscross pattern. Place each half into a roasting tray with the flesh facing up, and drizzle both with half of the olive oil. Season with Maldon Garlic Sea Salt, black pepper and the smoked paprika. Then place into the oven for 40 minutes until soft and tender but still holding its shape.
While the squash is roasting, prepare the rice filling. Start by adding the remaining olive oil to a small frying pan, and place onto a medium heat to heat up. Then add the sliced red onion and fry for 8 – 10 minutes, stirring consistently until the onions are very soft and starting to caramelise. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Prepare the rice according to the packet instructions and then tip into a large bowl.
Add the finely chopped dill and the caramelized onions and stir through. Then season with Maldon Garlic Sea Salt and black pepper. When the butternut squash has cooked, remove it from the oven and divide the rice between the two halves, pressing the rice into the cavity. Then top with some crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios. Drizzle over a little pomegranate molasses and a final sprinkle of Maldon Garlic Sea Salt.
Start by placing the pistachios into a food processor and blitzing until they are very finely ground. Tip these into a shallow bowl and set aside. Wipe out the excess from the food processor, but there is no need to clean it.
Then add the walnuts to the food processor and pulse these until finely ground. Then add the medjool dates, flaxseed, chia seeds, Maldon Smoked Sea Salt, cocoa powder and orange zest and juice. Blitz this until everything is well ground and mixed to a thick paste.
With slightly damp hands, roll out small golf ball sized balls of the mixture. Then roll each ball in the ground pistachios from earlier. Set these onto a tray and into the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.
Remove from the fridge when you are ready to enjoy them.
Place a medium pan of water on to boil. When it comes up to a boil, then reduce to heat to a gently simmer – you want a few bubbles coming from the bottom of the pan.
Lower the egg carefully into the water using a slotted spoon and then set a timer for 6 ½ minutes. Pop some bread into the toaster to toast.
Place some ice cubes into a large bowl and then add cold water – this ice bath will help the egg to stop cooking immediately after taking it out of the boiling water.
After 6 ½ minutes, lift the egg with the slotted spoon and place it into the iced water. Leave it for a couple of minutes until it is cool enough to handle. Then carefully peel off the shell.
Slice the egg in half to reveal the ‘jammy’ centre and serve on top of buttered toast.
Sprinkle over some Maldon Pepper Sea Salt and enjoy.
Although it’s pretty easy to make your own puff pastry, shop-bought is a good vehicle for piling high with an assortment of delicious toppings, and you can get it in most supermarkets. A tart made with this is also a great snack or starter for when you have friends around as you can make something relatively easy but impressive. Just cut it up into smaller wedges and serve it. I don’t know why, I always want puff pastry to be cold before cooking it, as this will give you the best puff, so leave it in the refrigerator until just before you need it.
How to Make Wild Mushroom, Ricotta and Caramelised Onion Tart
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with baking parchment (use a drizzle of oil under the parchment to secure it).
Put 2 tablespoons of the oil, the balsamic vinegar and onions into a frying pan over a low heat, season with salt and cook for 20–30 minutes until very soft and sweet. The key is to keep your heat low as the onions will want to catch and burn. If the onions start to burn, add about 1 tablespoon of water and give them a stir.
While the onions are cooking, clean, trim and slice the mushrooms into halves or thirds – you want to keep the mushrooms quite big to give the tart some body and texture. Put the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into a heavy-based frying pan over a medium heat along with the garlic, mushrooms and wine vinegar. Season with sea salt and pepper, then cook for around 10 minutes until the mushrooms have softened and reduced in size.
Once everything is ready, lightly flour a surface and roll out the pastry slightly, just one roll on all four sides. Slide the pastry onto the prepared baking sheet, then spread the ricotta onto the pastry, leaving a border of about 3cm (1¼ inches) on all sides. Score a border of about 1cm. Top the ricotta with the caramelised onions, followed by the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Brush the beaten egg onto the scored pastry borders, then bake the tart in the oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Slice and serve immediately.
Take your festive favourite to the next level with these irresistible pigs in blankets, glazed in sweet heat and finished with a pinch of Maldon Chilli Sea Salt flakes. Imagine smoky sausages wrapped in crisp bacon, roasted until deeply golden with crisp edges, then coated in a sticky glaze of warm honey infused with a pinch of fiery chilli sea salt…pretty delicious, right?
Always start by lining a roasting tray with parchment for easy clean-up, then roast until sizzling. While they cook, gently dissolve the chilli sea salt into the honey for a fiery-sweet drizzle that clings beautifully as you baste the sausages wrapped in bacon.
Pile these beauties high on a buffet, or make them your make-ahead hero – they freeze and reheat like a dream. Whether it’s Christmas, game day, or a casual gathering with friends and family, these pigs in blankets deliver bold flavour in every bite.
How to Make Pigs in Blankets with Hot Honey
Step 1 – Heat the Oven and Wrap
Heat oven to 180°C fan (200°C conventional / 400°F).
Wrap each chipolata with a rasher of streaky bacon; place seam‑side down on a lined roasting tray.
Tip: Use parchment for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Roast Until Golden
Roast 25–30 minutes until the bacon is deeply golden and sausages are cooked through (juices run clear; 74°C/165°F internal).
Step 3 – Make the Hot Honey
Add honey, Aleppo pepper and Maldon Chilli Sea Salt to a small saucepan.
Warm gently, stirring until the salt dissolves and the honey smells fragrant. Remove from heat; stir in the vinegar. Cool slightly to thicken.
Step 4 – Finish and Serve
Drizzle 2–3 tbsp hot honey over the pigs in blankets. Serve the rest alongside so people can add extra heat.
Tips & FAQs
Tips
For extra crispness, elevate sausages on a rack set over the tray.
Like it hotter? Add a pinch more Maldon Chilli Sea Salt or a dash of chilli flakes.
Mild version: reduce Aleppo pepper by half and add 1 tsp smoked paprika.
Batch cooking: use two trays and rotate halfway for even browning.
FAQs
How long to cook pigs in blankets?
Roast at 180°C fan (200°C / 400°F) for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and cooked through (74°C/165°F internal).
Can you make pigs in blankets ahead of time?
Yes. Wrap up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Or freeze raw on a tray, then bag for up to 3 months; cook from frozen at 180°C fan, 30–35 minutes.
How do you reheat pigs in blankets?
Oven at 180°C fan (350–400°F) for 8–10 minutes until sizzling. Re‑drizzle with warm hot honey to refresh.
Can I air‑fry pigs in blankets?
Yes. Air fry at 190°C/375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking once; check doneness, then drizzle with hot honey.
Serving Suggestions
Add to Christmas dinner plates, grazing boards or canapé platters.
Pair with mustard mayo, garlicky yogurt, or cranberry dip.
Garnish with finely chopped chives or parsley; finish with a pinch of Maldon Chilli Sea Salt flakes for sparkle.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Cool and refrigerate within 2 hours; store up to 3 days. Keep hot honey in a sealed jar up to 2 weeks.
Freeze: Raw (preferred) up to 3 months. Cooked up to 1 month.
Reheat: Oven 180°C fan (350–400°F) until piping hot (74°C/165°F). Warm the honey gently before drizzling.
Accessibility & Dietary Notes
Contains pork; not suitable for halal/kosher. Contains honey (not for infants under 1). Gluten content depends on sausages used. If vegetarian, ready-made options from brands include Beyond Meat and Quorn. If Vegan, ready-made options from brands include Richmondand Linda McCartney.
Tried this recipe?
Rate it and share your tips in the comments. For more easy Christmas canapés and sides, browse our festive collection.
If you’re looking for the ultimate side dish to elevate steaks, roast chicken, or even your Christmas dinner, fondant potatoes are pure luxury on a plate! Using Maris Piper potatoes (or Yukon Gold as an US alternative), these beauties are cut into thick rounds, about 1.5-inch slices, to create the perfect balances of golden crust and a creamy, fluffy centre.
The magic begins in a heavy-based pan or cast iron skillet, where butter foaming gently kisses the potatoes as you baste them to perfection. Aromatic garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs infuse every layer with deep, savoury notes. After searing, you’ll reduce stock until it forms a rich glaze that clings to each piece like velvet.
Season generously, finishing with a pinch of smoked sea salt – Maldon Smoked Sea Salt flakes add a subtle, earthy whisper that makes this dish unforgettable.
How to Make Fondant Potatoes with Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme
Step 1 – Prep and Sear
Pat the potato rounds dry. Preheat a large heavy‑based or cast‑iron pan over medium‑high.
Add olive oil; when shimmering, arrange potatoes cut‑side down in a single layer.
Tip: Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if needed for even crust.
Step 3 -Add Flavour and Baste
Add butter; when foaming, add crushed garlic, rosemary and thyme.
Tilt the pan and baste the potatoes for 30–60 seconds.
Step 4 – Simmer in Stock
Carefully pour in stock around the potatoes (aim for liquid to come halfway up the sides).
Cover and gently simmer 20–25 minutes until fork‑tender and the stock has reduced to a glossy, buttery glaze.
Cue: A skewer should slide in easily; edges remain intact with a creamy centre.
Step 5 – Finish and Serve
Discard woody herb stalks. Taste the glaze; finish with a pinch of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt. Serve immediately.
Tips & FAQs
Tips
Use evenly sized rounds for consistent cooking; trim ends to create flat surfaces.
If your pan is oven‑safe, you can finish covered at 200°C/180°C fan (400°F) for 15–20 minutes instead of stovetop.
Stock should reach halfway up the potatoes; increase slightly if using a wider pan.
For extra smokiness, finish with a light sprinkle of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt flakes just before serving.
FAQs
What are the best potatoes for fondant potatoes
Floury/waxy‑all‑rounders like Maris Piper or Yukon Gold hold shape yet turn creamy inside
How long do fondant potatoes take to cook?
About 30 minutes total: 8–12 minutes to brown, then 20–25 minutes to simmer until tender.
Can you make fondant potatoes ahead of time?
Yes—brown and simmer until just tender, cool in the glaze, then reheat gently with a splash of stock and a fresh knob of butter.
Can this be vegetarian or vegan?
Vegetarian: use vegetable stock.
Vegan: swap butter for plant‑based block and use vegetable stock.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside steak, roast chicken, lamb, or festive mains.
Spoon over pan juices; add chopped chives or parsley for freshness.
For entertaining, cut smaller 2.5 cm / 1‑inch rounds and present on a platter with extra smoked sea salt.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container with leftover glaze for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pan with a splash of stock over medium‑low, basting until hot; or oven at 180°C/160°C fan (350°F) covered for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep edges crisp.
Celebrate Diwali with a burst of spice and tradition in every bite – Romy Gill’s spicy Bonda balls are the ultimate festive snack. These golden, crispy potato balls are packed with red onions, coriander, green chillies, and warming spices, then deep-fried to perfection. What makes them truly special is the finishing touch: a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt flakes, which enhances the bold flavours and adds a delicate crunch.
Inspired by Romy’s Indian heritage and love for vibrant, seasonal cooking, these naturally vegan treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the Festival of Lights. Serve them with your favourite chutney and let the celebrations begin.
How To Make Spicy Bonda Balls
Photography by Matt Inwood
Peel and diced the potatoes and then boil until they are soft and cooked. Drain the water, place them in a large mixing bowl and leave it cool down. Once the potatoes are cooled down, mash them.
Add rest of the ingredients into the bowl, expect the oil. Mix them well and shape them into 20 golf sized balls.
Place them on a baking tray and leave them in the fridge from 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes remove the tray from the fridge and leave it outside. Pour oil in a heavy-based medium size saucepan. Heat the oil over medium heat to 180 degrees. Add the Bonda balls to the hot oil, in batches. Cook evenly all sides for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
Serve hot with any chutney of your choice. Romy serves her Bonda balls with mint and coriander chutney.
