After a brilliant spell of winter sunshine this weekend, the rain today calls for a slow-cooked stew with minimal effort. I remember a recipe my mother mentioned a few months back which appeals to me now. It is a matter of putting all the ingredients in the pan and letting it simmer. This kind of cooking is ideal when life becomes too busy.

The slow-cooking of the onion, garlic and chilli paste give this curry a distinct flavour. Duck and potato are my favourite combination.