The “sides” ideas continued …

… speaking of raita. You can of course buy it ready-made in a pot or jar. Personally I've never seen the point – it's expensive and not that appetising. Here's my fast, faff free version which, hand on heart, is fab!

Raita

Take half a large pot of plain yogurt - 250g. Add one teaspoon of ready-made mint sauce and stir well. Add salt and black pepper. If you'd like to add finely diced cucumber feel free but add it as you serve so it remains crisp.

Another culinary marriage made in heaven – the easy way.

Conversely a good quality shop bought mango chutney is a side I would recommend investing in. There are quality versions and my favourite is Sharwood's Green Label. You can of course make your own but I've found that I can't do better.

The Posh Chilli needs a generous blob of sour cream together with rustic bread or even soft wraps if you prefer - “bread” ideas are on their way.

I haven't forgotten the rice, if that's your bag. You may be surprised when I suggest cheating and buy frozen. It takes minutes in the microwave and is excellent – the choice is endless – egg fried rice, pilau, with cauliflower and a variety of steam bags to name just a few. The other plus with buying frozen is that you can always cook more if you need it, very quickly – I think you've worked hard enough. I don't cook rice often and so one less grotty saucepan to wash up gets my vote. Of course you may have a fancy rice cooker!

Now for the bread …

Just before we leave the fishcakes …

… I mentioned a raita dip. You can buy raita ready-made and there are many versions of it, some add cucumber, some paprika or chilli. My reasoning has always been that if you're serving spicy food then it follows you serve a side that is cooling and fresh to give balance to the spice – as I'm very fond of saying, it's a matter of personal taste.

My version of raita is really easy and does not add extras – it's entirely up to you.

Raita

Serves 4

250ml/8fl oz natural yogurt, low fat is

just as good

1½ tsps of mint sauce

pinch of salt

Place the yogurt in a medium mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt and then 1 tsp of mint sauce and mix well. I added an extra ½ tsp for my taste. Remember – you can add more - you can't take it out!

Here it is :

To each his or her own!