8 best side dishes for warm weather.A collection of delicious and less obvious side dishes originally created for specific recipes. But, they all share being able to work with a far wider range of dishes. Some are classics, others a little more leftfield and many are a good way to stop leftovers from going to waste. Issue no.1 of what I hope to be an occasional series and focuses on side dishes that work well in warmer weather. So, ideal for those who live in hot places or a

My father chanced upon this spicy Sicilian spaghetti with scallops in Palermo in the 1960s and it's been a family favourite ever since. It's brimming with flavours—scallops, anchovies, peperoncino, capers, shallots, and more—but takes less than 30 minutes to make. Above all, good quality olive oil is the star. It's a healthy, easy option perfect for hot weather.

Cape Malay fish balls are highly adaptable. Not as well known as other Cape Malay dishes—such the famous lamb curries—these traditional fish balls made with a combination of white fish and smoked fish make tasty starters, great finger food at a party, and are also integrated into other delicious Cape Malay dishes.

My Dublin coddle recipe is a personal take on a dishes considered their signature dish by many natives of the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Like so much in Irish culture, its story is complex. Nonetheless, its core ingredients of carrots, potatoes, bacon and sausages are the stuff of comfort food in many cultures. Easy-to-cook, I have alway found it a crowd-pleaser, particularly among crowds of diminutives. Yes, kids like it.

This easy yakisoba can be made with pork, chicken, seafood or tofu—or a combination thereof— and is a mix of noodles, vegetables and a cooking sauce that gives the dish its name. It’s the perfect, quick meal to put together when you don’t have a lot of time to spare.

This Lebanese white fish en papillote (i.e. cooked in paper) is a very easy recipe that, with the right side dishes, creates a very interesting meal, no mean feat if you also want to keep it very low-fat, as it is here. Rich, deeply flavoured regional grains and a succulent side salad offset the simple, delicate flavours of the fish.

A recipe for pasta with creamy sweet pepper and pancetta sauce with notes of fresh basil from Genoa. It is simple and fairly quick to make, but delivers way beyond expectations if you pay attention to a few small details.

A spicy Malaysian seafood noodles dish likely to appeal to anyone who enjoys laksa. But, whereas most laksas are more like a spicy soup with noodles, this dish has a thicker sauce coating the noodles, revealing delicious vegetables and seafood.

This Cantonese chicken with mushrooms, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots and a lot of other tasty ingredients was a dish my father learned in Hong Kong in the 1960s . It was one of the first Chinese recipes he taught me. Thus, it occupies a special place in my heart and memory. An easy, no-fuss wok meal. it's simple to knock up in practically no time at all.

An Indonesian chicken and cashew curry that will delight those who enjoy a little spiciness. Originally from Western Sumatra, the "wet" curry paste in this dish packs a punch, balanced by the citrus of lime and lemongrass, and the smoothness of coconut and cashews. Better still, it's quick to cook. Easily be adapted for seafood or vegan versions too.

This quick Belgian peperkoek cheesecake is an easy-to-make unbaked fridge cheesecake that is an homage to "peperkoek" a traditional Belgian breakfast loaf that contains numerous spices. With boozy black cherries and lemon, it's perfect for anyone who doesn't like puddings too sweet and you can prepare it in less than 20 minutes preparation time.

A Japanese chicken stir-fry dish, this easy yaki udon, takes less than 30mins to make, including the prep time. So, obviously it's become a weekday favourite that is both delicious and easy to chuck together when you're a bit worn out by a gruelling day.

This Malaysian prawn curry is another of the dishes from my father's travels in Asia in the 1960s recorded in his personal journals. It's quick, easy and delicious and easily adapted if you prefer chicken to seafood or want a vegan option.

Coronation Chicken Korma is my take on a Diasporan curry house favourite; that rich and mild curry beloved of millions around the world who may never experience an authentic version of this dish invented in the kitchens of Mughal palaces in the 16th century. No, not the authentic dish, but most certainly an authentic curry house version that took the world by storm in the 1970s.

Noodles with yakitori scallops and prawn skewers - delicious dish that is quick and easy to cook (well, once you've marinaded the main ingredients for hours). Perfect for hot weather. Filling yet very easy to digest. A not so traditional Japanese dish.

This pasta with creamy asparagus and smoked salmon is one of my favourite summer dishes for when you're hungry but want something a little refreshing. It's certainly filling, but it is also light with the flavours of warm weather; citrus and green things. Better still, it takes very little effort to cook.

A quick and easy vegan Thai aubergine curry—essentially a classic Thai red curry—is a go-to baseline curry that can be knocked together in no time at all. And, you can easily add chicken or prawns for dining parties with mixed preferences.

Haddock with anchovy caper cream - a light dish served with celeriac remoulade, puy lentils and a classic cold sauce. Hearty but healthy

Pasta with prawn and anchovy cream sauce

This Ligurian pasta with mushrooms, capers and walnuts and other ingredients; ready in under 30 minutes; vegan, vegetarian or other