When I asked him whether he would share one of his dinner go-tos for this column, I was so pleased when he sent over this recipe for Barley Stew With Tomatoes, White Beans and Cabbage. He told me that ...

Heat a large saucepan or casserole dish over a medium heat. Add the olive oil to the pan along with the onion, carrots and a pinch of salt. Fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the onions are softened ...

Leave the stew to stand for 10 minutes. Carefully lift the tomatoes on to a separate plate then stir through half of the dressing into the stew. Taste and add more salt, pepper and lemon juice, if ...