FEBRUARY is National Heart month when we are reminded of the need to look after our hearts, get a little exercise and, most importantly, eat correctly. This year is also the 50th anniversary of the British Heart Foundation and we are all encouraged to take part in the organisation’s fund-raising by promising to wear something red on February 25. There are, of course, many different ways to look after your heart but by far the easiest is to cook the right sort of foods and make sure your diet isn’t slowly killing you. A trip to your local Worcestershire farmers’ markets will offer a variety of great ingredients that you can use to create fresh, healthy meals that are quick and simple. You will be able to see what is in season and plan your diet accordingly. Don’t forget, you do not have to deny yourself tasty sweet treats when you are looking after your heart – you will find plenty of delicious home-made ones on your local farmers’ market stalls. You just have to make sure you eat them responsibly as part of a balanced diet. Try this recipe. It is quick and tasty and you can leave out the chilli if you aren’t keen on hot food.

BEEF AND PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI PASTA

Serves 4

Ingredients

400g pasta (whatever you like) 300g purple sprouting broccoli, chopped into pieces
4 tbsp olive oil
2 sliced garlic cloves
½ tsp crushed red chillies
500g lean beef, trimmed and cut into thin strips

Method

Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the pasta as instructed on the packet. Add the broccoli and cook for no more than two minutes. Drain, saving a little of the water. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and add the garlic and chillies. Then, add the beef and cook until browned. Tip in the pasta and broccoli with the last little bit of water and mix it all together. Serve hot. Today’s market is in Victoria Square, Droitwich, from 9am until 2pm. Tomorrow’s market is in Angel Place, Worcester, from 9am until 3pm. Next weekend’s market, on Saturday, February 12, is in High Street, Bromsgrove, from 9am until 5pm.