Of all the ways a 10-year-old could wish to celebrate a birthday, my parents were surprised when I asked for a dinner party. And on the menu - these spiced beef meatballs. This recipe comes from this wonderful memory. Beef meatballs, mellow with spice, rich with a sweet, tomato and chickpea sauce, and piled onto golden rice.  Served alongside charred Roman beans (my current obsession), with preserved lemon and yoghurt to bring a little freshness and smokiness to the plate (while the yoghurt dressing doubles as another sauce for the meatballs).

A really good recipe that feels like the perfect antidote to this rainy weather.