Ella Mills is my go-to for seasonal kitchen inspiration - 3 simple staples she swears by
From a 30-minute broth to the painted bowls everyone's asking about, these are all Ella Mills-approved
September is here, the school run is back, and the summer of salads seems to be over. I did love it, but I'm thrilled for the return of soups, stews, and broths, especially the 30-minute dinner that the founder of Deliciously Ella calls "a favourite in the Mills household."
The meal, which Ella points out packs "seven plant points and plenty of fibre in each serving" showcases a beautiful broth that's light enough for these September evenings but still hearty enough to hit that cosy season spot.
But the recipe isn't the only reason that I love this dinner. After launching her Deliciously Ella x John Lewis collaboration, Ella has been on my radar for her cookware and serveware. In her video, Ella uses three simple tools, showcasing easy, one-pot dinners at their finest - one in particular has been the focus of the comments section. And luckily for you, I've tracked down all three.
Shop the look
Famous for cookware that's as non-toxic as it is good looking, I'm not surprised this is an Ella Mills staple. You can spot the pouring spouts on both sides of the pan, which are useful for when you're ladling out broths and soups. A built-in spoon test is the extra little detail that makes this a kitchen essential.
These are the bowls that everyone in the comments is asking about - and the ones our Lifestyle Editor clocked instantly. Hand-painted and available in a range of pattern, they turn a mid-week meal into an aesthetically pleasing occasion.
If you've never used a microplane before, you are in for a treat. These graters work better than anything else I've used. Efficient, with a no-nonsense speed, these zest lemons in half the time of your standard grater and will cover cheese, nutmeg, ginger, and chocolate too.
I can personally vouch for all three products above, but if you want to shop around, here are some more options.
What I particularly love about Ella's cookware is that it's affordable. I am all for investing in special, statement pieces - Em The Nutritionist's five recommendations is a good example - but sometimes we just want simple, reliable pieces that anchor our kitchen set-up. Ella's got style and she's got substance. I'm inspired.
Ella Mills has always been my reliable go-to for foodie fixes. She's full of healthy meal ideas and quick wins (fittingly, the title of her latest cookbook), and endlessly clever ways to make plants taste like a treat rather than a chore. And while I've been experimenting with Le Creuset one-pot cooking, taking a break from lengthier dishes has been a nice palette cleanser.
The broth is a perfect example of how to make a healthy meal in under half an hour. Leeks and celery simmer in a creamy coconut broth with beans, peas, and tomato tortelloni, finished with lemon, basil, and pepper. You can have it on the table, seven plant points per serving, before anyone can ask "what's for dinner?" And now that we're juggling the back-to-school September energy, this is a brilliant way to enjoy real food with minimal effort.
You'll also notice that Ella uses Allplants, her plant-based food company that I think I might be personally funding. She's using their Tortelloni (an easy pasta that I love), but I'd also recommend trying the tofu goujons. On her podcast, The Wellness Scoop, she's shared that they're a family favourite - and I love them too.
There's more than one way to get the Ella Mills look in your kitchen . Her collaboration with John Lewis showcases some beautiful, hand-painted pieces that are perfect for welcoming in the harvest season. We even sat down with Ella to hear more about the collection, which you can read about here.
