Nothing announces the start of spring more than the bright yellow blossom of te kōwhai! Kōwhai blooms also signal the beginning of some seriously hard mahi in the māra as we strive to give our seeds and seedlings the best, and earliest possible, start in life.

Here is my finger-licking, creamy crustless pie, which also features caramelised leek, fresh rosemary, light spices and chunks of sweet kūmara, all immersed in a rich sunflower, miso sauce and finished with a layer of the parmesan-like cheesy rosemary crumble. Do not put this gloriously cosy winter’s pie in the too-hard basket, it truly is very simple to put together and so delicious.