Jamies 15 minute meals

[EnglishGirlApproximately]

Anyone watching? I haven't bothered with the book as I assumed it would be all salads and pasta but I've liked the look of a few dishes on the programme so far. Has anyone bought the book?

I think with most things he does, you can just use your own artistic licence. I did try the pasta thing with porcini mushrooms in and it did take about 15 minutes. Amazing for me because I faff. I hate chopping herbs, I guess I need to buy an expensive set of knives like he can afford...

I agree about ingredients, there is always one or two things that I have to go searching for. I am a great believer in substituting things though if I know I won't like them or can't find them. Not getting fresh thyme again. Fiddly and stinks the place out!

You don't need very expensive knives, but you do need to keep them sharp. I bought a knife sharpener (not a long pole but one that you drag the knife through) and it does make a difference.

Thanks for reminding me, actually :)

Actually preserved lemons are very cheap. I didn't notice its mentioned up thread. I had a jar made last year. It's just unwaxed lemons, salt, rosemary and oil, iirc. I have used it in couscous and salad before. Ottolenghi uses it a fair bit, that's where I got the recipe to made it from.

I cooked the 6 veg herby pasta the other day (minus the chicken as DD is veggie) and it took me nearly 30 minutes. Even the pasta took 12 mins to cook.

Maybe i just need to get my DCs trained as my sous chefs!