Jamie Oliver’s budget book - review

Jamie's latest cookbook

Jamie's latest cookbook

Published Oct 18, 2013

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Johannesburg - You’ve got to hand it to Jamie Oliver: the man is tenacious, much like a Jack Russell. He has a restaurant empire, has written at least 18 recipe books, put his name to cookware and embarked on a crusade to convince Americans to eat better.

 

Being a fan is not a prerequisite for enjoying his books – his recipes are vibrant, quite simple to follow, and mature.

After tackling the foods of Italy, the US and the Mediterranean, Oliver turned his attention to quick and easy meals. First there were the 30-minute meals, then the 15-minute ones.

Now, he wants to help you save money and eat smarter in Save With Jamie, subtitled “shop smart, cook clever, waste less”. With this book, he hopes to teach you “how to cook tasty, nutritious food on a budget”.

In his foreword, Oliver says the book exists “because you guys (readers) asked for it” on his popular website.

Adding, “for years I’ve been telling people that if you look back through history, the best food in the world has always come from communities under massive financial pressure, but the proviso is that you must be able to cook!”

And therein lies the rub.

The book’s accessible to anyone – from novices trying to rustle up a snack to ingredient-deprived households, who don’t have the means to stock up on luxury items. And honestly – we can all cut costs in the kitchen.

Every meal, he promises, will cost you less per person than an average fast-food takeaway – and costings are listed on jamieoliver.com/savewithjamie. As he explains, “it’s not about trading down, it’s about being clever”.

The pictures are gorgeously styled, the methods simple to follow and the dishes are enticing. Handy tips (such as getting to know your butcher, fishmonger and greengrocer, what to do with leftovers, growing your own produce), and a bonus recipe selection for under £1 (R16) a portion and some great recipes make the book a must-have.

Weightwatchers and those with other health concerns might appreciate the nutritional breakdowns, with calories, fat, sugar, carbs and saturated fats towards the end, whereas each recipe states the calorie content. Personally, I find that preachy and annoying. Photographing the family tucking into the budget meals is similarly indulgent.

However, I cannot deny that I like his recipes. Chicken and chorizo paella is a rustic, comforting meal, packed with spice and nutrients. The punchy, crunchy lamb noodle salad has plenty of punch (chilli, ginger and mint), and lots of crunch (sesame seeds, carrots, cucumber and lettuce).

And who says you shouldn’t play with your food? Oliver certainly didn’t listen, having fun with “zombie brain” (a roasted celeriac head) with truffle oil, a mushroom sauce and barley, and the curious “snake in a hole”, which comprises a slither of dark sausage in a bed of pastry. Don’t try to visualise it; it’s quite unappealing.

Whether or not you enjoy Jamie Oliver, this recipe book targets cooks who would do well to heed the lessons of the past. And that is Oliver’s strength – tapping into the mood of the moment. There are 120 “tasty, money-saving meals” in this book. Plenty of scope to experiment – and guaranteed to help you save. - Saturday Star

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