Testing the 30 minute limit
My brother Patrick (pictured above) attempted to follow and cook a 30 minute meal recipe by Jamie Oliver for Piri Piri Chicken (Series 1 Episode 1 on Channel 4) which included smashed potatoes with feta and parsley, rocket salad with lemon dressing and a very clever technique of portuguese tarts for dessert. Now 30 minutes is a very tempting proposition for a tasty meal for those who find themselves too busy to cook a meal at home but I have my doubts that many people could actually finish this recipe in 30 minutes, especially as a first attempt. Patrick worked furiously in the kitchen as you'll see in the video below trying to follow the recipe instructions on his iPad. I could see it was difficult to watch, listen, prepare and cook all at the same time without having to pause the recipe but I guess once you've done it once the next time should be quicker so perhaps 30 minutes is achievable. Keep in mind the 30 minutes does not include getting all your pots and pans ready and the inevitable washing up after. In the end the meal was very tasty and the family very satisfied with Patrick's cooking — we'd love to have it again. Definitely a meal everyone could do although realistically I'd probably allow a more leisurely hour to complete including a couple of glasses of wine in the process.
SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Basic ingredients and cooking techniques resulting in healthy and tasty dishes
CONS: I think you actually have to be Jamie Oliver to finish the recipe in 30 minutes or at least have done it a couple of times first to know the recipe well, Trying to listen and watch the recipe while preparing and cooking it can be very challenging, Cleaning and washing up after
MUST TRY: Discovering other Jamie Oliver recipes
VERDICT: It's always easier if someone else cooks for you
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| Get ready to cook |
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| Time starts now: 6.30 pm |
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| Cooking up the chicken |
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| Making the portuguese tarts |
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| Filling the portuguese tarts |
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| Adding caramel to the tops of the portuguese tarts |
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| Smokey kitchen — 20 minutes gone |
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| Making the Piri Piri sauce |
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| Chicken ready for the oven |
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| Chicken cooked in the piri piri sauce |
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| OOPS, someone left the label on the capiscum |
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| Putting together the smashed potatoes with feta and parsley |
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| Final time taken 47 minutes |
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| Let's eat! |
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Smashed potatoes with feta and parsley
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| Rocket salad with lemon dressing |
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| Portuguese tarts |
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| The aftermath for washing and cleaning |
