Jamie's 30 min meals

**Mother Goose** · January 3rd, 2011, 04:36 PM

has anyone got his new book? The 30 min meals one? I'm wondering if it's any good... what you think of it... I usually find his books full of time consuming things I never have the time to cook...

TIA!

MG

**PumpkinZulu** · January 3rd, 2011, 04:38 PM

I don't have it but would buy it, based on the show. Very easy and we've already made a few of the recipes.

**CrazyLady** · January 3rd, 2011, 04:45 PM

I'm just wondering if he uses REAL ingredients in his food. I mean like not this niche specialty stuff most cooking books have. I want to be able to go to my fridge/pantry/freezer and get stuff I usually stock rather then having to dash to the shops for ingredients

**Lulu** · January 3rd, 2011, 04:50 PM

I think I've had a read of this one at a friends house and way very impressed. I was going to buy it for my nephew that just moved out of home.

**~me~** · January 3rd, 2011, 04:55 PM

It's looks very good. I watched his show just last week and he did a two meal course in 30mins. I questioned DH as he is the culinary King in our house

and he said it was definitely possible. He did his portuguese tarts (he did use shop purchased pastry) and a chicken dish. Looked amazing!!

**Persephone1** · January 3rd, 2011, 05:01 PM

I'm looking at my book right now, as I watch the show. DH got it for me for Xmas. I'm going to try and cook the vege curry this week.

I was once a Jamie-hater. Since I bought his 20-minute Meals iPhone application, I'm a complete convert. I'm looking forward to trying the recipes in his 30-minute Meals book, cause they look really great. Easy, tasty, nom nom nom. Jamie and Nigella (and soon, Donna Hay) are turning me into a good little cook.

**Swoop** · January 3rd, 2011, 05:06 PM

I've got the book - haven't used it yet but it looks quite simple and I'm looking forward to giving it a try - that veg curry looks delish!

I too was a Jamie hater, but over the years he's become one of my favourites.

I'm off to look for that iPhone app now!

**PumpkinZulu** · January 3rd, 2011, 05:09 PM

Haha another ex Jamie hater here

He uses lots of store bought, common pantry items, I like it.

**Swoop** · January 3rd, 2011, 05:17 PM

I saw it in DJ's the other day too.

Just downloaded the free app but I might well go for the other one too once my 18 updates have finished (eek!)

**ezymay** · January 3rd, 2011, 05:30 PM

I love the show!! I would love to get the book. It's different to other quick meal shows that have everything chopped up by some helper and ready to go for the chef. I like Jamie does it as he goes along so chopping/ prep is included in the 30mins.

**Jellyfish** · January 3rd, 2011, 05:37 PM

Watching the show at the moment, the vegetable curry looks yum!

**allycat06** · January 4th, 2011, 11:16 AM

I got it for Christmas, it's great! I love how it's written so that you don't have to think ahead of time to organise each dish, it's all done for you. Definitely worth getting. He still uses good wholesome food with a few shortcuts like shop bought pastry and curry paste out of a jar.

**LimeSlice** · January 4th, 2011, 12:58 PM

Watching the show at the moment, the vegetable curry looks yum!

I am making it tonight for dinner!

Noms.

Totally adore Jamie, always have, and have most of his books. There are some that are clearly for foodies and cooks, there are some that are more for the home cook, but I have found all of them simple - it is the way he cooks, it is the food, always about the food. Love that passion!

(And I have sinful dreams about his Aga)

**ezymay** · January 4th, 2011, 02:36 PM

I found this article (hope the link is ok) http://www.news.com.au/entertainment...-1225979322693
Lots of ppl complaining they don't in fact take 30 minutes and you need lots of expensive equipment. I think even if you don't have the equipment they wouldn't take too long though. I'd be happy if just the curry and rice took 30 mins, I wouldn't bother with the pickle or carrot salad.

**LimeSlice** · January 4th, 2011, 02:40 PM

Yes well if you aren't efficient, any meal could take 2 hours!

**Just Me** · January 4th, 2011, 03:36 PM

Interesting article Ezymay. I have a few thoughts on it though (not directed at anyone here - just my thoughts on the article in general)

Watching his shows, I don't see how the meal would take longer than 30 mins to cook - it looks reasonable and doable to me. I also don't understand why people complain about the cost of herbs - make a herb garden. It costs hardly anything, herbs grow like weeds, they are really handy, save you a fortune and make food taste sooooo much better. Not to mention they are good for you. And with regards to complaining about the cost, people complain too about those Coles $10 meals done by Curtis Stone. Seriously, I think most of the time they are just not very creative about getting their ingredients together. Just because there is a recipe doesn't mean that they shouldn't think for themselves. Certain ingredients will always cost more or less depending on the season. Some foods are better made when all the ingredients are in season otherwise it does cost a fortune. If you eat with the seasons it is soooo much cheaper, the food tastes better (because it is ripe and readily available and not frozen or preserved) and really good for you.

What I really love about Jamie Oliver in his 30 mins meals is that he seems to have developed a passion for teaching people to eat better and he creates quite a balanced menu with the right amount of protein, carbs and roughage. I really like his passion and I like that he isn't just about creating fine foods (which is the fade so much at the moment) but about creating food that people can eat on an everyday basis and to me, his ingredients are everyday ingredients. There is nothing in the curry he cooked last night that I don't have in my pantry or fridge already (with the exception of the flat breads - but I make my own sometimes).