THE JAMIE OLIVER COOKERY SCHOOL REVIEW

‘Cooking Class’… when I heard those 2 words, trust me I got very worried, because I do not know how to cook at all! It’s quite embarrassing to be honest, but then I thought to myself well, this is a great opportunity for me to learn. 

The easiest part for me was the shopping and reading the cooking instructions on the list, because that I know how to do properly! Well, after getting everything I needed, I took out all my utensils and placed them on my kitchen counter to be ready for the class, which opened 30 minutes prior to beginning. 

I was going to make a traditional South Indian Curry which consist of a curry mix which is with prawns, vegetables and spices, mild rice and of course the bhajis which are full of vegetables. 

With some music on from the 80’s and 90’s, the waiting room was dedicated to help participants set up their computer and camera, organise our kitchen space and to ask any last-minute questions. 

The class commenced on time with 2 amazing hosts who are professional chefs. After greeting each other and the other participants, the chopping began. My confidence was soon tested, because the tomato kept falling on the side when I tried to cut it. I ended up being able to get the hang of it ultimately, as we started cutting other vegetables, onions and ginger. 

Eventually, the hosts started mixing all the spices together with the vegetables we previously chopped, and we added them to the heated pot with the coconut milk. 

Next, we moved on to the rice, and I got scared because every time I cook rice it ends up being burnt – don’t ask me why, because I do not know! So, instead of ruining that part of the class I decided to add more than the required amount just in case it burned so that I had extra. 

The way I had to cook the rice was different to what I usually do, and the chef was quite precise in what we needed to do - it is a fail or a pass, no in-between! Therefore, I followed the instructions and placed the prescribed amount of water and the rice in the pot, shook the pot a bit and placed half a lemon right in the middle. I boiled for a good 2 minutes, and covered for 20. 

Moving on to frying. I have never fried anything in my life before, apart from maybe fries which I suppose doesn’t count, as it is done in a machine which does everything for you. Oh well, there is a first time for everything! I begin scraping and peeling other vegetables including carrot, more ginger, and more onion to make small balls, before placing them all in the boiling oil for 3 minutes each. I turned them around, slightly burned one of them… and done!

After all the chopping, boiling, frying, and cooling, the class was done and the moment of truth had come for me to try my food. I have never been prouder! The flavours and the taste were delicious, and from this day on I told myself I will never want to get myself precooked meals ever again. 

I was very nervous for this class, but even though I still ended up burning some rice and vegetable balls the result was very good, and I gained new skills that I will use for future cooking experiences. Even for those who are already great chefs, this will be fun for you as the hosts will give plenty of tips on how to cook rice and the prawns for best results. 

Goodbye precooked meals!