Ainsley Harriott Invites Metro Into His Kitchen for a Personal Food Tour
Welcome back to What's Cooking, Metro's popular food series that offers an intimate look into the kitchens of the nation's culinary icons. This week, we had the pleasure of visiting the home of chef, TV presenter, and beloved national treasure, Ainsley Harriott. Known to many 90s kids as the energetic host of BBC's Ready Steady Cook, Harriott has since authored numerous cookbooks, presented shows like Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen, and recently collaborated with HelloFresh to launch a new chef's badge for the Scouts.
At 69 years old, Harriott graciously allowed us to explore his fridge, freezer, and store cupboard, sharing his food secrets with charm and humor. He even entertained us with a playful song about Northcote Road Market, making the visit a delightful experience. Here's a detailed account of our time in his kitchen.
Late-Night Snacks and Childhood Memories
When asked about his favorite secret snack, Harriott revealed, "My go-to late-night treat is toast with peanut butter and sliced banana, but the key is a squeeze of lemon juice. For me, citrus is the king of kings. We all need to add a bit of acid to our cooking—a splash of lemon or lime juice opens up flavors beautifully."
Reflecting on his childhood, he shared, "Traditional Jamaican rice and peas instantly transport me back. My mum would soak red kidney beans overnight, then cook them with fresh thyme, garlic, spring onions, coconut milk, and scotch bonnet peppers. As a kid, I loved it with a dollop of tomato ketchup on top."
Essential Kitchen Staples and Shopping Habits
Harriott's fridge always contains chocolate, which he prefers chilled for a satisfying snap and less mess. "I'm in my 60s, so keeping things tidy is important," he joked. In his store cupboard, Asian chilli oils, like Lee Kum Kee Chiu Chow Chilli Oil, are a must-have. "You can rejuvenate it by adding more oil and giving it a shake," he explained.
His freezer essentials include a large piece of ginger stored in a plastic tub for easy grating and frozen pizzas for social nights with friends. When it comes to grocery shopping, Harriott avoids online delivery, preferring to wander supermarkets like Morrisons or Tesco. "I love seeing what's new on the shelves, though I often get recognized by fans with red tomatoes and green peppers," he said.
Cooking Tips and Dining Preferences
From his Ready Steady Cook days, Harriott recalled a valuable tip from Patrick Anthony: microwaving firm lemons for 20-30 seconds to release more juice. While he rarely dines out due to his cooking skills, he enjoys Fallow for its innovative dishes and Good Earth Chinese for shredded beef and sea bass.
Harriott admitted to disliking cucumbers after overindulging as a child, which now gives him headaches. Recently, he cooked a shepherd's pie with chilli cabbage for family and friends, showcasing his ongoing passion for home cooking.
This exclusive peek into Ainsley Harriott's kitchen highlights his enduring love for food, from nostalgic recipes to practical tips, making it a treasure trove for any food enthusiast.
