According to Homes & Gardens, Jamie Oliver revealed that one of the secrets of his kitchen doesn’t lie in expensive or modern equipment, but rather in a mortar and pestle, an ancient tool he considers his true “favorite thing in the world.”
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During an exclusive masterclass on fresh pasta, offered by Airbnb in partnership with Chef’s Table, Jamie Oliver shared not only his passion for simple and accessible cooking, but also valuable tips for transforming classic recipes.
The importance of the mortar and pestle for Jamie Oliver
Instead of relying on food processors or blenders, Jamie Oliver advocates the use of a mortar and pestle to prepare pestos and other recipes. For him, the manual method, used for over 35,000 years, delivers a more authentic flavor and unmatched texture.
“No real cook doesn’t have one of these. It’s biblical,” Oliver stated, adding that the bigger the mortar, the better the result.
While many cooks prefer modern appliances, the British chef believes the simplicity of this tool is exactly what guarantees the quality of the preparation.
Jamie Oliver’s secret to perfect pesto
During the workshop, each participant prepared their own batch of pesto using the method defended by Oliver. The result, according to him, is always richer in texture and flavor than pesto made in blenders.
Another surprising detail revealed by the chef is the use of boiled potato as a secret ingredient in pesto. Mashed into the sauce, it adds creaminess and body, creating a fuller dish.
“Most chefs don’t know this,” Oliver confided, while demonstrating the technique of incorporating the potato into the sauce.
In addition, the chef recommends saving some of the pasta cooking water to mix into the pesto at the end, adjusting the consistency and ensuring a vibrant and balanced dish.
Simple and accessible cooking
Jamie Oliver emphasizes that good food should be accessible to everyone. His philosophy of valuing simple tools and traditional techniques shows that it is possible to prepare delicious recipes without relying on expensive equipment.
According to Homes & Gardens, many participants left the chef’s masterclass inspired to include the mortar and pestle in their cooking routine — after all, for just $9, it’s possible to transform the way you cook at home.
Source: Homes & Gardens. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
