Is Ottolenghi’s SIMPLE really that Simple?

The big question is: is the cookbook really as SIMPLE as it says it is?

S – Short on time: recipes that take less than 30 minutes to prepare.

In my experience, most recipes need 30 or more. Some might be just preparing the vegetables and you would need to make something to make it a full meal.

I – 10 Ingredients or less: dishes with a minimal number of components.

Most recipes do not have too many ingredients, but as said above. Not all recipes are a full meal, so you end up needing more ingredients to make it a full meal.

M – Make ahead: recipes or key components that can be prepared in advance.

Some recipes can be made in advance, but would say there are not that many

P – Pantry: dishes that primarily use common ingredients you likely already have in your cupboards.

Do you need to have a cupboard full of fancy things? Not really, to be honest — but that might be coming from someone who’s deeply in love with Middle Eastern cuisine, eats a kilo of hummus a week, and can happily spoon tahini straight from the jar (what is wrong with me??).

The only ingredient I’ve struggled to find (in London, of all places!) is black garlic. I’ve heard stories about people making it themselves by drying it in the oven for a month, only to end up with a terrifying energy bill and a tray of burned garlic. Tempting, but I’ll pass.

L – Lazy: one-pot or one-sheet pan meals that require minimal effort or mostly cook themselves.

There are a lot of one-sheet oven meals but often you also need a frying pan to for instance, to fry your garlic, onion or spices. Though because it is an oven dish, it’s easy to clean the kitchen in the meantime.

E – Easier than you think: recipes that might sound or look complicated but are surprisingly straightforward to make. 

Yes definitely has a few recipes that are way easier than you think!

Now, for my personal favourite Ottolenghi recipe — and surprisingly, it’s not even from SIMPLE. And no, I’m not trying to sell you another one of his books. Don’t worry, this girl isn’t a paid influencer (unfortunately). But yes, it involves aubergine — obviously.

My favourite Ottolenghi recipes so far: aubergine (any form, honestly), cauliflower cheese, and beetroot with tahini.

So, is SIMPLE really simple? I’d say yes — as long as you’ve already fallen for Ottolenghi’s pantry staples and are okay to put in a bit of effort. If you love a bit of cumin, a spoonful of harissa, and a fridge full of aubergines, you’ll be just fine.