In Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course episode 3, Gordon shows how to cook with chilli. Recipes include red mullet with sweet chilli sauce, classic jerk chicken, and a super simple spicy beef salad. The magic of cooking lies in the ability to take simple ingredients and transform them into a symphony of flavors. One chef who has mastered this art is the world-renowned Gordon Ramsay. In the third episode of his Ultimate Cookery Course, Ramsay takes us on a journey to explore the versatility of a common yet potent ingredient: the chilli.
The chilli pepper, a tiny fruit with a powerful kick, is a staple in many cuisines worldwide. Yet, for many, it remains a mystery, an ingredient feared for its heat and misunderstood for its potential. In this episode, Ramsay demystifies this hot topic and shows us how to cook with chilli to create dishes that are flavorful, exciting, and packed with a punch.
Gordon Ramsay goes one on one with the viewer to teach them step by step how to cook on a budget, bake like a pro, make tasty fast food and a 5 star feast. Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course is a culinary masterclass that offers viewers an immersive guide into the world of cooking. Ramsay, renowned for his Michelin-starred culinary prowess, takes a step back from the high-intensity atmosphere of professional kitchens to focus on the basics of home cooking.
Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course episode 3
The series is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a holistic exploration of food. Each episode centers around a theme, be it a specific ingredient, a cooking technique, or a type of cuisine. Ramsay uses these themes as a springboard to delve into the intricacies of cooking and the joy it brings. Ramsay’s charismatic and passionate teaching style makes learning accessible and engaging. He takes complex cooking concepts and breaks them down into manageable chunks that even the most novice cook can understand. His no-nonsense approach cuts through the noise and gets straight to the heart of what makes good food truly delicious.
One of the standout features of the series is Ramsay’s emphasis on using fresh, quality ingredients. He champions local produce and encourages viewers to understand where their food comes from. His recipes are creative yet practical, designed to inspire cooks to experiment and innovate in their own kitchens.
In essence, Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course is about empowering people to take control of their kitchens. It’s about fostering a deeper appreciation for food and the art of cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this series is a valuable resource that combines education with entertainment.
Pasta with Tomatoes, Anchovy and Chillies – The Art of Balancing Flavours
Cooking with chilli is an art, as it is about balance. The heat from the chilli should enhance the other flavors in the dish, not overpower them. Ramsay begins the episode by demonstrating this with a recipe for red mullet with sweet chilli sauce. The sweetness of the sauce, made with sugar and vinegar, complements the heat of the chilli, creating a perfect balance that allows the delicate flavor of the red mullet to shine through. It’s a prime example of how chilli can be used subtly, to accentuate the primary ingredients rather than dominate them.
The Cultural Significance of Chilli
Next, Ramsay takes us on a trip to the Caribbean with a classic jerk chicken recipe. The jerk seasoning, a mix of allspice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a generous amount of Scotch bonnet chillies, is a testament to the cultural significance of chilli. In many parts of the world, chilli is not just an ingredient; it’s a way of life. It’s used to add heat, yes, but also depth and complexity to dishes. The Scotch bonnet, one of the hottest chillies out there, imparts a unique sweet heat to the chicken that is quintessentially Caribbean.
The Versatility of Chilli
Ramsay also demonstrates the versatility of chilli with a spicy beef salad. This dish shows how chilli can be used in its raw form to bring a fresh, fiery element to dishes. Thinly sliced raw chillies are tossed with seared beef, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing, creating a salad that is bursting with flavor and heat. It’s a far cry from the cooked chilli sauces and proves that chilli can be as flexible as any other ingredient in your pantry.
A Lesson in Pasta Perfection
In addition to these, Ramsay shares a recipe for a classic pasta dish with tomatoes, anchovy, and chillies. Cooking the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, Ramsay then prepares a sauce with olive oil, garlic, chilli, and anchovies. The key here is to allow the garlic to release its aroma and the anchovy to melt into the oil, creating a flavorful base for the sauce. Olives, capers, and tomatoes are then added and cooked until the tomatoes have collapsed and the flavors have melded together.
The cooked pasta is tossed in this beautifully simple sauce and served with a drizzle of olive oil and a garnish of basil leaves. This dish, in its simplicity, showcases the depth of flavor that can be achieved with just a handful of ingredients, with chilli playing a crucial role in elevating the dish.
Cooking Beyond the Heat
The third episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course not only teaches us how to cook with chilli but also how to appreciate it beyond its heat. The lesson extends to understanding the potential of chilli, its ability to transform a dish, and its role in the wider world of culinary arts.
In teaching us to cook with chilli, Ramsay also imparts a broader lesson on how to approach cooking. It’s about exploring and understanding ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and daring to step outside comfort zones. It’s about taking a humble ingredient like chilli and turning it into something extraordinary.
Adding Heat to Budget Cooking
One of the most valuable aspects of this episode is Ramsay’s focus on budget-friendly cooking. Chilli, being relatively inexpensive and widely available, is an excellent ingredient for those cooking on a tight budget. A little goes a long way in terms of flavor, making it a cost-effective way to add a kick to your meals.
In this episode, Ramsay shows us that budget cooking doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. With the right ingredients and techniques, it’s possible to create delicious, restaurant-quality meals at home, without breaking the bank.
Baking with Chilli
While chilli might be associated mostly with savory dishes, Ramsay challenges this notion by introducing the concept of baking with chilli. The heat of the chilli can complement the sweetness in baked goods, creating an intriguing contrast that teases the palate. It’s an unexpected application, proving once again the versatility of this fiery ingredient.
A Five-Star Feast with Chilli
Even in the realm of fine dining, chilli has a place. The concluding segment of the episode sees Ramsay preparing a five-star feast, demonstrating that chilli can hold its own in gourmet cooking. From a spicy amuse-bouche to a chilli-infused dessert, each course of the meal showcases the versatility and depth of chilli.
Method:
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, according to packet instructions.
- Meanwhile, heat a wide high-sided frying pan or sauté pan over a medium heat and add a glug of olive oil. Fry the garlic, chilli and anchovies for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is aromatic and the anchovy is beginning to melt into the oil.
- Add the olives, capers and tomatoes to the pan and stir over a medium heat for 4–5 minutes until the tomatoes have collapsed and everything is well combined.
- Drain the pasta and toss in the pan with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary (you probably won’t need any salt because of the saltiness of the anchovies, olives and capers).
- Serve drizzled with a little olive oil and garnished with basil leaves.
Conclusion: Embracing the Chilli
Overall, the third episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course is a masterclass in using chilli. Ramsay, with his characteristic enthusiasm and expertise, guides viewers through the complexities of this spicy ingredient, proving that it’s more than just a source of heat.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, there’s something to learn from this episode. It’s not just about cooking with chilli; it’s about understanding ingredients, exploring flavors, and pushing culinary boundaries. So, the next time you spot a chilli in the supermarket, don’t shy away. Embrace the heat, and who knows, you might just discover a new favorite ingredient.
In the end, cooking with chilli is a journey, and as Gordon Ramsay shows us, it’s one that’s well worth taking.
