Celebrity chef and TV presenter Ainsley Harriott, famed for hosting Ready Steady Cook and authoring cookbooks like those in his Caribbean series, opens his home kitchen for a revealing tour. The 69-year-old shares pantry essentials, freezer hacks, and personal food stories.
Favorite Late-Night Snack
Ainsley Harriott confesses his top indulgence when alone: toast topped with peanut butter, sliced banana, and a squeeze of lemon juice. “Citrus is the king of kings,” he explains. “We all need to start adding a little bit of acid to our cooking. A splash of lemon or lime juice opens everything up and tastes really lovely.”
Childhood Comfort Food
Traditional Jamaican rice and peas transport Ainsley back to his youth. His mother prepared it by soaking red kidney beans overnight, then boiling them with fresh thyme, garlic, spring onions, coconut milk, and scotch bonnet peppers. He topped it with tomato ketchup as a child.
Fridge Must-Have
Chocolate claims a permanent spot on the top shelf. Ainsley prefers it chilled for a satisfying snap, especially soft-centered varieties like Lindor truffles, which stay gooey without mess. “I’m in my 60s now, so this is important, as everything drips down me,” he notes, laughing off his daughter’s teasing.
Store Cupboard Essential
Asian chilli oils, such as Lee Kum Kee Chiu Chow Chilli Oil, feature prominently. Users can refresh the bottle by adding oil and shaking when low.
Freezer Staples
Ainsley stores large ginger roots in a plastic tub for easy grating directly into dishes. He warns to return it immediately to avoid sogginess. Frozen pizzas prove handy for backgammon nights with whiskey.
Shopping Habits
He favors wandering supermarkets like Morrisons, Tesco, Waitrose, or Sainsbury’s to discover new items. Fans often approach him with red tomatoes and green peppers, referencing Ready Steady Cook.
Supermarket Splurge
While developing a chef’s badge for Scouts, Ainsley emphasizes trying new flavors. Adults should splurge occasionally on novel ingredients within budget.
Top Cooking Tip
From Celebrity Ready Steady Cook colleague Patrick Anthony: Microwave firm lemons for 20-30 seconds to release juice easily.
London Dining Favorites
Ainsley cooks quickly at home but enjoys Fallow for innovative dishes and friendly service. His local Good Earth Chinese offers standout shredded beef and sea bass.
Food to Avoid
Cucumbers trigger headaches due to overindulgence in youth at Northcote Road Market, where he ate them salted and peeled by the boxful.
Recent Home-Cooked Meal
Last night, Ainsley prepared shepherd’s pie with chilli cabbage for his kids and friend Sid.
