Real Fast Food

by Nigel Slater

Original publisher: Michael Joseph

Date of publication: 1992

ISBN: 1405913509

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Recommended by

Dan Lepard

Baker and food writer

Nigel Slater developed a style of conversational food writing and friendly approach to recipes that spoke to the reader as if they were close friends with the author, a style somewhat unknown to UK readers in the 1980s, similar to MFK Fisher but more succinct and encouraging with simplicity. His first big success was with Real Fast Food (1993), where he identified the idea of the time-poor cook who wanted to spend fewer hours in the kitchen and instead cook simply. I’d argue that he even created the genre of “quick easy recipes”, but with utter good taste and sweetness.

Kavita Favelle

Blogger of Kavey Eats

It was a challenge to narrow down which of several books by Nigel Slater to highlight, but I plumped for this because it's another great resource for those keen to expand their repertoire, especially for weeknight cooking when time and energy are depleted. I appreciate how Nigel suggests multiple alternatives, with encouragement to freewheel.

Anna Koska

Illustrator

Does what it says on the jacket! This has saved me from many awkward times when I've got baying family or a sudden arrival of friends to cater for.. Invariably I can gather up most of the ingredients from store cupboard and rather lacking fridge, and still whip up a thing of comfort and pleasure. Genius

Caroline Hennessy

Food writer

A collection of simple, yet tasty ideas that I cooked my way through while in university, and that introduced me to Nigel Slater’s sensual and mouthwatering prose. Recipe writing as an exercise in stimulating greed and hunger.