8/10 – The Pantry Raid
Real Time Recipes proves that dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. Forget long marinades and fiddly prep this is straight-through cooking: quick, flavour-packed meals, all done on the hob or countertop.
The brand-new series comes hand-in-hand with Donal’s latest cookbook, featuring 90 family favourites in 30 minutes or less. From pasta heroes like Chop Tomato Pesto Pasta and Spicy ’Nduja Carbonara to one-pot wonders like Saffron Chicken & Rice and Braised One Pan Lamb, plus irresistible bowl food like Chicken Katsu in a Flash and Sticky Soy Salmon with Crispy Rice.
When the fridge is looking bare, Donal turns to the pantry for inspiration and in this episode, he’s proving that a well-stocked cupboard is the secret to seriously impressive meals. With a few clever staples and some smart shortcuts, he’s turning everyday ingredients into flavour-packed dishes, fast.
On the menu: a restaurant-worthy perfect duck breast served over a rich, hearty cassoulet, built from tins and pulses you probably already have. Then it’s onto a fiery twist on a classic with spicy N’duja carbonara, creamy, punchy, and ready in the time it takes to boil pasta. And finally, cacio e pepe orzo with chicken, a one-pan wonder that’s creamy, cheesy and packed with a peppery bite.
Donal’s Real Time Recipes Wednesday, 3 December at 8.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player