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By Hermione Cole | Winter 2023

Maldon’s Cookbook Club with Nathan Anthony

Maldon and Penguin Books welcomes February with open arms as we review this month’s talented home cook Nathan Anthony and his debut book, Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Slow Cooker.

The Belfast author become a viral sensation with nearly 2 million followers during lockdown, who shared the simplicity of home-style recipes in which can be made from the accessibility of a slow cooker or an air fryer. Simply prep the recipe in the morning and then you can get on with your day…returning home to a fantastic, tasting dish!

Nathan shows his passion for wanting to share easy-to-follow recipes for all home cooks, regardless whether they are skilled or not! Additionally, he delves into the amazing cost-effectiveness of the slow cooker, in which supports and helps busy families in creating beautifully tasting dishes without the added expense. With a bundle of delicious recipes to choose from including family favourites of the humble roast dinner, to ‘fakeaways’ like Chilli Beef Noodles, this cookbook is perfect for anyone who wants to create foolproof dishes that not only taste great but make you feel great!

Irish Stew

Being on the island of Ireland, it would make sense for Nathan to include the iconic Irish Stew. He stresses that everyone has their own recipe, but this is how HE makes his own. It may appear controversial to some, but he likes it this way a it is inspired by his mum who always made it this way in her slow cooker, which adds so much more flavour and succulents to the protein. Don’t worry if you do not like Guinness, you won’t taste it – the alcohol evaporates, leaving an amazing rich gravy to be tucked into.

Serves: 4

Calories Per Serving: 537

Ingredients:

  • 500g diced beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 carrots, chopped (skins left on)
  • Handful of fresh thyme
  • 1 Tbsp tomato puree
  • 2-3 beef stock cubes
  • 600ml boiling water (or less less if you prefer thicker consistency)
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 7 potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • Gravy granules, or 1 heaped tbsp of cornflour, mixed to a paste with 1 tbsp water (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)
  • Pinch of Maldon Salt
  • Black Pepper

Method:

  1. Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker, stir and season to taste.
  2. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8-9 hours.
  3. Use a spoon to break up some of the potatoes in the sauce.
  4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a final pinch of Maldon Salt.

Tips:

  • All you need is crusty bread with lots of butter to mop up the succulent juices after.
  • If you prefer a thick sauce, add the gravy granules or cornflour paste, but Nathan prefers his without.
Nathan Anthony with Air Fryer

In Conversation with Nathan Anthony

We had the delightful opportunity to sit down with Nathan and discuss the real inspiration behind his cookbook. We delve into the meaning behind the title of the cookbook ‘Bored of Lunch’, with also discussing his own personal message of the energy efficient of the slow cooker.

Hi Nathan! We wanted to give you huge congratulations on the release of your cookbook; Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Slowcooker Book! What inspired you to write a cookbook where recipes are created through use of a slow cooker.

Thank you! I have always used a slow cooker because I am always on the move and super busy with my job, I work for one of the largest companies in the UK so throwing ingredients into a pot and coming back to a nutritious meal suits me. They are perfect for those who have a full time job or even those with a busy family. They pack in a lot of flavour and are very energy efficient so it’s a win win all round.

We love the name ‘Bored of Lunch’ because it’s so straightforward and to the point. However, why did you choose it – Is there a story behind it?

Bored of Lunch was born at the start of lockdown and focussed on lockdown lunches, slow cooker soups and trying to get people to eat healthier, nutritious food boosting their immune system. It has now evolved into a huge platform with almost 2M followers. I am occasionally bored of my lunch so tend to meal prep and use my slow cooker and airfryer as a method to do so.

You mention a huge focus is about how energy efficient a Slowcooker really is! Why do you want to spread this message to your readers?

I think everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment from every corner of life from food, heating, electric, clothes. Using a slow cooker will help save you by using just slightly more energy than a lightbulb, You don’t need to use any oil either so its perfect. It also saves you time and time I think you cant put a price on.

Come on, you must have a favourite recipe in your cookbook! Can you share it with us?

Garlic Mac and Cheese is definitely my favourite, the pasta cooks in with the milk, melted cheese and garlic then topped with more cheese and a gorgeous crumb. So moreish but a really money saving, proper comfort food.

Where did this appreciation for food come from? Have you always been inspired or was it something you grew to love growing up?

I have always loved food and been surrounded by foodies throughout my life, from grandparents and aunts its always been in me, I was fascinated watching cookery shows as a child. I didn’t actually start cooking until I went to university and had to fend for myself so its not something I have been doing for a long time or have years upon years of experience in.

You are a viral sensation on TikTok and Instagram, do you think this is helping younger generation appreciate food and cooking more?

Definitely, I find a lot of busy people make my recipes but I have found students at Uni who are just learning how to cook or want to save money make my recipes. Theres not one generic demographic of follower I have I have people from all ages which is amazing. I try to make recipes be accessible and ingredients easily purchased from local shops so no fancy delis or bespoke shops.

Name 3 things in the kitchen you can’t live without?

  1. Cornflour – a lifesaver when it comes to helping thicken a sauce or gravy. I also use it to coat a lot of chicken etc for fakeaways in the airfryer

2. Garlic, if a recipe says use two cloves I use five. I LOVE garlic and use it in nearly every savoury meal

3. Kitchen scales, not remotely fancy but when adding pasta or noodles to a slow cooker its key you weigh them.

What does a normal day-in-the-life look like for you Nathan?

I will get up early, maybe load up the slow cooker and record what I put in, work all day, few coffees and lunch with colleagues then come back and finish recording a slow cooker recipe. Have dinner, head to the gym and then ill edit the video before bed, hopefully whilst watching Netflix and decompressing after a busy day. Everything I do I do it on my phone I don’t have any fancy cameras or equipment.

Want To Create a Recipe From This Book?!

You can find where to purchase Nathan’s debut cookbook here and start creating a bountiful of easy yet deliciously good recipes for yourself and your family!

Make sure you have your Maldon Salt ready for these recipes! If you are running out, please feel free to browse on our Where to Buy Page to find your nearest store in which stocks our beloved Maldon Salt.

Lastly, we LOVE seeing your creations – please tag us on Instagram using the #maldonsalt so we can share your own take on Nathan’s recipes!

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