Jamie Oliver explains how his new cookbook will make your life simpler

What’s so special about your new book ONE?

ONE is my ultimate homage to making your life simpler – everything is cooked in just one pan or tray. So, it’s perfect for those days when you need convenient solutions togetting good food on the table, fast. Think minimal ingredients but big flavour, and – of course – less washing up! Who doesn’t love that?

Why is this book particularly relevant right now?

For a lot of us, I think returning to the daily chaos of life and work routines after being stuck at home for so long was a big shock. Getting back into the groove of cooking around a busy schedule can take a bit of readjustment. That’s where I hope ONE comes in – I want it to help you fill your weekly plan with big-hitting dishes, with no stress, whatever day of the week it is. It’s also convenient as you don’t need a lot of equipment to create great food, and that can be really useful, too. Ultimately, I hope ONE makes your life easier and more delicious.

How has this book changed the way you think about building a recipe?

As with all my solution-based books, I’m trying to solve a problem and, with ONE, the focus was obviously on reducing the number of cooking vessels you need, so you can dish up great food with minimum fuss. I definitely had to approach recipes with a one-pan lens, and frankly, some dishes we all know and love just didn’t make the one-pan cut. But there are so many that did – and some of the expressions are really fun, like my upside-down fish pie – and I’ve even discovered some new styles of cooking, like the whole frying pan pasta chapter, which is one I am very excited about.

What is the one kitchen item you can't live without?

Well for this book, am I allowed to say a really good pan?! Also, a decent sharp knife is essential when it comes to being both safe and efficient in the kitchen. Otherwise, I’d say either a speed peeler, for adding delicate texture and interest to salads, or a pestle and mortar, which is key for adding big flavour. Think everything from bashing up fresh herbs, garlic and nuts for a beautiful pesto, to making gorgeous rubs, marinades, flavoured salts and spice pastes.

Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

I actually came up with the idea in early 2021, when the UK was back in lockdown and everything was feeling a bit bleak. Food can bring so much joy, but when you’re stuck in a rut and going through the same motions every day I know cooking can sometimes also feel like a chore. I wanted to find a way to make putting together good food really easy and convenient so that if you do want to cook when things are busy or you’re not feeling too motivated, you’re armed with simple, no-fuss options. The one-pan concept felt perfect for that.

Want to try one of the recipes? Whip up this Smoked Salmon Pasta for an easy single-serve lunch or dinner.