Latest news with #FortnumMason
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Act fast, Fortnum & Mason's Beauty Advent Calendar is here and it's worth £1,149
Inside you'll find luxury products from Jo Malone, Bamford, Fortnum's and more. We know it's only August, but you need to get in the festive spirit ASAP if you want to get your hands on a beauty advent calendar this year as they are already on sale and flying off shelves (yes, really). Harrods has already opened pre-orders for its 2025 options (with one having already sold out), Boots has also dropped a range of more affordable calendars, including Liz Earle, Ted Baker and Soap & Glory. Next up to launch its 2025 iteration is Fortnum & Mason who have just dropped its Fortnum's Beauty Advent Calendar 2025, which has been newly reimagined with a beautiful (and fully recyclable) design. This year's calendar is packed with pampering delights worth over £1,149 - featuring 23 full-sized and 3 travel-sized products from luxury brands such as Bamford, Fortnum's, Bramley, Jo Malone London and more. The calendar retails for £265, the same price as last year. But this year's offers even better value, as the 2024 calendar included £1,080 worth of products, whereas this year's is packed with £1,149 - that's a whopping £884 saving. What really solidifies this beauty advent calendar as a top contender for being one of the best value this year is the number of full-sized products. Fortnum's includes a whopping 23 full-size items. For comparison, the Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar has slightly more products overall (32 in total) but only 14 of them are full size and it retails for £250. This calendar at a glance Number of items inside: 26, worth a total of £1,149 Full-size vs. travel-size: 23 full-sized items, 3 travel-sized Brands included: Jo Malone, Aromatherapy Associates, Cult51, Bamford, Fortnum's and more There's also a great variety of products to ensure you use every single one. The 26 products inside include skincare, fragrance, bath, body and wellness treats nestled within its drawers. With pampering goodies from luxury brands including Sol de Janeiro, Bamford, Clive Christian, Fortnum's 1707, Jo Malone London, Delilah, Shleep, Baobab and Charlotte Posner. £265 £1,149 at Fortnum & Mason As for the products we'd be most excited to try, the full-sized Cult51 Rejuvenating Night Cream retails for a whopping £135, making it a luxurious addition to any skincare routine. This award-winning and multi-functional night cream is clinically proven to visibly improve signs of ageing. Inside, you'll also find the Cult51 Neck and Décolleté Firming Cream (30ml), which retails for £110. This transformative, lightweight cream is specially developed to deeply hydrate and tighten the often-neglected, delicate skin around the neck and décolletage. What's inside Fortnum's Beauty Advent Calendar 2025 ✅ Full-size products inside (23 out of 26): Bramley Wellness Pillow Spray Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream Gallivant Buenos Aires Eau De Parfum Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil Delilah Lip Saviour Colour Enhancing Oil Ortigia Fico d'India Bath Salts Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Hand Cream Shleep Merino Wool Jersey Spa Headband Coral Peony Bamford B Balanced Body Gel Olverum Pure Radiance Facial Oil Kure Bazaar Cherie Nail Polish Delilah Liquid Blush Peony Wildsmith Active Eye Serum Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Oil Cult51 Rejuvenating Night Cream Bramley Clementine Antioxidant Cleansing Balm Cult51 Neck and Décolleté Firming Cream Charlotte Posner Glam Squad Wash Bag Baobab ROMA Scented Candle Fortnum's Four Seasons Votive Candle Clementine Bamford Lip Balm Ortigia Ambra Nera Soap in a tin Ortigia Florio Soap in a Tin ☑️ Deluxe/travel-sized products inside (3 items): Christian Town & Country Perfume 1707 Topaze Eau de Parfum with Gold Atomiser 1707 Lilas Eau de Parfum Adding to the high-end skincare lineup is the Wildsmith Active Eye Serum, which may only come in a 15ml bottle, but it retails for a huge £100. What makes it so special? It uses elderberry flower extract, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, to help reduce stress, inflammation, and oxidation around the eye area - all of which can contribute to dark circles. Other self-care treats that are bound to help give you some moments of joy during the busy festive period include the Fortnum's Four Seasons Votive Candle Clementine (£28), which has scents of clementine, blood orange, pink peppercorn, cardamon and ginger. Plus, the Bramley Wellness Pillow Spray, Bamford B Balanced Body Gel, Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Hand Cream, Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Oil and Ortigia Fico d'India Bath Salts. Secure yours now If you want to take the advent calendar value even further, there are even some luxurious products you could wrap up as gifts for a loved one this Christmas, including the Charlotte Posner Glam Squad Wash Bag and Clive Christian Town & Country Perfume. This annual favourite always sells out fast, so if the Fortnum's Beauty Advent Calendar takes your fancy, we'd recommend checking out ASAP. Year after year, it sells out — and for good reason. You'll be hard-pressed to find another beauty advent calendar with as many full-sized products as this one. Shop now: Fortnum's Beauty Advent Calendar 2025 | £265 (Worth £1,149) from Fortnum's Other beauty advent calendars you can buy now
BBC News
08-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Margate chip shop collaborates with London store Fortnum & Mason
A family-owned chip shop is changing its menu in collaboration with the London luxury goods store Fortnum & Fish Factory in Margate has been rebranded and will serve 'specials', while also offering Fortnum & Mason traditional 181 brown will also be 'bait and barley' dish, using the shop's own fish with Fortnum's Kentish India Pale Ale Curtis, who opened the seafront shop in 1984, says the offer came out the blue. He said: "I got a call about it all and I went to sleep and I woke up in the middle of the night and I thought it must be April 1st."Fresh, deli and bakery buyer Antonio Zoccola, who chose Peter's Fish Factory on behalf of Fortnum & Mason, said: "This year we wanted to try and highlight those lovely stories from local growers and producers and try and bring a little bit of joy through food with these unexpected collaborations "The rebrand will be in place until 31 July.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The great Scottish tea swindler: Conman who bought tea from around the world and sold it to luxury shops and hotels as Scottish-grown is jailed for three years
A conman who bought tea from around the world and sold it on to luxury shops and hotels as Scottish-grown has been jailed for three-and-a-half years. Thomas Robinson, 55, rented land on a former sheep farm near Loch Tay and began supplying the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh with what he described as authentic Scottish tea. He claimed he had been told that tea he supplied to London 's five-star Dorchester Hotel was 'the Queen's favourite'. He even bought tea plants from a nursery in Sussex and planted them for show in a former kitchen garden at Dalreoch Farm, Amulree, Perthshire, shortly before a visit from a buyer acting for the food store Fortnum & Mason. Robinson said he had found a way to make his tea grow in half the usual time by using a 'special biodegradable polymer' - which the prosecution said looked like black bin liner - and claimed to have given a presentation on his methods to the Royal Horticultural Society. Robinson was found guilty last month of defrauding tea growers of £274,354 and the hotels and tea companies of £278,634 - a total of nearly £553,000 - between January 1, 2014, and end of February 2019. He had maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, claiming that paperwork he could have used in his defence had been destroyed in a flood and his electronic records wiped. Imposing the jail sentence at Stirling Sheriff Court today, Sheriff Keith O'Mahony told him he had 'repeatedly made false statements that were self-promotional, designed to offer assurances that he should be regarded honest and trustworthy'. Robinson's trial previously heard that he told elaborate tales to customers while trading as 'The Wee Tea Plantation' and had what the prosecution described as the 'CV of a fantasist'. He secured deals to supply his tea products from his own plants and other tea gardens in Scotland to France's oldest tea house Mariage Frères, as well as the Balmoral, The Dorchester, Fortnum & Mason and a Dunfermline-based firm called The Wee Tea Company. The court heard Robinson bought more than a ton of tea grown abroad, repacked it and sold it on. One expert said a kilogram of top tea from Africa could be sold for 100 times its cost if passed off as grown in Scotland. Between 2015 and 2018 he supplied 22,000 plants to a dozen other growers in Scotland, and one in Jersey, at £12.50 each. Over the same period he was actually importing tea plants at £2.50 each from Italy. He either passed them off as Scottish-grown or allowed his customers to assume they were. Many died or did not thrive, and yields were a fraction of what he led his customers to expect. His is other 'elaborate lies' included that he'd sold tea to Kensington Palace, played rugby for Blackheath, was a multi-millionaire, a landowner, a polymer scientist, had invented the 'Bag For Life', had served in the British Army in bomb disposal, and had worked for the Obama administration in America. He sowed success stories in the Press and appeared on a BBC podcast, saying he'd learned to force tea plants 'like rhubarb under a sink'. An expert said this would actually kill them. Robinson later claimed that with the exception of 15,000 plants sold to the grower in Jersey, all the Italian plants had been in Scottish ground for a period and that made them Scottish. The scam began to unravel early in 2017 after Perth and Kinross Council checked whether Robinson had a food processing licence and a government adviser visited to explain about plant passports. The food crime and incidents unit of Food Standards Scotland (FSS) was called in, and a probe was launched. He told the advisor the only plants he had were for his own use, then, in what the Crown said was an attempted cover-up, he sent out a story to the local Press claiming thousands of plants had been stolen. The Food Crime and Incidents Unit of Food Standards Scotland launched an investigation, headed by a retired police inspector. Representing himself, Robinson, who has been remanded in custody since being convicted, continued to insist it was possible to grow tea commercially in Scotland. He told the court: 'I've time to wrestle with this over sleepless nights in my cell. 'Hubris and arrogance led me to believe I did my best. I hope my actions have not detracted from the truthful success that can be achieved for people who want to grow tea in Scotland. 'I apologise if my actions have besmirched the reputation of that capability.'Sheriff O'Mahony said: 'Witness after witness gave evidence that they would not have transacted with Mr O'Brien had they known the true position regarding the providence of the plants and the tealeaves. 'Numerous individuals keen to develop a possible tea-growing occupation were persuaded by him on the basis of false pretences to hand over significant sums of money.'Robinson nodded as the sentence was announced, before the video link to the prison where he is being held was cut. He also faces proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Following the hearing, Helen Nisbet, Procurator Fiscal for Tayside, Central and Fife, said: 'Fraud is not a victimless crime. Individuals, businesses, and genuine Scottish tea growers suffered financial and reputational harm as a consequence of Robinson's deceit. 'But thanks to partnership working between Food Standards Scotland, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, he has been brought to account for his crimes.' Ron McNaughton, head of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit at Food Standards Scotland, added: 'His actions caused real financial and reputational harm to individuals, businesses and a developing sector of genuine Scottish tea produce.'
Telegraph
22-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
How to have a healthy picnic – with all of your favourite dishes
The picnic is the ultimate declaration that summer has arrived. Nothing beats dining outside with friends, feasting on homemade dishes which have been lovingly prepared and carefully packed into a Fortnum & Mason hamper, with proper plates and cutlery. But there's no denying that our picnic experiences have become less wholesome in recent years, and more heavily dependent on the three-for-£7 section of the chilled supermarket aisle, than food made in our own kitchens. It's no surprise that eating this way isn't good for us. First, there's the calories. Eating sausage rolls (300 plus calories), pork pies (250 plus calories) and Scotch eggs (around 280 calories) on rotation can demolish your daily calorie intake in an afternoon. As picnic food can stay out for hours, and is always within reaching distance, it's easy to ignore our in-built hunger cues and gorge non-stop. Processed meats, while a picnic go-to, are awful for our health. As well as being high in fat and salt, they're also linked to a higher risk of bowel cancer. As the founder of Pow Food, a healthy catering company, I know how important it is to create a spread that's not only delicious, but also healthy and satisfying. That doesn't mean shunning your favourite dishes. With a few simple tweaks you can serve all the picnic classics without compromising on health or taste. I've shared my easy recipes for coronation chicken, potato salad and quiche. All of them will elevate your picnic game with light, fresh flavours that feel indulgent, but are really rather healthy and packed with gut-friendly goodness. From last-minute family outings to garden parties, or making an impression at school sports day, these dishes are simple, crowd-pleasing and perfect for any outdoor occasion. Most of all, they're designed to make you feel good, and take your summer picnics up a notch. Skip to a recipe: Green goddess white bean dip with feta and pomegranate This creamy, white bean herb dip is the perfect addition to any summer picnic spread – light, vibrant, and full of fresh flavour. It's a satisfying alternative to heavier cheese-based dips, yet still delivers richness from olive oil and depth from herbs and spices. Topped with salty crumbled feta and pomegranate seeds, it's as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it with warm pita, crunchy crudités, or as part of a mezze board. Nutrition Health and nutrition benefits High in protein and fibre: This dip is a satisfying, blood sugar-friendly option – especially as an alternative to cheese- or mayo-based dips. Rich in antioxidants: The herbs in this recipe, along with lemon juice, garlic, and pomegranate seeds all contain powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients. Pomegranate, in particular, is high in polyphenols, which are linked to heart and brain health. Heart healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health and lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Similarly the fibre-rich beans support heart-health. How to make it Time Prep: 10 minutes, cooking: 5 minutes Serves 4-6 people Ingredients For the dip 1 can white beans (400g can, drained weight ~240g) 1 spring onion, chopped ½ clove garlic, grated or finely chopped 1 tbsp olive oil Juice of 1/2 lemon Handful fresh parsley, chopped 10-12 fresh basil leaves 1 ⁄4 tsp ground cumin Salt, to taste Toppings 30g feta cheese, crumbled Handful of pomegranate seeds Method 1. Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly. 2. In a food processor (or using a fork for a more rustic texture), combine the white beans, spring onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, basil, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust seasoning to taste. 3. Spoon the dip into a shallow bowl or plate. Top with crumbled feta and a generous sprinkle of pomegranate seeds. Optional: Drizzle with a little more olive oil and garnish with extra herbs or a dusting of cumin before serving. Back to menu Homemade za'atar baked tortilla chips These homemade tortilla chips, pictured with the green goddess dip above, are incredibly easy to make and far healthier than store-bought options – you'll never look back. Bake the tortillas with your favourite seasonings for crispy chips that pair perfectly with summer dips. Ideal for picnics, BBQs or entertaining guests. The recipe below features a za'atar seasoning blend, but feel free to experiment with your own spice mixes for delicious variations. Nutrition Health and nutrition benefits Healthy fats: These chips use olive oil instead of processed fats found in many store bought tortillas and chips, providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation and support cholesterol balance. Baked not deep fried: Baking instead of deep-frying significantly reduces the overall fat and calorie content, making these chips a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional store bought crisps or tortilla chips. Supports digestion and lower GI: When made with whole wheat flour, these chips contain more fibre and have a lower glycemic index, helping to stabilise blood sugar levels and support digestive health. How to make it Time Prep: 30 minutes, cooking: 10 minutes Serves Makes 8 tortillas, sliced to make 70-80 chips, serving 6-8 people Ingredients For the tortilla 280g plain wholewheat flour Pinch of sea salt 45g olive oil 160ml warm water (adjust slightly as needed) For the baked chip seasoning 1-2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing 1-2 tbsp za'atar and salt spice blend Sea salt, to taste Method 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Add the oil and mix it into the flour with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the warm water until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. Adjust water or flour as needed. 2. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic (this step is very important to improve texture and relax the gluten). Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 20-25 minutes. 3. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal balls. Keep covered with a damp towel. Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 2-3 mm thick. 4. Dry-fry each rolled tortilla in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned and puffed. Let cool slightly. 5. Cut each tortilla into 8 triangle-shaped wedges. In a small bowl, mix olive oil with za'atar. Lightly brush both sides of each wedge with the seasoned oil. 6. Preheat the oven to 180C and spread tortilla wedges in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden then allow to cool and enjoy with your summer dips. Back to menu Red pepper and goats cheese 'quichelets' These delicious, lighter versions of the traditional quiche are made with a sweet potato pastry crust instead of shortcrust pastry. Packed with lots of vegetables, protein-rich eggs, and creamy goat's cheese, they're full of flavour and completely moreish. Plus, they're super easy to prepare – perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or a crowd-pleasing brunch. Nutrition Health and nutrition benefits High in protein: Each quiche contains over 6g of protein from eggs and goat's cheese, which helps reduce blood sugar levels and keeps you fuller for longer. Rich in vitamins & antioxidants: Kale, sweet potato, and red pepper provide vitamin A for healthy skin and vision, vitamin C for immune support, and fibre to aid digestion. These colourful vegetables boost both the nutrition and flavour. Lighter carbohydrate crust: Using grated sweet potato and flour instead of traditional pastry cuts back on refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and empty calories. This quiche crust is a wholesome base that adds fibre and natural sweetness, without the heaviness of standard crusts. How to make it Time Prep: 20 minutes, cook: 30-25 minutes Serves Six people Ingredients Base ½ medium sweet potato, peeled and grated ½ cup plain flour, whole wheat, white or almond 1 egg 1 dsp olive oil ½ tsp dried oregano (or to taste) Salt and black pepper, to taste Filling 1 shallot, finely chopped and sautéed 3 eggs ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped 2 kale leaves, stems removed and leaves shredded ¼ tsp dried oregano Salt and black pepper, to taste 30g goat's cheese, crumbled Method For the base 1. Preheat the oven to 220C and sprinkle a little flour to the base of a muffin tin to prevent sticking. I personally like using an aluminium non-stick. 2. Peel and grate 1 medium sweet potato using the large holes of a cheese grater. 3. Transfer grated sweet potato to a medium bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture. 4. Place the sweet potato in a clean towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Discard the liquid. 5. Combine the grated sweet potato with 1/2 cup flour (I prefer whole wheat or almond), 1 egg, 1 dessert spoon olive oil, a pinch of oregano and salt and black pepper, to taste. 6. Mix thoroughly until a sticky dough forms. Divide the mixture evenly between the 6 muffin cups. Press down firmly into the bottom of each to create a base about 1cm thick. (Do not press up the sides.) 7. Bake the crusts for 15-18 minutes, or until it begins to brown slightly. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling. For the filling 1. Sauté 1 shallot in a pan with a little olive oil until soft and slightly caramelised and set aside. 2. In a bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs, salt and pepper, to taste, 1/4 tsp dried oregano. 3. Add the sautéed shallot onto the base of each quiche, before adding the red pepper and shredded kale leaves (stems removed). 4. Pour the egg mixture over the top, being careful not to overflow. Top each with crumbled goat's cheese (about 5g per quiche). 5. Cover with foil and bake at 220C for 15 minutes, or until the egg is set and the tops are lightly golden. 6. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes before removing from the oven and allowing to cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature. Back to menu Chicken coronation baby gems Forget the heavy, cloying, calorific classic. This coronation chicken recipe is a vibrant, fresher take, boasting a deliciously crunchy texture and significant health benefits. I've swapped the traditional rich mayonnaise and sweet mango chutney for protein-rich Greek yogurt and zesty lime juice, creating a sauce that's not only brighter and lighter but also wonderfully bold. This lighter yet flavourful base, perfectly complements the tender chicken, while the recipe's rich texture, featuring crunchy celery and chewy raisins, elevates the dish to something truly memorable – a coronation chicken that's anything but one-note. Nutrition (per 100g) Health and nutrition benefits Healthy Fats: The Greek yogurt and roasted cashews provide healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Reduced Sugar: Mango chutney is typically used in most recipes, which is high in sugar. This recipe uses a small amount of honey and relies more on the natural sweetness of the apple and raisins, resulting in lower overall sugar content. Antioxidants and Vitamins: The inclusion of apple, celery, red onion, and coriander adds a wider range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish. How to make it Time Prep: 20 minutes, cooking: 20-30 minutes (30 minutes to chill) Serves 4-6 people Ingredients 2 skinless chicken breasts 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 baby gem heads ½ medium apple, grated 1 stick celery, chopped 1 handful fresh coriander, chopped 1 handful golden raisins ½ red onion, finely chopped 1 dsp honey 1 dsp lime juice 3 ⁄4 cup Greek yogurt 1 tbsp curry powder 30g chopped cashews, roasted Method Step one: Cook the chicken (for tender shredding) 1. Place the chicken breasts in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water or chicken broth, ensuring they are submerged by about an inch. 2. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. It's important not to boil vigorously. 3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken cook gently for 15-20 minutes. The chicken is done when the thickest part is no longer pink in the centre. Poaching is an excellent method for keeping the chicken moist and tender, perfect for shredding. 4. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the liquid and let it cool slightly on a cutting board. 5. Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Step two: Prepare the baby gem lettuce cups 6. Trim the ends of the baby gem lettuce heads and separate the individual leaves. You should get a good number of usable 'cups' from two heads. 7. Wash the leaves thoroughly under cool water. 8. Gently pat the leaves dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. 9. Arrange the lettuce cups on a serving platter, ready to be filled. Step three: Make the coronation chicken salad 10. In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined, creating your creamy sauce. 11. Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, golden raisins, grated apple, and chopped coriander to the bowl with the sauce. 12. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing then fold in the chopped cashews. 13. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, curry powder, or a little extra lime juice or honey to suit your preference. Step four: chill and serve 14. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavours to combine beautifully and the salad to become refreshingly cold. The salad can be made up to a day in advance. 15. To serve, generously spoon the coronation chicken salad mixture into the prepared baby gem lettuce cups and serve. Healthy creamy herb and mustard potato salad This healthy potato salad is a fresh, flavour-packed twist on the classic side dish – without the heaviness of traditional mayonnaise-based versions. Tossed in a light, refreshing dressing made from Greek yogurt and wholegrain mustard, it delivers all the creaminess with less calories and healthier fat. This is the perfect companion for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a nourishing side to any main. Nutrition Health and nutrition benefits Heart healthy: Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise significantly reduces saturated fat and overall calories, making it a heart-healthier alternative to traditional potato salad. Rich in fibre and potassium: Potatoes, especially when eaten with the skin, are a great source of fibre and potassium, which support digestion and help regulate blood pressure. Cooling properties: Ingredients like Greek yogurt, parsley, and dill have naturally cooling properties and help regulate body temperature and refresh the palate, especially in hot weather. How to make it Time Prep: 15 minutes, cooking: 15 minutes Serves 4-6 people Ingredients 1 kg small red potatoes, cut into halves and quarters 1 shallot, thinly sliced 2 spring onions, chopped 1 small clove garlic, finely chopped 2½ tbsp fresh dill, chopped 2½ tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1 tsp grainy mustard 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Salt and black pepper, to taste 2 tbsp Greek yogurt Method 1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until just tender (about 10–15 minutes, depending on size). Drain and set aside to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, grainy mustard, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. 3. In a large bowl, combine the warm potatoes with the shallots, spring onions, garlic, dill, and parsley. 4. Pour the mustard dressing over the potatoes and toss gently to coat evenly. 5. Let sit for at least 15–20 minutes to allow flavours to develop. Serve warm or at room temperature.
The Guardian
08-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
How to make perfect tandoori chicken (without a tandoor) – recipe
When was the last time you had tandoori chicken? Described by the Liverpool Daily Post in 1962 as 'roast chicken Indian fashion', this delicately seasoned, but often luridly coloured, dish was once the mainstay of the British Indian restaurant menu; yet, always greedy for novelty, I can't remember when I last had the pleasure. The loss is mine, because it's one of the very best ways to eat chicken – rich and tender, thanks to its yoghurt marinade, tangy with lemon and perfumed with spice. Vivek Singh argues that 'no Punjabi celebration can be complete without tandoori chicken', while J Inder Singh Kalra went as far as to crown it the 'king of kebabs', a sentiment echoed by Rohit Ghai. The issue for domestic cooks is, of course, that few of us have the clay oven, or tandoor, from which the dish takes its name. Traditionally used to cook bread, and capable of getting up to astonishingly high temperatures, it's this that gives tandoori chicken its characteristically smoky flavour. So, assuming you don't happen to have one handy, what's the best way to make tandoori-style chicken at home? Tandoori chicken is usually a whole bird cut into pieces and threaded on to skewers, ready to be lowered into the oven – using boneless chicken pieces instead, as newly crowned Fortnum & Mason cookery writer of the year Ravinder Bhogal notes in these very pages, will get 'dinner on the table faster' (she suggests using thigh for tikka, which I'd echo, because it stays much juicier). Most recipes specify either a whole bird or an assortment of joints – drumsticks for Nik Sharma, legs and breasts for Madhur Jaffrey – but because they're for the most part all cut into pieces, you can adapt this to suit your own preference, with the caveat that I wouldn't recommend using just breast, because it does dry out very easily. A mixture, or legs alone, is a far better bet. Both Bhogal and Singh spatchcock the whole bird, splaying it out so it cooks more evenly. This looks impressive, but I've decided to stick with pieces only, not least because of the risk of overcooking the white meat; this way, it's easy to whip out the breasts and leave in the legs for a few minutes longer. Tandoori chicken is almost always skinless – only Ghai and those cooking whole birds (Bhogal and Roopa Gulati) don't mention removing it – because it gives the marinade better access to the meat. The yoghurty coating will play a similar protective role, insulating the flesh from direct heat, while a couple of deep slashes will bring the marinade, and its flavour, into the centre of the meat. The consensus breaks down when it comes to the marinade. Sharma, Bhogal and Sarah Woods's lovely book Desi Kitchen all use a single marinade, while Rick Stein's India, Inder Singh Kalra's Prashad, Ghai's Yatra, Keith Floyd's India, Jaffrey's Indian Cookery and Gulati's Curry Lovers employ a two-step process in which the meat is first rubbed with citrus juice or vinegar, salt and sometimes a few aromatics (ginger and garlic paste for Ghai; turmeric, chilli and pepper for Gulati) and left for half an hour or so before the yoghurt mix is added. And this extra step seems well worth it, because, the spices aside, lemon (you could use lime or Gulati's white-wine vinegar instead, if you prefer) and salt seem to me the top notes of every tandoori chicken I can remember eating. Salt is the only molecule that is small enough here realistically to penetrate into the interior, but the rest will season the outside well enough to flavour every bite regardless (most British chicken is young enough that tenderness ought not to be an issue). The dairy marinade, which contains fat that will dissolve the aromatics in the spices, so they coat the meat thoroughly, will stay largely on the surface of the chicken, as a kind of integral sauce. The thicker the yoghurt, the more easily it will stick, so a greek-style thick one is ideal. You could also add pureed red onion, as Sharma does, or Jaffrey's yellow onion. Green chillies are also popular, as is chilli powder (whether readymade or ground from dried Kashmiri chillies). Cumin is near ubiquitous; peppercorns, fenugreek and turmeric pop up a lot, as do sweeter spices such as green cardamom and cloves – I particularly enjoy Bhogal's luxurious cinnamon and saffron, for example. That said, I want to keep my recipe fairly simple, because my testers and I all enjoy Jaffrey's tandoori chicken, spiced with fresh green chilli, garam masala and paprika, so much, which proves you don't need a kaleidoscope of spices to make your own. That's why I've stuck with garam masala (which, in India, usually includes cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and peppercorns) plus a little extra cumin, though you may well want to add other spices that take your fancy. (Saffron comes highly recommended, both for its elusive fragrance and the colour it lends.) Time-wise, and though I hate to disagree with Jaffrey, I don't think 'the longer, the better' applies here. After her recommended 24 hours in the marinade, the surface of the chicken is a little bit mushy, so four to six hours feels like the sweet spot. Possibly chickens were tougher back in 1982? The tandoori chicken I grew up on got what Mallika Basu describes in her book Masala as its 'characteristic Day-Glo red appearance from a dash of artificial colour, but', she adds, 'Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika is more commonly used at home'. Sharma suggests adding some beetroot, 'which does work very well without affecting the taste, though I will admit, I wish it were a deeper shade of red. However, too much beet could also end up sweetening the chicken, which is something I wanted to avoid'. Stein uses beetroot powder instead, which can be found at specialist spice retailers (I bought some from Spice Mountain at London's Borough Market, which also sells online), but I think you get just as good a result from Jaffrey's paprika rub. Alternatively, if it just doesn't feel like tandoori chicken if it doesn't glow in the dark, use an artificial colouring; if you don't worry about eating it in cakes and sweets, it feels illogical to avoid it here (Dan Toombs notes that, contrary to packet instructions, you should rub the colouring directly on to the meat). Jaffrey excitedly reports that, 'I have, I think, found a way to make tandoor-style chicken without a tandoor!' which, 'as I am sure you all know by now, is a vat-shaped clay oven, heated with charcoal or wood. The heat inside builds up to such an extent that small whole chickens, skewered and thrust into it, cook in about 10 minutes. The fierce heat seals the juices of the bird and keeps it moist … the result is quite spectacular.' Her home solution is an oven heated to its maximum temperature: 'The cooking time is not 10 minutes, because home ovens do not get as hot as tandoors. Still, breasts cook in 15 or 20 minutes and legs in 20 to 25 minutes.' Sharma also uses the oven, though at a mere 200C, then finishes off the drumsticks under the grill. Ghai's book Yatra uses a hot grill alone (time to switch on that extractor fan), while Singh and Bhogal prefer the barbecue, which is, in my opinion, the ideal scenario for a slightly smoky flavour. If that's not practical, a very hot oven is the next best thing, though I'd advise you to check on the breasts towards the end of the cooking time, and take them out early, if necessary. Bhogal's drizzle of ghee, while to some extent gilding the lily, helps to stop the chicken drying out while it rests (she also finishes the dish with a sprinkle of chaat masala). Honourable mention goes to Gulati's whole tandoori chicken. Smothered in marinade, stuffed with buttery rice and roasted whole, it's utterly delicious if you're looking for a less traditional take on the classic. It's one that I will certainly make again. Bhoghal gives recipes for coriander and mint chutney, kachumber salad and garlic naan, all of which work very well with tandoori chicken, as do basmati rice and, indeed, a masala gravy. Alternatively, you might prefer shredded iceberg, some lemon wedges and a pint of Kingfisher on the side: entirely up to you. (It would be remiss of me not to inform you that any leftovers make excellent sandwiches – or, like Sharma, you might prefer to freeze some of it after two hours of marinating.) Prep 15 min Marinate 4½-6½ hr Cook 25 min Serves 4 6 chicken pieces – 2 bone-in thighs, 2 drumsticks, 2 breasts, all skinless6 garlic cloves, peeled1 tbsp grated ginger 1-1½ tsp salt 6 tbsp lemon or lime juice, or white-wine vinegar1 tsp cumin seeds 2 green chillies 250g thick, greek-style plain yoghurt 4 tsp garam masala Black pepper 2 tbsp sweet paprika, or 1 tbsp mild chilli powder2 tbsp ghee or oil Take the skin off the chicken, if necessary, then cut the legs and breasts into two pieces each, then cut a couple of deep slashes in each piece. Peel the ginger and garlic, then mash both to a paste with the salt (adjust to your taste) in a mortar or mini chopper, then stir in the lemon juice. Rub this mix all over the chicken, cover and leave for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the cumin seeds in a dry pan until aromatic, then crush to a powder. Finely chop the chilli and mash to a paste – I add it to the mortar with the cumin. Stir both into the yoghurt, then mix in the garam masala and a good grind of black pepper. Smear the paprika all over the chicken, followed by the yoghurt, making sure to get this as far into the cuts as possible, then cover and chill for four to six hours. Take the chicken out of the fridge half an hour before you want to start cooking it. Light the barbecue or heat the oven to 240C (230C fan)/475F/gas 9 (or as high as it will go). Once the barbecue or oven is ready (the barbecue coals should be glowing white hot, and no flames should be visible), grease the barbecue grill or a baking tray with ghee or oil, then lay on the chicken pieces, shaking off any excess marinade back into the bowl. Grill or roast for 15 minutes, then brush all over with the extra marinade and turn over the chicken pieces. Cook for 10-15 minutes longer, or until cooked through and beginning to char; check on the breasts after 10 minutes, just to be on the safe side. Take off the grill/out of the oven, brush all over with the remaining ghee, if using, and leave to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Tandoori chicken – is it indeed the king of kebabs (even if you don't use a skewer), and is there any point in making it without the eponymous clay oven? If not, where do you go for the real deal? Felicity Cloake's new book, Peach Street to Lobster Lane: Coast to Coast in Search of Real American Cuisine, is published by HarperCollins at £16.99. To order a copy for £15.29 go to
