“Jamie Cooks Spring” Episode 2, 6 May on Channel 4

In “Jamie Cooks Spring,” Jamie Oliver invites viewers into his kitchen and garden for a seasonal feast. In episode 2, airing on Channel 4 at 8 pm on Monday, 6 May 2024, Oliver showcases the very best of spring produce, from asparagus spears to spring greens, and shares his passion for sustainable and seasonal cooking.

A Chef’s Seasonal Journey

In this series, Oliver takes us on a culinary journey through the year, celebrating the best of British produce as it comes into season. With his love of gardening and cooking, he aims to inspire viewers to embrace the beauty of seasonal cooking and the joy of creating delicious dishes with fresh, sustainable ingredients.

In episode 2, Oliver picks some beautiful asparagus spears from his garden and cooks them wrapped in smoky bacon. He serves this mouthwatering dish with sustainably sourced seafood, including red mullet, scallops, squid, and sea bass. It’s a celebration of spring flavors and a tribute to the UK’s fresh produce.

A Special Guest

Oliver shares this special meal with a very special guest—his father, Trevor. The heartwarming moment between father and son adds a layer of emotion to the episode, showcasing the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Back in the garden, Oliver plants tomato plants and shares his knowledge of companion planting to naturally deter pests. He then cooks up a stunning spring greens ravioli, showcasing his culinary prowess and his ability to transform simple ingredients into a masterpiece.

Oliver highlights the versatility of spring onions in his version of an aromatic spicy green chicken curry. By elevating this humble ingredient, he demonstrates that seasonal cooking is about more than just the main event—every element on the plate deserves its moment to shine.

The chef also shows viewers how to grow unusual crops from shop-bought vegetables. It’s a unique twist that empowers home cooks to be more adventurous with their produce and discover the joys of growing their own food.

In a creative twist, Oliver gives purple sprouting broccoli an Italian-inspired makeover. He creates a delicious pizza topped with Cumberland sausage and a quick and easy tomato sauce. It’s a fun and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.

A Series for All Seasons

“Jamie Cooks Spring” is just the beginning. The series is split into four seasonal parts, with three hour-long episodes for spring, summer, and autumn and two-hour-long episodes for winter. Each installment will showcase the unique produce and flavors of that time of year, providing a comprehensive guide to seasonal cooking.

Oliver’s passion for sustainability and seasonal ingredients shines through in every episode. Speaking about the show, he says, “I really want to inspire more people to embrace the beauty of seasonal cooking. Eating seasonally is not only better for the planet, it’s also a great way to get more of the good stuff into your diet, and keep costs down in the kitchen.”

A Culinary Journey Through the UK

With the help of growing and gardening expert Chloe Carter, Oliver takes viewers on a journey through the rhythm of British seasonal fruit and vegetables, celebrating the best the country has to offer. It’s a culinary adventure that not only delights the taste buds but also educates and inspires.

Jamie Cooks Spring Episode 2 airs Monday 6 May 2024 at 8.00pm on Channel 4.