Make This Tonight Season 1 Episode 27 British Classics

Make this Tonight is a cooking show that aims to make weeknight dinners easy and accessible for everyone. In season 1 episode 27, the focus is on classic British dishes. Hosted by chef John, the episode features three recipes that are perfect for a cozy night in: bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, and fish and chips.

The episode begins with Chef John discussing the history of these beloved British dishes and highlighting the key ingredients that make them so special. He explains that bangers and mash, a dish made up of sausages and mashed potatoes, dates back to the early 20th century when sausages were dubbed "bangers" due to their tendency to explode when cooked. Shepherd's pie, a savory meat pie topped with mashed potatoes, has been a staple in British cuisine since the 18th century. And of course, fish and chips, a dish consisting of battered fish and French fries, has been a favorite in Britain since the mid-19th century.

Chef John then demonstrates how to make each dish step-by-step, providing helpful tips and tricks along the way. For the bangers and mash, he advises choosing high-quality sausages and using a potato ricer to achieve a smooth and silky texture for the mashed potatoes. He also recommends browning the sausages separately before adding them to the mashed potatoes for a delicious caramelized flavor.

Next up is the shepherd's pie, for which Chef John uses a blend of ground beef and lamb for the filling. He stresses the importance of cooking the meat until it is well-browned and flavorful, then adding in vegetables like carrots and onions for extra depth of flavor. He also demonstrates how to properly mash the potatoes and add a touch of cream and butter for richness.

Last but not least, it's time for fish and chips. Chef John begins by preparing the batter, which consists of flour, beer, and seasonings like salt and pepper. He then dips the fish (he recommends using cod or haddock) into the batter and fries it in hot oil until golden and crispy. For the French fries, he suggests using a mixture of vegetable and peanut oil for the perfect texture and flavor.

Throughout the episode, Chef John emphasizes that these dishes may seem daunting but are actually quite simple to make, even for novice cooks. He encourages viewers to try them out for themselves and make them their own by adding in personal touches and tweaks.

As the episode comes to a close, Chef John plates each dish and takes a satisfying bite, enjoying the comforting and nostalgic flavors of classic British cuisine. He invites viewers to do the same and make this tonight!