RUSH HOUR!

MATT PRESTON packs vast flavour into low-prep weeknight dinners

When he’s not critiquing g cooks on TV’S reality stalwart l Masterchef, Matt Preston is keeping things simple and tasty in his home kitchen. Woman’s Day chats to the cravat-loving judge on how he spends his time at the chopping board.

What do you love cooking at home?

I asked my 12-year-old, Sadie, what my cooking was like at home and she said it was best when it was quick, simple and yummy – hence the name of the new cookbook [ Yummy, Easy, Quick]! These recipes are great examples of how I cook at home – take a familiar protein and loads of fresh vegetables then add a simple dressing or zesty spice rub that lifts both recipes well out of the ordinary.

What do you whip up if time is tight?

Rather than obsessing about how long things take to cook, I’m far more excited by a short prep time. Then it really doesn’t matter how long the oven, barbecue or stove take to do their thing, as I can get on with any of the million things that are demanding attention round the house – folding the washing, emptying the dishwasher, emptying the compost, trying to understand Year 8 maths or, more likely, pouring a couple of glasses of something cold.

What kitchen gadget takes pride of place?

I’ve got every gadget and tool you can imagine. But I couldn’t live without my Y-grip potato peeler that will also cut ribbons of carrots or ginger, to pickle, or ribbons of cucumber for my gin and tonic. I’ve got a $10 julienne peeler for making slaws, and a microplane for zesting and to grate the parmesan, so I don’t use too much! The electronic scales, sharp knives and a stick blender all get a regular work out.