CW TRIES IT Fitness editor David Bradford puts a Murchison recipe to the test — against the clock

It’s all very well for Michelinstarred chef Mr Murchison to claim a recipe is “quick and easy”, but what about for someone like me with my rudimentary culinary skills? To put it to the test, I hit ‘start’ on my stopwatch and had a go at Murch’s sausage cassoulet.

Because I'm a rebel, I deviated slightly from the recipe, using Quorn sausages instead of chicken and replacing the celery with courgette. I also added a teaspoon of chilli flakes (lazier than ‘Lazy’), a clove of fresh garlic and teaspoon of smoked paprika at the frying stage.

I'm pleased to report it was as easy as Murchison claims. Chopping up and frying off the vegetables was no trouble, and then it was a simple matter of throwing in everything else, turning down to a simmer, putting the sausages in the oven — and relaxing in front of the TV for 15 minutes while everything took care of itself. The resulting panful provided two huge, tasty helpings — probably enough for three ‘normal’ portions. I served with a packet of instant cous cous and there was barely room on the plate.

It took around 22 minutes in total, but I'm slow at slicing and fried everything for a few minutes longer than recommended, as I lost track of time. The leftover serving is in the fridge and, once reheated, will provide a very welcome, super-quick meal when I get back from my next ride.