Who is Jon Watts?
Jon Watts’s journey into food is one of transformation. As a teenager in a young offenders’ institution, he became the first person in custody to complete all three Duke of Edinburgh Awards. He learned to cook in the prison kitchens and officers’ mess, and later trained at one of Jamie Oliver’s restaurants while on day release, a turning point that helped him build a new future. He went on to gain national attention through social media (@jonwatts88) and TV appearances, including regular slots cooking live on ITV’s This Morning.
In 2023, Watts self-published his first cookbook, Watts Cooking, which became a word-of-mouth hit. That success led to his Speedy series, beginning with the bestselling Speedy Weeknight Meals and now followed by Speedy Comfort. His recipes are known for being simple, satisfying and budget-friendly, with ingredients that are easy to find. Beyond the kitchen, he shares his story with schools, prisons and businesses, speaking openly about resilience, second chances, and the power of purpose.
What is Speedy Comfort’s USP?
This is comfort food for real life: meals that soothe and satisfy, but won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening. Every recipe in Speedy Comfort is designed to be on the table in 30 minutes or less without sacrificing flavour or warmth. There’s no gimmickry here, just practical, generous cooking that works when time (and energy) are in short supply.
What will I love?
The photography is bright and appealing, but there’s no gloss for gloss’s sake. Everything looks achievable, like food you might actually cook on a Wednesday night. The tone is equally grounded: there’s no preaching, no performance, just food that makes sense.
Though it isn’t overtly marketed as a “budget” cookbook, there’s a real thoughtfulness around cost. Recipes rely on everyday ingredients so you won’t be sent off looking for obscure pastes or out-of-season veg. The food is affordable without drawing attention to itself.
The layout is clean and intuitive, with recipes easy to scan at a glance. Helpful symbols throughout the book flag up key features such as freezer-friendly, air fryer–adaptable, or ideal for batch cooking making it easy to plan meals around your time, energy and what you have in the fridge. There are also clever hacks scattered throughout including time-savers, swaps, and shortcuts that make the recipes even more flexible.
Is it good bedtime reading?
There’s no literary storytelling, essays or poetic flourishes, but there is a reassuringly companionable tone. Watts writes like someone who knows how it feels to cook when you’re tired, hungry, or simply lacking inspiration and shows you how to create something delicious anyway.
Will I have trouble finding the ingredients?
No. Everything can be found in a standard UK supermarket, and the recipes don’t ask for anything rare or niche. This is a book that respects your time and your local Tesco.
How easy are the recipes to follow?
Very. The instructions are clear and written for real people in real kitchens the kind where time is short, you have family commitments, or simply too tired to fuss. Watts doesn’t overexplain, but neither does he assume knowledge, with the recipes offering structure without straying into the patronising.
There’s cleverness in how he’s reimagined classic comfort dishes. A streamlined Coq au Vin can be made in just 30 minutes, without feeling rushed or compromised. There are also plenty of fakeaway favourites, like the Sweet’n’Spicy Chicken, ready in 15 minutes, full of bold flavour but still entirely doable after a long day.
Stand-out recipes?
The One Pan Butter Chicken is the sort of dish that tastes like it took hours, but doesn’t. Enjoy with rice and/or naan to mop up all the delicious sauce. Popcorn Chicken Katsu is playful and clever, and would make an excellent Friday-night-in option (the tip about swapping panko breadcrumbs for cornflakes is also very helpful). Smoky Paprika Salmon with Lemon Couscous is quick, fragrant, and full of flavour, the perfect choice when you want something a little lighter (we enjoyed it with some roasted peppers on the side). There are also lots of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Irish Cream and Dark Chocolate Mousse is the ultimate fuss-free festive dessert, while the Panettone Pudding is ideal for making the most of Christmas leftovers.
How often will I cook from this book?
Often. The book is well-structured, with chapters that suit different moods and needs, including Family Feasts, Old School Classics, Lighter Comforts, Easy Dinners, Weekend Treats, Cosy Traybakes, and Puddings. Whether you want to rustle up something familiar or treat yourself at the weekend, there’s a recipe here that’ll fit the moment.
Any negatives?
This isn’t a book for long weekends of elaborate cooking, and it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s not a statement cookbook. It’s a useful one.
Should I buy the book?
If you want flavour, speed, and recipes you’ll actually cook, not just admire, this is a very worthwhile addition to your kitchen shelf.
Cuisine: Global
Suitable for: Busy home cooks, parents, students and anyone seeking good food fast
Great for fans of: Amy Sheppard, MOB Kitchen and Poppy O’Toole
Cookbook review rating: Four stars
Buy this book: Speedy Comfort by Jon Watts £22.00, Bloomsbury
This review was written by Freelance Food Writer and Recipe Developer Sophie Knox Richmond. Follow her on Instagram on @sophie_kr_food.
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