
Self-taught cook Hari Beavis has been described as ‘Gen Z’s go-to chef for comforting, cosy meals’ with nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram and over half a million on TikTok.
Growing up in the Warwickshire countryside, Beavis was raised on rich cosy meals which helped nourish the family through short, chilly days and long dark evenings, the kind of recipes she has become famous for on her social media pages. Think French Onion Soup with Cheesy Garlic Bread, Chicken Alfredo Lasagne and Parmesan Chicken Orzo, alongside Golden Syrup Cake and Chunky Monkey Cookies. They have proved so popular it was only a matter of time before publishers came knocking. The result? Her debut cookbook, Country Comfort. Beavis promises 90 recipes designed to show readers how to create crowd-pleasing, wholesome meals full of love and warmth.
What will I love?
Country Comfort is a hug in a book, full of cosy, comforting recipes accompanied by rustic, relatable photos. , if you will. Lots of the recipes have tips offering advice on simple swaps and substitutions so you don’t feel like you have to dash out with a lengthy shopping list before you start cooking. Each recipe includes a helpful equipment list, plus the chapters are organised by time so you already vaguely know how long they should take.
Is it good bedtime reading?
Not really. The focus is very much on the recipes. They each have short introductions and paragraphs with tips but, aside from the introduction at the beginning, there isn’t much reading to get stuck into.
Will I have trouble finding the ingredients?
No. The ingredients are decidedly fuss-free. The most obscure is probably truffle mayonnaise in the ‘Chicken Sandwich’.
How easy are the recipes to follow?
The dishes themselves are very straightforward. However, the recipes are written in paragraphs, rather than clear steps, to fit with the low-key, relaxed vibe of the book. This works for most of them, since they aren’t too complicated, however, some feel rather rushed. ‘My Loved Ones’ Carbonara’ is one example which would have benefited from a clearer, step-by-step, structure.
Stand-out recipes?
The ‘Moroccan Chicken Dinner with Tahini Yogurt’ makes for a vibrant, flavoursome meal, while the ‘Cheesy Fish Pie’ sounds like the ultimate comfort food. The ‘Chickpea and Spinach Curry’ is perfect when you want a simple, warming supper.
How often will I cook from this book?
The range of recipes is broad enough for you to cook from the book all year round for a multitude of occasions. From a simple ‘Mediterranean Pasta Salad’ and fruity ‘Raspberry, Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad’ (ideal for summer BBQs) to a hearty ‘Butter Chicken Pie’ and ‘Hug in a Bowl Beef Stroganoff’ (perfect autumn/winter warmers). Chapters are organised by time (Comfort in… 10, 20, 30 or 40 minutes), followed by ‘Bake Everything Better’ full of sweet treats at the end (think ‘Chocolate Croissant and Hazelnut Pudding’, ‘Cinnamon Crunch Cake’ and ‘Raspberry Waffle Pudding’). There is also a useful chapter dedicated to ‘Drinks Pairings’.
Any negatives?
The recipes feel very geared towards an Instagram audience, hardly surprising given Beavis’ large social following. Although there are many good ideas, there isn’t anything particularly innovative or inspiring. Not all of the recipes have photos which is a shame as they really add to the cosy vibe of the book.
Should I buy the book?
If you are looking for low-effort cosy, comforting recipes, this is the book for you. It is ideal for a beginner cook looking to gain confidence in the kitchen (it would be perfect for a student) but the recipes have a distinct ‘influencer’ vibe that might leave more experienced cooks feeling a little uninspired.
Cuisine: International
Suitable for: Beginner cooks
Great for fans of: Eleanor Wilkinson, Kitty Coles and MOB
Cookbook review rating: Three stars
Buy this book: Country Comfort: Hearty, wholesome meals in minutes
£26.00, Carnival
This review was written by Freelance Food Writer and Recipe Developer Sophie Knox Richmond. Follow her on Instagram on @sophie_kr_food.









