Jon Watts Chef Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Crime, Prison Jail, Recipes, Cookbook, Net Worth, Instagram

July 13, 2024

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Who is Chef Jon Watts?

Jon Watts is a self-taught cook who shares delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. He started cooking at the age of 18 while serving a 6½-year sentence in a young offenders institute as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Fast-forward 18 years, he now works for himself, creating and sharing recipes, cooking at private and corporate events, and inspiring others, particularly young people, through his cooking.

His debut cookbook, Watts Cooking, was published in October 2023, featuring 100 simple recipes using easily accessible supermarket ingredients. Additionally, he has appeared on ITV’s This Morning, cooked for events, private clients (including royals and celebrities), and is set to release another cookbook titled Speedy Weeknight Meals in August 2024.

Jon Watts Chef Age

Jon Watts is 35 years old as of 2024.

Jon Watts Chef Educational Background

Jon Watts attended Fountain-Fort Carson High School and later went on to pursue his passion for food, inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, which he completed during his time behind bars.

Jon Watts Crime And Jail Term

Jon Watts has an inspiring story of transformation. After leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, he found himself involved with gangs in his hometown of Oxford. However, a pivotal incident changed the course of his life. Following a violent altercation in which another young man was stabbed, Watts was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm. As a result, he received a 6½-year prison sentence.

During his time behind bars, Watts made a conscious decision to turn his life around. He enrolled in various courses, including mathematics and business. However, it was a program founded by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, that ignited his passion for food. This program, known as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, provided Watts with the skills, confidence, and belief in himself. It set him on a path toward becoming a chef after his release from prison.

Chef Jon Watts Professional Journey

From Prison to Passion

Jon Watts discovered his love for cooking while serving a 6½-year sentence in a young offenders institute. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, he learned to cook, becoming the first person in custody to achieve a Bronze, Silver, and Gold award. This experience ignited his culinary passion.

Jamie Oliver’s Influence

After gaining professional cookery qualifications, Jon worked for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Surrounded by chefs who loved what they did, he fell in love with fresh herbs, vegetables, and the art of creating flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Street Food Entrepreneur

In 2015, Jon purchased a food truck called ‘JON’S STR EAT Food’ and served delicious street food in St Albans city center. His journey led to opportunities like cooking for celebrities and being part of national advertising campaigns.

Adapting During the Pandemic

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Jon’s work disappeared. Undeterred, he started creating and sharing recipes, gaining popularity online. His resilience from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award helped him adapt and inspire others through his culinary creations.

Cooking on TV

Jon made appearances on Britain’s biggest live cooking stage, ITV’s This Morning, showcasing his skills and passion. His story resonated with viewers, emphasizing the transformative power of cooking.

Jon Watts Cookbook

Jon’s debut cookbook, Watts Cooking, was published in October 2023. It features 100 recipes made simple, using easily accessible supermarket ingredients. Chapters include “Speedy weeknight dinners,” “Proper comforts,” and “Plenty of pasta” among others. His cookbook is a delightful resource for home cooks looking to create flavorful meals.

Jon Watts Recipes

Jon Watts shares a delightful array of recipes that cater to various tastes and occasions. Here are some of his mouthwatering creations:

1. Super Green Pasta with Chicken and Bacon

A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a medley of green veggies. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

2. Sweet Chilli Chicken Traybake

An easy one-pan meal with succulent chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a sweet chili glaze. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!

3. Satay Chicken Stir Fry

A fusion of Thai and Chinese flavors, this stir-fry combines juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a rich satay sauce.

4. Chicken Piccata

Classic Italian comfort food—tender chicken cutlets in a lemony, caper-infused sauce. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread.

5. Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops glazed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. Pair them with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.

6. Thai Red Chicken Curry

Fragrant and spicy, this curry features tender chicken, coconut milk, and a blend of aromatic Thai spices. Serve it with steamed rice.

7. Roasted Potato Salad

A twist on the traditional potato salad—roasted potatoes, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing. Ideal for picnics and gatherings.

8. Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken

Creamy tomato vodka sauce meets perfectly cooked penne pasta, topped with grilled chicken. Comfort food at its best.

9. Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious tarragon-infused cream sauce. Serve it with crusty bread or rice.

10. Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata)

Irresistible flaky pastry cups filled with creamy custard. A delightful treat inspired by Portuguese cuisine.

Jon Watts Cooking Techniques

Jon Watts, the self-taught chef, has a knack for turning well-known classics into accessible and delightful meals. Here are some of his cooking techniques and tips:

One-Pan Magic:

Jon’s recipes often embrace the simplicity of one-pan cooking. Whether it’s a traybake, stir-fry, or pasta dish, he knows how to maximize flavor while minimizing cleanup.

Flavorful Marinades:

Jon excels at creating marinades that infuse meats and vegetables with taste. From sweet chili glazes to savory herb blends, his marinades elevate everyday ingredients.

Hummus Hacks:

Surprisingly, Jon uses hummus as a secret ingredient in some recipes. It adds creaminess, flavor, and depth to dishes like his Super Green Pasta with Chicken.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals:

Jon’s focus on speedy weeknight dinners means he’s a pro at efficient cooking techniques. Look out for his time-saving methods and shortcuts.

Balancing Flavors

Whether it’s adjusting seasoning, balancing sweet and savory, or adding a touch of acidity, Jon knows how to create harmonious flavor profiles.

Texture Play:

Texture matters! Jon’s recipes often combine crispy, tender, and creamy elements. Think crispy bacon with creamy hummus or crunchy veggies in a stir-fry.