Ed Sheeran is a name synonymous with chart-topping hits, heartfelt lyrics, and a down-to-earth, relatable presence that has endeared him to millions of fans around the world. From his early days busking on the streets of London to becoming one of the most successful and influential musicians of his generation, Sheeran has managed to create a career that not only connects with listeners on a deeply emotional level but also inspires others to pursue their passions. However, there’s a new side to the multi-talented artist that is capturing the attention of his fans—his passion for cooking.
Known for his hits like “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” and “Castle on the Hill,” Sheeran has always been an open book, sharing glimpses of his personal life with his followers. In recent years, he’s taken a more hands-on approach to sharing a side of himself that’s more domestic, more personal, and surprisingly relatable: his love for cooking. What makes this especially appealing is that Sheeran’s approach to cooking is refreshingly simple. Rather than focusing on complicated techniques or extravagant dishes, he encourages his fans to embrace the joy of cooking, find comfort in easy recipes, and most importantly, use food as a way to bring people together.
But beyond just sharing recipes, Sheeran’s cooking philosophy offers an insight into his more grounded, homey side. Fans are drawn to the idea of a global superstar who, despite his fame and success, enjoys spending time in the kitchen just like anyone else. This unique blend of celebrity, creativity, and simplicity is what makes Ed Sheeran’s foray into the culinary world so appealing. Here’s a closer look at Ed Sheeran’s philosophy on cooking, his essential kitchen tools, and some of his favorite dishes that inspire fans to bring a little of his magic into their own kitchens.
Ed’s Philosophy on Cooking: Simplicity Over Complexity
One of the most refreshing aspects of Ed Sheeran’s approach to cooking is his belief that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Sheeran has made it clear in interviews, social media posts, and even in his own cookbook that food should be fun, approachable, and something anyone can enjoy, regardless of their experience level in the kitchen.
For Sheeran, simplicity is key. He believes that the best dishes are often the simplest ones, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients rather than overwhelming recipes. The idea of cooking being a fun, stress-free activity resonates with many of his fans, especially those who might feel intimidated by the thought of cooking a complicated dish.
Ed often shares that he doesn’t look for fancy or obscure ingredients when he’s cooking. Instead, he prefers to keep things basic, focusing on fresh produce, herbs, and pantry staples that can be easily turned into flavorful meals. This philosophy not only makes cooking accessible to a wide audience but also highlights the importance of using good ingredients to create something truly special.
Essential Kitchen Tools: Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to setting up a kitchen, Ed Sheeran advocates for quality over quantity. While he’s not pushing for a fully-stocked, professional kitchen, he does suggest investing in a few key tools that will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Sheeran himself enjoys cooking with tools that are both reliable and versatile, and he encourages his fans to do the same.
One of the most important items in Sheeran’s kitchen is a sharp knife. “A good knife makes all the difference,” he’s said in multiple interviews. A sharp knife not only ensures better precision when chopping, slicing, and dicing but also makes the overall cooking experience safer and more enjoyable. Alongside the knife, he recommends investing in a solid chopping board—something sturdy that will last for years.
Another essential kitchen tool in Sheeran’s kitchen is a good frying pan. He emphasizes that a frying pan should be versatile enough to handle everything from sautéing vegetables to cooking a steak or making a stir-fry. Rather than focusing on high-tech gadgets, Ed stresses the importance of having a small collection of reliable, quality tools that will stand the test of time.
This advice may sound basic, but it’s something that resonates with both novice and experienced cooks alike. Too often, we get caught up in purchasing every kitchen gadget under the sun, when the real secret to cooking is in mastering the basics and using the right tools for the job.
Ed’s Go-To Ingredients: Fresh, Versatile Staples
Ed Sheeran’s kitchen is filled with a handful of essential ingredients that he believes can form the backbone of any great dish. These ingredients are the foundation of Sheeran’s simple, yet flavorful cooking style, and they are staples in his day-to-day meals. Among the most important are fresh herbs, garlic, and high-quality oils.
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme are versatile, easy to grow, and can add a burst of flavor to any dish. Garlic is another ingredient Sheeran swears by, noting that it can elevate the simplest of recipes, whether it’s a stir-fry, pasta dish, or roasted vegetables.
In addition to fresh herbs and garlic, Sheeran also keeps a selection of high-quality oils on hand, including olive oil and vegetable oil. These oils are essential for cooking a wide range of dishes and can add depth and richness to everything from sauces to dressings.
One of Sheeran’s favorite ingredients, however, is the humble tomato. Whether it’s cherry tomatoes or the more classic Roma variety, Ed loves using tomatoes as the base for countless dishes, from soups and sauces to salads and pasta. He also loves the versatility of eggs, which he describes as one of the most “underappreciated” ingredients. Eggs can be used in a variety of ways, from a quick scrambled breakfast to an ingredient in baked goods or a rich, velvety omelet.
Cooking Tips for Beginners: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
For fans who are just starting out in the kitchen, Ed Sheeran’s cooking tips are both practical and encouraging. He emphasizes that cooking should be about experimentation and enjoyment, not perfection. In fact, he encourages beginners to embrace the mistakes they make along the way.
“Don’t be afraid to mess up,” Sheeran advises. “The best meals sometimes come from mistakes.” This approach not only takes the pressure off beginner cooks but also invites them to explore their creativity in the kitchen. The idea that mistakes are part of the learning process allows people to build confidence and try new things without the fear of failure.
Sheeran also shares the importance of keeping the kitchen organized. A clean, well-organized space is key to reducing stress and making the cooking process more efficient. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go means less scrambling in the kitchen and more enjoyment of the process itself.
For beginners, Sheeran recommends starting with simple, hearty dishes that are both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Pasta, stir-fries, and salads are all excellent choices for those new to cooking, as they can be easily customized with whatever ingredients are available.
Ed’s Favorite Dishes: From Homemade Pizza to Classic English Breakfast
When it comes to his own favorite dishes, Sheeran’s choices reflect his love for simple, comforting food. One of his go-to meals is homemade pizza. There’s something about making pizza from scratch that brings out Sheeran’s playful side—mixing the dough, choosing the toppings, and watching it all come together in the oven. Pizza, for Ed, is not just a meal, but an experience that he loves to share with his family and friends.
Another favorite dish of Ed’s is the classic English breakfast. A hearty, traditional breakfast made with eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, and baked beans, this dish is close to Sheeran’s heart and is often shared during family gatherings or breakfast with friends. Sheeran has spoken about how he enjoys preparing these simple dishes for loved ones, and how food brings people together in ways that music sometimes can’t.
Conclusion: A Star in the Kitchen
Ed Sheeran’s journey into the world of cooking is a delightful extension of his persona as a grounded, approachable celebrity who’s always willing to share his passions with fans. Whether he’s preparing a quick pasta dish for his family or sharing tips on how to make the perfect pizza dough, Sheeran’s approach to food is warm, inviting, and full of heart.
For many fans, seeing Ed Sheeran step into the kitchen is a reminder that even global superstars have a love for the simple pleasures of life, like cooking a comforting meal. His cooking tips and favorite dishes provide fans with the tools to become more confident in the kitchen, experiment with new recipes, and—perhaps most importantly—enjoy the process.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced home cook, Ed Sheeran’s advice on food can inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and elevate your culinary skills. After all, just like in music, the joy of cooking lies in the ability to make something truly special with a little heart, a lot of passion, and the right ingredients.