FoodReference.com (since 1999)
BOOK REVIEW SECTION

 

 You are here > Home > 

Next

Seasonal Spanish Food:
125 Simple Recipes to Bring Home the Flavors of Spain

by Jose Pizarro

Description
Jose Pizarro has received international acclaim for his innovative cooking at Tapas Brindisa in London's Borough Market. His passion for cooking with fresh, quality, seasonal ingredients permeates every dish he creates. Now this world-renowned Spanish chef shares his authentic Spanish recipes with home cooks who enjoy a simple approach to cooking with 'Seasonal Spanish Food: 125 Simple Recipes Bring Home the Flavors of Spain'

Season by season, Pizarro explores his favorite ingredients from each region of Spain, the culture and history behind them. and how to incorporate them into his exceptional yet simple recipes. The book is flavored with personal anecdotes from working in the fields of his father's farm in Extremadura and observing his mother lovingly making arroz caldoso (rice stew) in the winter to when he discovered that he was not cut out to be a dentist but rather a chef and how he brought his traditional Spanish cooking with a modern twist to London. Informative sidebars treat readers to a cornucopia of subjects, including Spanish cheeses, anchovies, mushroom hunting, tapas (Pizarro's favorite pastime), chorizo, olive oil, chestnuts, and the Spanish traditions for Christmas (with suggested recipes).

Welcome spring with a Pea Soup with Serrano Ham or with Scrambled Eggs with Goat Cheese and Asparagus. Spice up summer fruit with olive oil, lime juice and black pepper or dine al fresco with Grilled Tuna Steak with Roasted Tomatoes. Serve such comforting autumn dishes as Pan-Fried Paprika Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Oxtail Stew, and Spanish Apple Pie. And, warm yourself in the cold winter months with Rabbit Stew with Celeriac Puree or Chicken Pepitas. Pizarro closes the book with a taste of Spanish wines, sherry, and other popular drinks in Spain.

"The seasons are the starting point for this book," says Pizarro. "I remain true to my culinary roots, although I think my recipes are fresher and generally have a shorter cooking time than' my Granny Faustina would approve of." As food lovers flip through the pages of this gorgeously illustrated book, Pizarro's flair for bold flavors, simple techniques, and a few well-chosen ingredients speak for themselves.

'Seasonal Spanish Food' will inspire home cooks to add Spanish cuisine to their weekly repertoire, to create delicious tapas for at-home entertaining, and to make use of the wonderful seasonal ingredients found at local greenmarkets.

About Jose Pizarro:
Jose Pizarro is Head Chef at the critically acclaimed Tapas Brindisa in Borough Market in London. Training as a dentist technician in Spain, Pizarro turned his life on its head by "defecting" to study catering instead. After one year, he was hired by a local restaurant and soon found himself as Head Chef at the award-winning Meson de Dona Filo. Here Pizarro cooked nueva cocina, and began his love affair with fresh, brightly flavored dishes. Pizarro moved to Gaudi in London in 1999, and then worked for two years as Head Chef at Eyre Brothers. He opened Tapas Brindisa in 2004, and recently unveiled Tierra Brindisa in Soho and Casa Brindisa in Kensington. He has appeared on UKTV Food's "Marketkitchen".