As we begin another Fall season, the splendors of Spain and Italy are calling.
I have been asked many times where my favorite foodie destination was and it’s a tough question to answer. Italy has become my second home over the years and its cuisine is nothing short of flavorful, fresh and fun to make and eat. Spain is equally enchanting with its breathtaking views, exotic culture and delicious dining..
After introducing many travel friends to my favorite foodie destinations in both regions, I felt it would be fun to share with you some of the recipes created by some of my favorite chefs and plan on posting them here on our Journals page on a regular basis. I will select the best from the many chefs I work with or have met along the way in my travels. I hope you will check in regularly and enjoy and share these creations with your family and friends.
Our first stop… the Andalucia region of Spain is known for sun, sea, tapas, and espetos – the traditional way of cooking freshly-caught sea fish, barbecued over a hot fire on the beach – delicious! Exquisite fine dining is also on the menu with no lack of Michelin star experiences.
Andalucia gastronomy is rich in history and Malaga has become the food hub of southern Spain, establishing itself as a top culinary destination. Definitely include it as a must destination on your foodie “bucket list”!
As we make our way to Spain this week, I though there was no better time than now to share a classic Paella recipe by our very talented Chef David. In Andalusia, paella is known as “happy food”, fiesta food, served for family lunches
Young, creative and effusively enthusiastic about food, David Palacios gave up a career as a commercial pilot to peruse his culinary passions. David honed his cooking skills training in Maastricht, Netherlands where he developed the gourmet flair to match his creative instincts. David then moved with his family to Andalucia, his father’s homeland, where he grows fresh organic produce and edible flowers for the use in his gourmet creations. With a deep knowledge of traditional Andalucian cuisine, David adds a modern twist to the many unique dishes he creates for his guests. Chef David has quickly gained accolades for his cuisine from such prestigious press as The Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure and CNN. Chef David creations rival any Michelin-starred restaurants in Malaga and will excite gastro-aficionados and foodies alike.
Paella
- 500 grams round grain rice (Bomba rice is the best) – do not wash the rice as it needs its outer coating of starch.
- 2 chicken legs chopped
- ½ rabbit chopped
- 1 clove of garlic chopped
- ½ onion finely diced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 cup ground fresh tomato
- 300 grams flat beans cut up in 3cm pieces
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika powder
- Salt , Pepper, 2 bay leaves, 3 cloves, Pinch of saffron
Heat a big flat pan, add the olive oil, the rabbit and the chicken and fry until golden brown.
Push the meat to the side and add the garlic, onion and beans and fry until the onion gets some colour.
Mix everything together and push to the side. Add in the saffron, paprika powder, bay leaves and cloves, directly over the tomatoes and mix together with the rest of the contents of the pan. Leave to reduce the tomatoes until dark red and add a glass of white wine and reduce again. Add water to the rim of the pan and leave on slow fire for 45 minutes to get a nice stock and tender meat. Add the rice and leave to cook for another 20 minutes. You can use the fire to control the water content by lowering or increasing the fire. View our video here.
Serve warm and enjoy with your family and friends.
Salud !
Carol Ketelson is the owner and operator of Delectable Destinations LLC. Dedicated to planning, co-ordinating and curating customized group tours to hand-picked destinations. As an experienced travel planner, Carol’s customized itineraries, specialized tours and off-the-beaten-path experiences create memorable journeys for her small groups of singles, couples, divorced, widowed and solo travelers seeking exceptional trips into the culture and cuisine of destinations around the world. Spring and Fall bookings invite travelers to taste delectable local cuisine, culturally rich traditions and mesmerizing sights. For over 10 years, Carol’s tours have captured the true essence of Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Spain, Ireland and India.
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