When I was studying Spanish at A-Level, our wonderful teacher (the aptly named Mrs Smart) used to let us watch the most beautiful Spanish films. It was through her that I was introduced to Almodovar, now a favourite director of mine. But the film I'd like to tell you about isn't one of his. The one I'm thinking of today is called Like Water for Chocolate. The film was adapted for the screen from the book by Laura Esquivel. We were lucky enough to watch it and read the book at the same time (dontcha just love doing that?).
Set in Mexico, it's a soulful story about love and loss and at the heart of it all is a family's relationship with food. Tita, the protagonist has a deep connection with food, to the point where she can influence people's emotions through her dishes depending on how she felt when she was cooking them. I couldn't possibly convey the magic of this film here, you simply have to see it for yourself. The book is revelation, too. Every chapter begins with a sumptuous Mexican recipe, which helps keep our minds focused on the food (and our mouths watering). A particularly memorable one is Quail in Rose Petal Sauce...
One of the reasons the film struck a chord with me is because my mum has always said that if you cook a dish in a bad mood the food will taste bad too. And I can attest to this - the number of times we've had an argument and my mum's cooking has tasted off. Does she do this deliberately by way of punishment, or could her feelings really be transferring onto the food? Or could it be my own bitterness post-argument that tarnishes the flavour of the food? Being a fanciful type, I like to think that her theory is right. And I swear when I come home some days and she's in a fabulous mood, the food tastes just as fabulous. In fact when something tastes dreamy I sometimes joke with her that she's definitely cooked 'x' with love.
Monday 14 September 2009
Sunday 13 September 2009
Perfect vegetable soup
Seeing as I mentioned the holy bowl of vegetable soup, I think it's only fair I share with you my recipe for it. I made this simple vegetable elixir for the first time about 3 weeks ago while visiting my grandparents in Wales. They live on their own and rely on their family to make them lots of good homecooked grub (no meals on wheels for them!). Visiting relatives leave boxes full of curry, rice, bakes and much more which are stored in the freezer for forthcoming weeks' eating. Seeing as both my grandparents are quite unwell and that the weather in wales was quite wintry for August, I decided to leave them with a warming pot of vegetable soup. You can leave out the cream if you're after a lighter 'broth'; keep it in if you want a rich, velvet-textured soup.
(Holy) Vegetable Soup
1 large carrot, finely chopped into half moons
1 leek, finely sliced into slivers
1 onion, finely diced
2 tbsp olive oil
bouquet garni and 1-2 extra bay leaves
4 garlic cloves, finely diced (or to taste)
1lt vegetable or chicken stock
4 tbsp or thereabouts single cream
1. Fry your onions until they just begin to soften, then add the garlic. Fry for a further 2 mins or so (be careful not to burn the garlic), then add the chopped vegetables.
2. Saute the vegetables over a low heat, stirring, for about 10 mins. The veg should be just softening.
3. Pour in your stock, throw in the herbs, bring to the boil and then simmer, covered for about 15 minutes. Finish by stirring in your cream, bit by bit.
It's a very simple recipe I know, so feel free to add whatever veg you've got leftover in your cupboard. When making this soup I will always remember the deep joy it gave me to see my grandfather wolf down his portion that day, slurping noisily all the way through. He came bounding into the kitchen afterwards exclaiming 'Superb soup putha', eyes gleaming and a broad, satisfied grin across his face. I knew I had succeeded - my granddad is incapable of lying.
(Holy) Vegetable Soup
1 large carrot, finely chopped into half moons
1 leek, finely sliced into slivers
1 onion, finely diced
2 tbsp olive oil
bouquet garni and 1-2 extra bay leaves
4 garlic cloves, finely diced (or to taste)
1lt vegetable or chicken stock
4 tbsp or thereabouts single cream
1. Fry your onions until they just begin to soften, then add the garlic. Fry for a further 2 mins or so (be careful not to burn the garlic), then add the chopped vegetables.
2. Saute the vegetables over a low heat, stirring, for about 10 mins. The veg should be just softening.
3. Pour in your stock, throw in the herbs, bring to the boil and then simmer, covered for about 15 minutes. Finish by stirring in your cream, bit by bit.
It's a very simple recipe I know, so feel free to add whatever veg you've got leftover in your cupboard. When making this soup I will always remember the deep joy it gave me to see my grandfather wolf down his portion that day, slurping noisily all the way through. He came bounding into the kitchen afterwards exclaiming 'Superb soup putha', eyes gleaming and a broad, satisfied grin across his face. I knew I had succeeded - my granddad is incapable of lying.
The Soul Foodist's Manifesto
I set up this blog because I want to celebrate and acknowledge the joy and power of food. It's a unifier, a comforter, a healer and all round hero. It recently dawned on me that food delivers all the best bits of religion; it brings us together and make us feel better, spiritually and physically. And as I'm sure you'll agree, a bowl of perfect vegetable soup can be like a religious experience!
Food is also a kind of mystery don't you think? I'm interested in learning what foods work to restore your soul. Do certain dishes or foods have a particular effect on your mood? My aspirations for this blog are that it will be part food diary/memoir and part therapy session. I invite you to send me your problems and together we will find something to make you feel better. Missing someone? Feeling frustrated with your work? I can't promise the problem will go away but we might be able to make you feel better. And it's not all going to be negative, people: I'd love to hear the recipes that make you feel special, that always bring a smile to your face or remind you of something or someone precious. Let the journey begin.
Food is also a kind of mystery don't you think? I'm interested in learning what foods work to restore your soul. Do certain dishes or foods have a particular effect on your mood? My aspirations for this blog are that it will be part food diary/memoir and part therapy session. I invite you to send me your problems and together we will find something to make you feel better. Missing someone? Feeling frustrated with your work? I can't promise the problem will go away but we might be able to make you feel better. And it's not all going to be negative, people: I'd love to hear the recipes that make you feel special, that always bring a smile to your face or remind you of something or someone precious. Let the journey begin.
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