“Tarhana” – the art of culinary resurrection

Possibly the world’s most ancient convenience food, this is preserving genius, relying on fermentation, patience, sunshine and nothing else. Take the bounty of summer (tomatoes, peppers, onions and herbs), ferment with yoghurt, flour and herbs and dry it in the sun. Smash it into granules and store in a dry place until you want to bring it back to life.

Come winter all you need to do is rehydrate your tarhana and all those cultures spring back to life dessert flower like. Add some tomato/pepper concentrated puree (“salcası”), a bit of garlic and some stock and you have a pretty instant, extremely nutritious and very satisfying “tarhana soup“.

Continue reading ““Tarhana” – the art of culinary resurrection”

Artichoke, spinach and parmesan tart (Torta di carciofi e spinaci)

A sophisticated tart with a thin, crunchy and interesting crust that is great for special occasions. This version uses artichokes preserved in oil and fresh spinach but for a real store cupboard “magic from nothing” moment frozen spinach can be used. Here I remembered “pasta nonnas” in Italy and all their wisdom by placing the tart on a hand printed piece of fabric given generously from a bridal trousseau – what a treasure.

Continue reading “Artichoke, spinach and parmesan tart (Torta di carciofi e spinaci)”