Catalan Cuisine

Book excerpt: “A great source of inspiration,” this cookbook is a stunning, mouthwatering homage to the unique, beloved, and healthy cuisine of Catalonia (Alice Waters, chef/owner of Chez Panisse). Once an undiscovered gem among Europe’s culinary traditions, the cuisine of Catalonia, a province of northeast Spain, has become an inspiration to some of the world’s top chefs. Catalan Cuisine is the definitive guide to authentic Catalan cooking—the book that introduced this remarkable cuisine to America, and a volume that is found today in the kitchens of some of Catalonia’s most famous chefs. Using many of the same fresh ingredients as other Mediterranean cuisines—tomato, garlic, olives, beans, pasta, fruits, and a bounty of meat and seafood—Catalan cooking combines them in unexpected and mouthwatering ways. With 200 memorable recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to amaze, plus fascinating facts about the traditions, history, and culture of Catalonia, Catalan Cuisine is required reading—or eating—for any adventurous gourmand or Spanish food aficionado. “An intelligent, superbly written, profound study of a great and fascinating cuisine.” —Paula Wolfert “Colman Andrews is one of the most important champions of Catalan cuisine. This significant book expresses a great love for our culture.” —Ferran Adrià, chef/owner of El Bulli