My Tuna Niçoise. The story of the Niçoise salad is almost as complicated as the story of Nice. Situated close to the border, Nice is named after the Greek goddess Nike and was part of Italy before being ceded to the French Second Empire in 1860. Known as Nice la Belle or ‘the beautiful’, it is a melting pot of French and Italian history, culture and food.
Culinary History
My Tomato Carpaccio
I love the combination of the sweet, ripe tomatoes with anchovies, capers, Parmesan and a little red onion. It is an umami-laden flavour bomb perfect as a summer starter or light lunch served with some crusty bread.
Smoked Haddock and Poached Egg with Asparagus, Sugar Snap Peas, and a Beurre Blanc
Smoked Haddock and poached Egg with Asparagus, Sugar Snap Peas, and a Beurre Blanc. There is a certain class of genteel English hotel where they serve an assortment of dishes alongside the usual offering of a full English and a Continental offer. Maybe a bowl of kedgeree, a Manx kipper or a perfect poached egg and smoked haddock. This nutritious yet tasty dish can easily be elevated to a stunning lunch or supper dish. Perfect for spring with some sautéed seasonal vegetables and a simple beurre blanc or butter sauce.
Puttanesca – your pantry’s secret weapon!
If I ever get the chance to write a book, I think I’d call it ‘Store Cupboard Staples’, recipes with all the things I keep in the cupboard of a small galley kitchen and they would include smoked paprika, capers, anchovies, chilli flakes, thyme, vanilla pods, muscovado sugar, sherry vinegar, coriander and mustard seeds, and very good olive oil. You may be surprised just how many of these make it into today’s recipe.