After a quick glance at Ben Tish’s latest cookery book, Moorish, I’m smitten. This incredible collection of recipes, inspired by traditional Spanish and Italian tapas have set my taste buds watering and my inner chef running towards the kitchen. Now I find myself dreaming of summer afternoons with friends, feasting on a long table in the garden, festooned with Andalusian Pork Ribs and olive oil roasted potatoes, or fresh mackerel kebabs accompanied by a fresh tomato salad, with radish, green chilli, lemon and coriander seeds. This book is a Moorish feast in print.
Ben Tish is famous for his informal dinning, and has created over a hundred dishes to be shared. His love of flavours and spices introduced by the Moors, with the heady scent of cumin, cardamom and saffron, almost drifts from the pages. He has established his career cooking modern Spanish and Italian tapas style cuisine, with an emphasis on well executed, non-fuss dining. These recipes are like a journey to the Moorish stronghold of Southern Europe, while being tantalised with a strong North African taste.
As Ben says,’I’ve been submerged in the cuisines and food culture of Spain and Italy for well over a decade and explored the many regions of these magnificent countries with their markedly different styles and nuances. Throughout the years I’ve become more and more intrigued by the regions where the Moorish influence has left a pronounced mark and combined seamlessly with the local flavours and ingredients to produce an exotic, full flavoured and vibrant cuisine.’
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