Back from Spain!

Shellfish ahoy

We have just enjoyed a family holiday in rural Spain in the Jaen province north of Granada. Jaen is the poorest province in Spain but produces pretty much all the olive oil. My parents have a traditional village house there, we enjoyed sitting outside and chatting to elderly Spanish neighbours. Some still sprightly 70 year olds off to harvest the olives. As we all know the Med diet of olive oil and fish is supposed to be responsible, personally I think the sunny weather and close family ties help people live longer happier lives!

The food was amazing and we ate at traditional Ventas (taverns) no posh eateries in Granada for us. The food is simple and very tasty. Here are a couple of recipes I nicked from local kitchens!

Tortilla Campana

serves 4-6

5 eggs

serrano ham

green pepper

1 tomato

2 med potatoes

salt + pepper

• peel the potatoes and slice thinly into rounds, place in boiling water for 5-6 mins till nearly cooked.
• Heat olive oil in a large pan, add the sliced green pepper, chopped tomato and ham, fry for 3 mins then add the potato slices, fry until the potatoes start to go crisp and golden.
• Whisk the eggs together in a jug, add a couple of generous pinches of salt and a sprinkle of pepper.
• Pour over the Potatoes, ham, pepper and tomato. Once cooked on one side place under a grill to cook the top until golden brown.
• serve with a crisp salad and a glass of wine.

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