PHOTOGRAPH: MICHAEL PAUL FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY. PORTRAIT: TREVOR LEIGHTON
If I said that when my book Summer Collection was first published this recipe was popular, that would be a major understatement. It somehow seemed to hit the spot. Simple to make, lots of gutsy flavours and, because of that, great for serving outside. But its overriding appeal was that it needed no accompaniments. All the ingredients together in one pot, cooked on the hob or tucked away in the oven, not even needing a peep. And that, if I may say, is precisely what’s needed. If you want to share a simple supper with family or friends without leaving them or missing out on conversation because the food is constantly requiring your attention, this sort of recipe leaves you free to relax. My whole philosophy has always been about people being more important than food. You may want to serve a salad of dressed leaves alongside… We have, but decided it didn’t need it. However, a good red rioja would be a splendid accompaniment.