Launching into Delight: The Inaugural Ghannouj Gazette
Your Passport to Gastronomic Adventures, Literary Escapes, and Global Wanderlust!
OCT 02, 2023
Greetings, intrepid adventurers and epicurean enthusiasts!
Step right up to the grand premiere of the Ghannouj Gazette, where we've got more tantalizing tidbits than a Spanish tapas extravaganza.
In this maiden edition, I'm about to whisk you away to Portugal, where I embarked on a culinary quest through the enchanting North of the country, devouring delectable delights like a pastry-fueled whirlwind.
Of course, we'll cap it all off with a mouthwatering pasta creation featuring sardines inspired by my Portuguese escapades. Because, let's face it, reading about food is just the appetizer; let's dig in and taste it!
Oh, and here's the icing on the cake (or should I say, the cherry on top of the custard tart?): The Ghannouj Gazette will be your Monday mood lifter, bringing a splash of joy to the most dreary and depressing day of the week.
Eating My Way Around Porto and Its Surrounding
Let me take you on a journey through the mouthwatering maze of Porto and its environs, where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a revelation. It all began when my feet touched Portuguese soil, and my taste buds started doing the samba.
Stay tuned, dear readers, for this is just the appetizer of my gastronomic odyssey through Porto and beyond. From seafood symphonies to pastry poetry, a world of flavours awaits us in this Portuguese paradise. So, grab your forks and fasten your seatbelts; we're just starting!
Esplanade Marisqueria Antigua in Matosinhos was my inaugural stop, as I wasted no time diving into the culinary depths of this coastal wonderland. You see, dear reader when you land at Porto's airport, it's practically an unwritten law that you must head straight for a feast. So, without further ado, I found myself ensconced in the cosy ambience of this rustic gem.
At a charming table in a plush dining room, I embarked on a culinary escapade that set the tone for my Portuguese adventure. The star of the show? Arroz de Tomates. Imagine a perfectly cooked rice plate infused with sun-ripened tomatoes' vibrant essence. It's like the Portuguese sun decided to vacation on your palate. But the real pièce de résistance was the grilled sea bass or, as they affectionately call it, Robalo. It arrived glistening in its bronzed glory, its flesh tender and succulent, promising to transport my taste buds to aquatic heaven.
As I savoured every morsel of that sea bass, I couldn't help but appreciate the culinary prowess of the Portuguese. It was a dish that spoke volumes about the region's connection to the sea, a symphony of flavours that made me feel like a seafood symphonist conducting the most harmonious bites.
A Trip to Fatima and a Rustic Feast at Abadia
While my taste buds were still dancing from the seafood symphony at Esplanade Marisqueria Antigua, my journey through Portugal took a spiritual detour to the sacred grounds of Fatima. It was a pilgrimage of the soul, a visit to a place where faith and miracles intertwine. The air was thick with devotion, and I couldn't help but be moved by the fervour of the pilgrims lighting candles and offering prayers.
The Basilica of Our Lady of The Rosary of Fatima, Portugal
After a day filled with contemplation and reflection, I returned to the enchanting embrace of Porto's old city, ready for yet another culinary adventure. This time, I found myself at Abadia, a quaint and unassuming establishment with a warm, timeless charm. There, I encountered a dish of simplicity and flavour—a hearty roast goat accompanied by perfectly roasted potatoes. It was a humble yet extraordinary feast that harked back to the essence of Portuguese cuisine.
Morning Fog Over the Rooftops of The Old City of Porto
The tender, succulent meat practically melted in my mouth, infused with the robust flavours of the open flames roasted over. The potatoes, crispy on the outside and pillowy within, served as the ideal sidekick to the show's star. Dining at Abadia felt like stepping into a time machine, a culinary journey that connected me to the heart and soul of Porto's culinary heritage. It was a meal that reminded me that sometimes, the most remarkable dishes are the ones that let the ingredients and their essence shine.
And there you have it, my fellow travellers and gastronomes—our whirlwind adventure through Porto and Fatima has been nothing short of spectacular! From seafood symphonies to spiritual journeys and rustic feasts, we've savoured every moment and every flavour. But hold onto your sunhats because we're literally riding the waves next week! We're setting our course for Nazare, where the big waves crash, the surfers conquer, and the seafood is as fresh as the salty breeze. Get ready for a tidal wave of excitement and epicurean delights as we explore the thrilling coastal town of Nazare. Until then, keep your appetites and sense of adventure-ready because our culinary voyage continues!
Sardine and Chili Spaghetti: A Taste of Portugal
Bem-vindo, dear readers, to the grand finale of our Portuguese-inspired culinary journey! After savouring Porto's vibrant flavours and the rustic delights of Abadia, it's time to bring a taste of Portugal to your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure with our mouthwatering recipe for Sardine and Chili Spaghetti.
It's a dish that captures the essence of Portugal—the richness of olive oil, the zing of garlic and chilli flakes, and the delectable charm of tinned sardines, all harmoniously dancing around a nest of perfectly cooked spaghetti. Top it off with a sprinkle of pine nuts, and you have a masterpiece serving four lucky souls.
Get ready to channel your inner Portuguese chef and transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of this delightful nation!
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tins (120g each) of sardines in olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pine nuts, toasted, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Sardines: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat while the pasta cooks. Add the sliced garlic and chilli flakes. Sauté for a minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns golden.
- Add the Sardines: Carefully add the tinned sardines, breaking them apart gently with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sardines are heated through.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the sardine mixture. Gently combine the pasta and the sauce, adding reserved cooking water to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with Garnish: Plate the Sardine and Chili Spaghetti, then garnish generously with toasted pine nuts and fresh chopped parsley. The pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while the parsley brightens the dish.
- Enjoy: Serve this delightful Portuguese-inspired pasta dish hot, and relish in the flavours that will transport you straight to the enchanting shores of Portugal.
Bon appétit!
It's a recipe sure to impress and satisfy, reminiscent of the flavours that made our Portuguese adventure unforgettable. I am adding a downloadable copy for your delight.
Sardine And Chile Spaghetti
885KB ∙ PDF file
Entertainment and Ear Candy: What's on My Playlist and Podcast List This Week
As we wind down our culinary escapades in Portugal and our delectable journey through this newsletter, it's time to kick back and relax with some entertainment recommendations.
First up on my watchlist is Killing Eve Season 3. This season continues to be as dizzying and captivating as ever but with a surprising twist—a touch of Wes Anderson's quirky charm. The blend of high-stakes espionage and whimsical aesthetics makes it a visual and narrative treat that's simply irresistible.
On the podcast front, I've been engrossed in Business Wars Season 74: Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun. This episode delves into the epic battle between Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun over her music masters. It's a riveting look behind the scenes of the music industry and the clash of titans.
Inspired by the podcast, my musical choice this week is Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer." This song perfectly captures the emotion and drama of the feud, and it's been the soundtrack to my contemplative moments.
So, whether you're into thrilling TV shows, juicy podcast dramas, or grooving to some Taylor tunes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Until next time, happy watching and listening!
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