marinated potatoes

This dish is ridiculously simple but for years I could never make it as well as the marinated potatoes served at Bodeguita Romero. Then one day I happened to be sitting at the bar when Pedro Romero started mixing up the house potatoes for the day and I discovered that the secret ingredient was vinagre de jerez. I believe Pedro was using a Pedro Ximenez vinegar, but I’ve since made this with the Reserva (aged in oak) and the potatoes come out AMAZING. I usually use small new potatoes, but any semi-waxy potato will do. I also noticed that Pedro didn’t use any utensils to toss the potatoes. Instead he picked up the large pot he was using as a receptacle by the side handles and tossed the whole thing up in a smooth rotating motion several times until the ingredients were well mixed.

Instructions below the links.

rice salad

This is a very simple dish that’s perfect for summer snacking as it will keep well in the fridge for at least 2-3 days. It’s also quite versatile, kind of like a risotto, in that the ingredients can be changed to suit personal tastes, including leaving out the tuna for a nice vegetarian option. This was originally made for me by a friend using only mayonnaise, but I find “salsa az” much lighter, though for this salad I leave out the garlic.

Instructions below the links.

caesar salad

Way back when, many years ago when I was young and green and leafy, I was taught how to make this amazing caesar salad dressing by my very dear friend Darlene in Toronto. It remains the very best caesar salad I have ever tasted in my life. I hope I haven’t left anything out…

Recipe and instructions below the links.

presa with rocket salad

My favourite meals are quite simple ones, and this combination made for a very delicious and satisfying low-carb meal as well (though for my flatmate Peter I also steamed some new potatoes). This is a cut of pork that is called “presa” in Spanish. And as there is no exact English translation for this, I have added a page that features Spanish cuts of pork, so at least you can have a general idea of where it comes from. Presa, pluma and secreto are all cuts that I find difficult to translate.

Cooking instructions below the links…