Looking At Food Through A Spiritual Lens

                                       A typical family gathering, Frank's bar, Jacarilla

One of my favourite writers is the widely acclaimed author, journalist and activist, Michael Pollan, the Pollan family have now collectively written a book, The Pollan Family Table, sharing healthy, nutritious recipes, but more importantly, conveying the message about the importance of eating with family.

That elusive thing, 'The family dinner' which so many of us find little time for in our splintered world, is addressed in this new cookbook. The Pollan's believe the simple act of sharing a meal can be transformative, building and sustaining bonds. As I've said several times before, I grew up in a home where we always sat at the dining table for our meals, it was an hour in our day when we shared as a family much more than just food, it was emotionally nourishing and one which still holds fond memories for me.

The Pollan's kept readers like themselves in mind whilst compiling the book, they knew many readers would be busy parents and home cooks with little culinary experience, however, they wanted to reinforce the importance of sitting down together, essential for the formation of bonds.

Michael says: 'I have no research to back up this claim, but I'm convinced that when people eat from the same pot or platter, they share something more than food.'

Researchers have found that we in the UK are still catering for our families different tastes, we shop for different foods according to our children's fussy eating habits, this creates a situation whereby meals are being served individually, with parents eating separately from their children. Eating from the same pot is no longer something parents subscribe to, yet for generations, and before the option of nuggets and pizza became the norm, children happily ate whatever was put in front of them.

Whilst parents use the excuse that their children don't like certain foods (children of my generation weren't given a choice) we know the reality is that it has become a convenient way of life to stick children in front of the TV with a bowl of chips!

Family gatherings at meal times are still extremely important in many cultures, there is an old Italian proverb which says: 'He who eats alone suffocates.'

                                         Children and babies all sit at the family table

                                                     After dinner time to play

Spanish families still embrace one pot meals and often gather on Sundays to eat paella, children included! Paella is quite a time consuming dish to make and I have posted a recipe (see labels) which is thoroughly delicious. My next recipe is a much simpler, hotch potch version, ideal if you don't have a lot of time.

Cheats paella

Recipe
2 cups of paella rice, alternatively use risotto or long grain rice
2 onions, peeled and sliced
I/4 chorizo sausage, sliced
8 roasted pieces of free range chicken (these can be roasted up to a couple of days before)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
1 pint of chicken stock
1 teaspoon saffron, warmed in a small cup of milk (optional)
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Heat oil in a large frying pan, add onion and chorizo, cook for 3 minutes

Add saffron and milk (if using)

Add frozen vegetables and stir, add garlic

Add stock and rice, stir thoroughly just once

Add chicken pieces and cook on a medium heat for 30 minutes or until rice is al dente

Season with salt and pepper, take the pan to the table and let everyone dig in.

'In Ethiopia, food is often looked at through a strong spiritual lens. It is a daily ceremony from the preparation of the meal, the washing of hands, to the sharing of meals with loved ones.'
-Marcus Samuelsson

Love Donna xxxxxxx