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Faraway flavours: international favourites
Pining for Provence? Aching for the Aegean? Missing Majorca? Why not try some of Delia's recipes and transport yourself to sunnier shores with some of the top tastes of France, Italy, Spain and Greece.
Paella
Here at last is the Delia paella – easy, no fuss, and the good thing is it serves six people as a complete meal, needing no accompaniment.
Croque Monsieur
This is my version of the toasted cheese and ham sandwich of café society fame, and just thinking about it and imagining atmospheric, crowded pavement cafes makes me long to be in Paris and eat it there. But, that not being possible, it's one of the nicest snack meals for one that I know.
Entrecôte Steak with Crème Fraîche and Cracked Pepper Sauce
This is a special supper dish for two people celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or those who just want a treat. It needs a good bottle of red wine, and jacket potatoes with a leafy salad would be good accompaniments. I usually make this with a tub of fresh beef stock from the supermarket.
Petits Monts Blancs
When I first worked in a restaurant kitchen in the early 1960s, this recipe was on the menu and I became totally addicted to the sweetened chestnut purée. In this modern version I have replaced the cream with mascarpone and fromage frais.
Italian Baked Fish
Four pieces of any white fish can be used for this dish, though my own personal choice is cod steaks on the bone.
Italian Stuffed Aubergines
Apart from tasting superb this is particularly pretty to look at. I like to serve it as a first course, but with a salad and some good bread it would make a lovely supper dish for two people. Vegetarians can replace the anchovies with an extra teaspoon of capers.
Tiramisu
There isn't a classic recipe for tiramisu as such, as there are many varying versions both in Italy and around the world, but the following one is, I think, the nicest I've come across.
Greek-style Squid with Lemon, Garlic and Olive Oil
Close your eyes when you eat your first mouthful of this one and in your mind you'll be right there on some lovely Greek island – it's one of those very simple things that also tastes extremely special. It's easy, too, as the squid is all prepared for you.
Taramasalata
Whatever happened to real taramasalata? Unfortunately, it has been eclipsed by the counterfeit, pink blancmange-coloured variety that is mass produced. There must be a whole generation who have never tasted the genuine article.
Moussaka with Roasted Aubergines and Ricotta
This recipe is a Greek classic, but the little hint of Italy I've added in the shape of ricotta cheese makes the very best moussaka topping I've tasted. Also, roasting the aubergines is much less tiresome than standing over a frying pan watching them soak up masses of oil.
Tortilla (Spanish Omelette)
I sometimes marvel how it is that three basic, very inexpensive ingredients – eggs, onions and potatoes – can be transformed into something so utterly sublime. A well-made tortilla served with a salad and a bottle of wine can give two or more people a luxury meal at any time and at a very low cost.
Spanish Braised Pork with Potatoes and Olives
This is a new version of a recipe originally published in 1978. Because I now cook potatoes in with it, all it needs is a green vegetable or a salad for a complete meal. I started off stoning the olives, but I now prefer them whole, as they look far nicer.
