Jamie Cooks Italy Season 1 Episode 1 The Aeolian Islands

In the first episode of Jamie Cooks Italy season 1, Jamie Oliver takes the viewers on a journey to the Aeolian Islands, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Aeolian Islands consist of seven islands that are a part of the Sicilian region of Italy. With the help of his mentor, Gennaro Contaldo, Jamie explores the diverse cuisine of the Aeolian Islands.

The episode begins with Jamie and Gennaro arriving at Stromboli Island, a volcanic island known for its active volcano. Jamie immerses himself in the local culture by visiting the local market and discovering the seasonal produce, which includes capers, onions, and Sant’Agata tomatoes. Gennaro shows Jamie how to make a tomato sauce using the Sant’Agata tomatoes, which he pairs with squid and pasta. The dish is simple yet flavorful, showcasing the local ingredients.

Next, Jamie and Gennaro visit the island of Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Jamie visits a local family who makes capers and learns about the intricate process of caper cultivation. The family shows Jamie their garden, where they cultivate their capers, followed by a visit to their traditional kitchen to see how they preserve the capers. Jamie incorporates the capers into his next dish, a seafood soup that also includes mussels, clams, and squid.

The third stop on Jamie and Gennaro’s tour of the Aeolian Islands is Salina Island, known for its production of sweet malvasia wine. Jamie visits a local vineyard where they produce the wine and tastes some of the sweet malvasia wine. Jamie also learns about the local salt production and visits a salt pan, where the salt is still harvested by hand. Jamie incorporates the salt and malvasia wine into his next dish, a Sicilian-style fish dish that he pairs with an eggplant and tomato caponata.

In the final leg of the journey, Jamie and Gennaro arrive at Filicudi Island, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands. Jamie visits a local fisherman who shows him how to catch fish using traditional methods. Jamie prepares the fish, which he serves with a fennel and olive salad.

Overall, the first episode of Jamie Cooks Italy season 1 provides a glimpse into the diverse cuisine and culture of the Aeolian Islands. It highlights the importance of using local and seasonal ingredients to create simple yet flavorful dishes. The episode also showcases the natural beauty of the Aeolian Islands and the welcoming hospitality of its people.