Made in Spain Season 1 Episode 1 How They Cook Back Home

In the first episode of Made in Spain season 1 titled "How They Cook Back Home," host José Andrés takes viewers on a culinary journey through Spain, exploring the country's diverse food culture and traditions.

The episode begins with Andrés visiting his childhood home in Asturias, located in the northern region of Spain. He reminisces about growing up in a household where cooking was a way of life and watches as his mother prepares a traditional dish of fabada, a hearty stew made with white beans, pork, and sausage. Andrés talks about the importance of using quality ingredients when cooking and emphasizes the role of home cooks in preserving Spain's culinary heritage.

Next, Andrés travels to Basque Country, located in the northeastern part of Spain. He visits a group of txokos, private gastronomic societies where members gather to cook and socialize. Andrés observes as members prepare fresh seafood dishes, including hake and squid, using traditional Basque cooking techniques such as grilling over charcoal. He also learns about the importance of wine in Basque cooking and samples a local white wine called Txakoli.

The episode then takes viewers to Seville, located in the southern region of Andalusia. Andrés meets with a group of women who run a community kitchen, where they prepare traditional dishes like gazpacho and salmorejo, cold soups made with fresh vegetables and bread. He learns about the Moorish influence on Andalusian cuisine and watches as the women make albondigas, spicy meatballs made with a blend of pork and beef.

Finally, Andrés visits Valencia, a coastal city known for its rice dishes. He meets with a family who specializes in paella, a classic Spanish dish made with saffron-infused rice, chicken, and seafood. He observes as the family uses a traditional paella pan over an open flame, and explains the art of achieving the perfect socarrat, a crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan. Andrés also visits a local market, where he samples a variety of Valencian ingredients like tiger nuts and horchata, a sweet drink made with ground almonds.

Throughout the episode, Andrés emphasizes the importance of preserving Spain's culinary traditions and passing them down to future generations. He also showcases the country's regional diversity and the unique ingredients and cooking methods that make each region's cuisine special.

Overall, "How They Cook Back Home" is an engaging and informative introduction to the world of Spanish cuisine, filled with mouth-watering dishes and fascinating cultural insights. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply curious about Spain's food culture, this episode is sure to delight and inspire.