Royal Recipes Season 2 Episode 6 Spice

In this episode of Royal Recipes, season 2 episode 6, titled Spice, host Michael Buerk explores the use of spices in royal cuisine throughout history. From the fragrant, exotic blends of the Middle Ages to the fiery curries of India, spices have played an important role in the creation of dishes fit for kings and queens.

To start the episode off, Michael visits Hampton Court Palace, once the home of Henry VIII, to learn about the Tudor king's love of spices. He discusses the use of spices in Tudor cooking with palace food historian Marc Meltonville, who explains their role in masking the flavors of spoiled meat. Michael also gets a chance to cook up a Tudor favorite, a spiced beef stew called 'Ragoo of Potatoes'.

Next, Michael heads to the Tower of London, where he learns about the exotic spices that were once used to flavor meals for royal prisoners. He speaks with food historian Annie Gray about the harsh reality of life in the Tower and the role that food played in improving the mood of captive monarchs like Mary, Queen of Scots. Michael also tries his hand at making a delightful 'Orange Flower Fritter', a sweet treat popular in medieval and Renaissance royal circles.

The episode then moves to India, where Michael meets up with Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar to learn about the use of spices in Indian cuisine. They explore the spice markets of Mumbai and Atul shares his family recipe for a delicious 'Hyderabadi Biryani' made with basmati rice, saffron, and a blend of aromatic spices. Michael is impressed with the intensity of the flavors and the artful complexity of the dish.

Back in England, Michael visits the famous spice island of Penang in search of the perfect curry recipe. He speaks with local food blogger Bee Yinn Low about the history of Peranakan cuisine and the blend of Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian influences in traditional dishes like 'Laksa Curry'. Michael has a chance to cook up his own version of the spicy and coconutty curry, and it's clear that he's learned a few things about the art of seasoning along the way.

Finally, Michael returns to Hampton Court Palace to host a grand banquet featuring a variety of spicy royal dishes from history. Chefs Marc Meltonville and Paul Ainsworth provide a feast fit for a king, including Tudor-inspired spiced beef, exotic fish in saffron sauce, and an indulgent saffron and rosewater ice cream. Michael is joined by a group of enthusiastic guests, including food blogger Felicity Spector and historian Dr. Lucy Worsley, who are all eager to sample the spicy flavors of royal cuisine.

Throughout the episode, Michael highlights the importance of spices in royal cooking, from the practical need to preserve food to the desire to impress guests with exotic and luxurious flavors. He showcases the versatility of spices in dishes from around the world and provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the history and culture behind this essential ingredient. Perfect for foodies and history buffs alike, Spice is a fascinating and mouth-watering exploration of one of the world's most beloved culinary traditions.