One of the mottos of this blog is to explore food fusions. I have written about a few already and I intend to write many many more. Shout out to the creators of So you think you can cook. The group has just linked me to a Spanish chef. Chef Gonin of Valenicia Gastronomic and I am already very excited to work with him to create Nigerian-Spanish food fusions. He has mentioned dishes like paella, sangria, seafood rice and fideuà and I intend to pick his brain for much more. The beauty of the internet. Spanish food is probably the closest Western cuisine to Nigerian food. We have many ingredients in common, similar cooking styles, we also share our love for hot and spicy food. I work with people in Valencia and the Spanish accent is muy caliente – english for crazy hot. Lol. One thing people love the Spaniards for. Lol. I’ve had good food and great memories holidaying in Spain, so I am pleased to be journeying there through my kitchen. Stay tuned for many Spanish recipes that you can re-create in your home. To my readers in Nigeria, don’t worry I’ve got your back. As I wrote earlier, we have many ingredients in common, so my recipes will not be alien or foreign. I definitely have you guys in mind and you will be able to source the ingredients locally. Dooney’s Kitchen aims to introduce something new in your homes, so get ready. Lol.
First on the list, he has introduced me to his recipe for Paella Valenciana and I will prepare it. I’m thoroughly psyched to be in touch with a chef from Spain. It doesn’t get better than that. You know you always make a more authentic version of a meal when you talk to a native from the dish’s place of origin. I learnt that from Katie my Italian friend. Paella is something you can easily cook wrong, just like Spaghetti Bolognese which the Italians are pissed about.
I’m on the hunt now for an Indian, a French person and someone from Northern Africa and the Middle East. If anyone from the group is reading this and you are a foodie from those places or you cook their dishes so well, holla at me please and let us exchange food ideas. I already have some ideas of my own but I will like for a native to validate and refine them. Thank you in advance.
Funny that i just saw this post cos I’m actually making a Spanish dish called “Chicken Diablo” for dinner right now. it’s a spicy dish…i mean very spicy but soooo good. It’s not for the faint of heart but because i have to serve my children as well, i have to tone the “heat” down a little bit. I’m thinking Nigerians wont have a problem eating this. In fact pregnant women would love to eat something like this after having a baby…lol.
Lol. I will make Paella Valenciana this week. I have pushed it for too long
rock on girl
oh and by the way, i love to make Indian and french recipes and i think they come out pretty good cos my children argue over who gets the last bite especially when the last one is for my hubby and my son thinks my hubby shouldn’t eat all that!!!!! So, i think i must be doing something good. I like Indian food a lot especially their spices. I have quite a few Indian friends. In fact, one of my Indian friends was visiting India last year and the only thing i requested (can you imagine, i should have asked for their beautiful saris and gold…hahah) was their local spices and she came through BIG time. So i can categorically say i have authentic Indian spices straight from India…hahah. I also make Naan (their local bread) from scratch (very tedious process i may say) which is something that puzzles my Indian friends till now. They don’t even make their Naan…they buy from the store!!! I have tried a recipe from Ethiopia which came out ok.
Oh, fanastic. Please share your recipes with me. I don’t like Indian food at all, and I have decided to cook it myself to see if my perception will change. My least favourite spice is Cumin. I just can’t stand the smell and taste. Tumeric too, I am not a huge fan of.
I made the spanish chicken diablo recipe with pictures o. let me know how/where to post.
Nice. [email protected]
I hope to try that Paella too one day. It involves a lot of seafood which can dig a little whole in your pocket……It looks like our jollof rice with a few variations.
Paella Valenciana is made with chicken and rabbit, so it is cheaper. The seafood Paella yes can be expensive. I am replacing Rabbit with Smoked Turkey
aaah rabbit ke? my dear i go use chicken or turkey like you o.
Lol. Despite my proud carnivorous tendencies, I draw the line at rabbit. They are too cute for food. Lol