Bangers and splash of sun
IF you’re bored of winter pies and slow cooker stews, Ainsley Harriot’s new daytime series brings much needed sunshine to our screens, with some Mediterranean dishes to savour.
Malta might feel like unexplored culinary territory compared to its neighbours, but Ainsley is out to prove this beautiful island can serve up meals to make the Italians jealous.
Starting in the beautiful capital city of Valletta, Ainsley learns about the Arabic and European influences that have given Maltese cuisine such a distinctive flavour.
Of course, it doesn’t take long for him to roll his sleeves up and get cooking, and he begins with his Grand Harbour seafood platter with homemade tartar sauce, making the most of local ingredients.
GLORIOUS
After sampling some traditional desserts in a nearby cafe, he’s ready to whip up his next feast – stuffed aubergines, bursting with delicious spices and easy to make for a midweek dinner.
Later, he gets a few tips on the notoriously tricky art of sausage-making, discovering what it is that makes Maltese bangers so special.
But he’s not serving them with mash and gravy. Instead they make the perfect base for a glorious pasta dish, accompanied by fennel and a few magic flourishes.
While Ainsley is whipping up hearty fare we can try at home, he does get the chance to sample some fine dining at a local restaurant too.
As well as scoffing and sightseeing, Ainsley proves his game for a laugh when he attempts a spot of bell-ringing at the stunning St John’s Cathedral.
PICK
DAY