Try Something Different

There is always that question that you ask your family before you start to make dinner:

"What type of food do you want? Italian? Mexican? Chinese?"


Well, how about Basque? Basque style cooking is one that has a very rich history in the North Eastern part of Spain and France. The food in this culture is held in higher standard than politics. To the Basque people, food is the connecting link between all peoples and cultures. If you want to understand another culture, look at its food. The flavors, cooking style, use of proteins, and serving of said food can tell you a lot about the location and history behind the culture. They use what can be grown/procured from their region and that's all. They have their own unashamed devotion to their food and culture that is somewhat of a rarity these days.  Food is a crucial part of Basque culture, so important that gastronomic societies, where men meet to cook, eat and engage in other social activities exist throughout the country.

The great part about Basque cooking is that it is very simple. It thrives on in season, local, and sustainable ingredients that are indigenous to their region. Since we live in the Pacific Northwest, I use ingredients in this next dish that are readily available to us here.

Basque Soup:

1/2 pound pepperoni (I use Fiorucci pepperoni from a deli)
1 chicken breast
1 lg leek
2 cloves garlic
4 carrots chopped
2 c cabbage chopped
1 potato chopped
1 can each: Garbanzo Beans, Kidney Beans, Chicken Broth
1 large can chopped tomatoes
dash salt
1tsp thyme
1/2tsp pepper

Saute pepperoni in a dutch oven/oven safe pot for 5 minutes and remove. Saute chicken until cooked through and remove. Saute leek and garlic for 2-3 mins and then add carrots and cabbage. Now add everything else back into the sauce pot. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours.

Very easy, affordable, and it gets better the longer it sits! Enjoy :)