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Rice, pasta and couscous. All cultures feature some version of these starchy standards. I could make an argument that these foods are the backbone of a successful meal. But that argument would only be half the story behind Rice, Pasta, Couscous: The Heart of the Mediterranean Kitchen from Jeff Koehler and Chronicle Books.

Because I was drawn to this cookbook for other reasons; for starters the author impressed me with his photography and writing skills as much as his inspired collection of recipes. This book has a very personal feel to it. Koehler’s descriptions of the recipes and his travels in researching this book give great insight into one of my favorite subjects, why we love the foods we love, both individually and culturally.

Though many areas of the globe feature versions of these staples, Koehler chooses to concentrate his focus on Mediterranean flavors and styles. Which seemed a warning sign to me that I’d likely find a collection of risotto recipes as familiar as a beloved old nonna.

But this is way more than a collection of expected regional pasta recipes. The author has eaten with people all over the Mediterranean; he’s talked to them too. It’s apparent in the simple complexity and depth of nuance that separates his version of Rosemary Risotto from any of the other lovely preparations you may have enjoyed in the past. His recipe is infused with the earthy flavor of local whiskey. Replacing the “clean and tangy notes” of white wine with rustic tones more suited to rosemary. I almost made this dish for you today.

Because, it is details like this that prove just how thoroughly Koehler dives into his subject; and it’s the stories and remembrances attached to these revelations that tell us he comes at his subject from more than just a cook’s perspective.

He offers us insight into the cultural significance of rice, pasta and couscous. Proving, in culinary terms, just how diverse– yet interconnected the food traditions of the Mediterranean really are. That’s because the area’s influences date back to the time when merchant vessels crisscrossed the great trade routes, a time when the sea became the vehicle that connected different cultures within a similar climate.

There is enough information about these food traditions to take this work in a scholarly direction, and that would certainly be an interesting read. But Koehler takes a more personal approach. He has lived the Mediterranean life. He has immersed himself in Mediterranean foods, kitchens and restaurants. Adding a strong sense of congenial authority to his work.

As much as I love whiskey, I chose to make a Sicilian Couscous with Fish Broth. The choice was a slam-dunk for me as I’ve been trying on my own to reproduce the very same dish that’s been buried in my memory banks for more than 20 years.

In fact I predicted this recipe would make an appearance on this website back in Sep ’09. I was bringing you a simple Pesto Trapanese, recalling this exact couscous dish in the text of that post. But I never could lay my tongue on just what the distinctive spice flavoring defining this couscous could be.

Well, I now know, it a combination of cinnamon and bay leaf. Which when combined, is not at all cinnamon-y, nor as bitter as a big hit of bay leaf. I admit the combination stumped me all these years. I was reaching for saffron, when I should have considered that there were of course, more exotic notes that likely would have been traded along those ancient merchant routes I mentioned earlier. So it was cinnamon all along!

We also have a wine pairing for this very special dish. I asked my brother Sip! to come up with something special, even a bit unexpected. And unexpected is exactly where he went. Today we are pairing the complex cinnamon notes in this dish with a very un-Mediterranean Alsation Gerwurtzraminer! Which is absolutely perfect with the handful of calamari fritti, simply floured and fried that Jeff suggested I serve with this coucous. Well, he didn't suggest that to me personally, but this is the kind of cookbook that makes it feel as if he did.

I have also added this book to my OpenSky Shop. Click here to purchase the book.

Sicilian Couscous with Fish Broth and Fried Calamari

serves 4

CLICK here for a printable recipe

Prepare the couscous according to the instructions on the package.

Meanwhile, in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Add the onions and cook it until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and some pinches of peperoncino and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is golden, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until they are soft and mushy, about 20 minutes. Lay in the fish and stir to cover with the sauce. Add the tomato concentrate, parsley, cinnamon, and bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Cover with water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

Strain the stock through a sieve, pressing out all the juices. Discard the solids and transfer the broth to a clean sauce pan. There should be 4 or 5 cups of broth; stir in water if necessary. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Cover and keep warm.

Place the couscous in a large, wide serving bowl. Pour 3 cups of the broth over it, stir with a fork, and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Wrap in a kitchen towel and let stand 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Just before serving, fluff the grains. Reheat the remaining broth and serve on the side. Top with the optional fried calamari if you like.

SERIOUS FUN FOOD

Greg Henry

SippitySup