Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.
Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.
In a world of diverse cultures and traditions, food serves as a common ground that transcends boundaries. Sharing a meal with loved ones or strangers alike is an act of communion, where stories are exchanged, laughter is shared, and bonds are strengthened. Food has the remarkable ability to evoke emotions, ignite nostalgia, and create unforgettable experiences.
Some words transcend all languages and they include ‘yummy’, ‘yum’ and deep sighs of ‘hmmm’. When you hear them, you immediately know the deliciousness of a dish is the subject matter. Looks are shared, smiles are exchanged and heads are nodded towards strangers when one is enjoying great food. That is the power of food.
Food also has a role in healing and connection due to its remarkable ability to heal and uplift spirits during challenging times. Whether it’s preparing a comforting dish for a loved one or sharing a meal with neighbours, food acts as a conduit for empathy and compassion. In times of celebration or sorrow, a shared meal has the power to bring solace, foster camaraderie, and remind us of our shared humanity.
Growing up in Nigeria, many vegetables, roots, spices, herbs and seeds were used to nourish people back to health, fatten brides ahead of their wedding days or help a nursing mother to produce enough milk for the baby. Some dishes helped mothers regain their bodies after child birth. Some dishes’ aromas were reputed for making your spouse stay at home.
Food is best enjoyed when shared with others and it really doesn’t have to be fancy. A simple green salad with grilled chicken, boiled potatoes tossed in herby butter and a dressing followed by a bought-in dessert is enough to share with others.
Many of us wait for the perfect time to get together with others but it rarely ever happens that all the stars are aligned. I haven’t hosted a barbecue in recent years but I’m hopeful that this is my year.
Here is what you can do to get ready for entertaining at a moment’s notice:
Set the stage
Get your barbecue out, give it a good clean, and make sure you have gas. Alternatively buy a disposable one and have it ready. Spring clean your kitchen.
Source your ingredients
Get your ingredients ready and store them in the freezer; season what can be seasoned. This can include prepping your chicken, fish and buying your sausages or part baked breads. Ketchup and mayonnaise have a decent shelf-life so you can buy in advance and homemade chilli oils will last a couple of weeks.
Invite others
Let people know in advance that you are committed to sharing a meal with them and pencil in some tentative dates. Watch the weather reports and be ready to enjoy the sunshine at short notice.
Leverage shortcuts
Ask people to bring a drink, side dish or salad so it’s not all on you; most people would want to bring something anyway. Prepared salads and dips will lighten your workload. Elevate shop bought baguettes with garlic butter, balsamic glaze or chilli oil.
Asparagus and Ricotta Tart
Connecting over food takes intentionality but we can make it happen. As the world gets more insular with loneliness a societal challenge, we can leverage the emotive power of food to connect, uplift, and inspire through gathering around the dinner table with family or new friends.
Here is an easy recipe that comes together quickly allowing you to entertain friends at a moment’s notice.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Baby plum tomatoes sliced in half
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a border around the edges.
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears on top of the ricotta in a single layer.
- Dot the tomatoes around the gaps, cut sides up.
- Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and season with additional salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the asparagus is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice and serve this delightful asparagus and ricotta tart as a shared springtime treat.
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