Majorcan Recipes

MAJORCAN BREAD AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat in a large ovenproof casserole. Add the scallions and onion. When they begin to soften, after about three minutes, stir in the minced garlic, green pepper and parsley. Stir together for a minute or two, then cover and turn heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes, turn heat to medium-high and cook, stirring often, for five minutes. Add the cabbage, salt to taste and pepper. Cover, turn heat to low and cook slowly for 15 minutes. Add the water or stock, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the spinach or chard, and bring back to a simmer. Cover and simmer for five to 10 minutes until the greens are very tender and the broth is fragrant. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Rub both sides of the bread with a cut clove of garlic. Place a layer of bread slices in a large earthenware casserole, and ladle on soup to cover. Make another layer of bread, and ladle on more soup to cover. Repeat with the remaining bread, and add the remaining soup. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil, transfer to the oven and bake 10 minutes, uncovered. Serve hot or warm.

MAJORCAN

Steps:

• Place each loaf of bread dough in separate bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil to each; season each with 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Knead each in bowl until oil is well incorporated, about 3 minutes. Let dough rest in bowls 10 minutes.
• Oil two 15x10-inch baking sheets. Turn out dough onto floured surface; knead 1 minute. Roll out each dough piece to irregular 13x9-inch rectangle, pulling and stretching dough. Transfer each to prepared sheet. Brush each with 1 tablespoon oil. Let dough rise uncovered in warm draft-free area until puffy, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add bell peppers and chard ribs and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add chard leaves and stir until just wilted and coated with oil, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Press dough all over with fingers, forming indentations. Brush each with 1 tablespoon of oil. Spread vegetables over, leaving 1-inch border. Bake until crusts are golden, about 25 minutes. Serve at room temperature.

MAJORCAN-STYLE VEGETABLE AND BREAD STEW

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large ovenproof pot over high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until golden and beginning to soften, about 7 minutes. Stir in cabbage and cauliflower; sauté 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, parsley, thyme, and rosemary; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes. Add paprika and stir 30 seconds. Add broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in spinach; simmer uncovered 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated. Bring to simmer before continuing.)
• Preheat oven to 450°F. Immerse 4 bread slices in broth in pot. Place remaining 4 bread slices atop broth; press to submerge. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Bake uncovered 10 minutes.
• Serve stew from pot. Pass olives and sliced radishes alongside.
• Available from La Tienda (888-472-1022; tienda.com) or from The Spanish Table (206-682-2827; tablespan.com).