If you ever thought Malaga was just an airport or beach location then think again. If you want a taste of real local home cooking not over-priced tourist grub or all-day breakfasts then a cooking-session-with-a-local in a lovely restored farmhouse surrounded by olive, almond, fig, pomegranate and nispero trees is needed to set the record straight.
Approach to Cortijo between Eucalyptus Trees
Having been invited by Mayte for a cooking session Malaga-style at her family's farmhouse I arrived with hubby, Nick, on a balmy August evening to a welcoming smile. Passing through fabulous ancient wooden doors (a weakness of mine) we entered the family home and out onto a pretty flowered-filled, sail-shaded, white-walled patio and a table laid with welcome drinks.
Central Patio, adorned for Malaga's fiesta
Cured Goat's Cheese tapa with two jams, Mulberry & Red Pepper
After a brief chat, Mayte speaks fluent English, and refreshing chilled beer the three of us headed out doors as hunter gatherers before our meal preparation. A variety of fruit trees, a vegetable bed and chicken pen provides inspiration for the kitchen.
Scalded Tomatoes ready for peeling & aubergines for Aubergine Chips
On our menu was Salmorejo, a personal favourite, with Aubergine Chips, Carne a la Malagueña - Malaga-style Pork in an onion, pepper and almond sauce with Rosemary Potato Wedges and for dessert Flan Inglesa with a Quince pastry dip.
Salmorejo on the Go
Having peeled and chopped the tomatoes they along with garlic, green pepper and soaked bread were whizzed together then extra virgin olive oil (from their own trees of course) a local wine vinegar and some salt were added and blended until a lovely creamy texture is obtained then chlled ready for sampling.
Ingredients for the Almond Sauce
Once the salmorejo was chilling we started on the almond sauce, frying the garlic, bread and almonds in the olive oil until brown, then removing them and frying the meat in the same oil until brown and removing it, then we fried the onions, when transparent added the peppers then the tomatoes and parsley.
Almond Sauce veg going into blender
Then all but the meat plus peppercorns and two different wines are blended together for a fabulous smelling sauce before being put back into the pan with the meat to gently simmer away.
Preparing Potato Wedges
Once the potatoes wedges were prepared, dressed and popped in the oven it was waiting time and what can you do while things are cooking away except enjoy a nice glass of white wine on the cute kitchen terrace looking over the quiet land dotted with trees. Mayte's friendly mum kept popping in, stirring a pot and proudly keeping an eye on things!
Serving Salmorejo with chopped hard-boiled egg to garnish
Mayte prepared the aubergine chips, a lovely crunchy change from rounds. It was all ready to sample. Our own work too! As usual once food arrives the camera is forgotten. A lovely evening and great food in charming company and a historic location.
Not a professional chef, Mayte has been cooking with her mother and grandmother since she was a child and loves to share her home, roots, traditions and food with all - a fun and informative cultural cooking experience.
