What's the one dish that holds a special place in your heart? Andi Oliver and her special guests are on a quest to discover the stories and science behind our favourite foods. From jollof rice to rice pudding, they'll unpack its secrets, from its earliest history to the chemical reactions that make it taste so good. With psychologist and nutritionist Kimberley Wilson popping in to give some scientific insight, Andi and her guest will share stories and food memories - and, of course, they'll tuck into the dish itself. All before leaving you with some top tips to perfect your own version.
What's the one dish that holds a special place in your heart? Andi Oliver and her special guests are on a quest to discover the stories and science behind our favourite foods. From jollof rice to rice pudding, they'll unpack its secrets, from its earliest history to the chemical reactions that make it taste so good. With psychologist and nutritionist Kimberley Wilson popping in to give some scientific insight, Andi and her guest will share stories and food memories - and, of course, they'll tuck into the dish itself. All before leaving you with some top tips to perfect your own version.
In the One Dish Christmas special, chef and author Yotam Ottolenghi cooks Andi Oliver one of his favourite festive feasting dishes - a stunning platter of roasted aubergine drizzled with sunshine yellow saffron-infused yoghurt and jewel-like pomegranate seeds. It’s technically a side dish, yes. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be a stand-alone thing of beauty.
How does it fit in alongside the traditional Christmas bird with all the trimmings that his husband and kids adore, or a more vegetable-focused New Year’s Eve spread for friends and family? Yotam reveals all.
Andi and Yotam discuss how they approach catering their family Christmases and what the spice trade has to do with the Essex town of Saffron Walden, and Yotam reveals a game-changing tip for getting that perfect, melt-in-the-mouth texture and those caramelised edges when roasting aubergine.
Also, Kimberley Wilson explores the unexpected benefits of a Yuletide banquet - find out why attending the office Christmas lunch might actually be good for society as a whole.
Food Scientist: Kimberley Wilson Food Historian: Neil Buttery Producer: Lucy Dearlove ExecutiveProducer: Hannah Marshall Sound Design: Charlie Brandon-King Assistant Producer: Bukky Fadipe Commissioning Producer: Lynda Davies
A Storyglass production for BBC Radio 4