The author of Thailand – A World of Flavours is Christine Watson. The name doesn’t sound very Thai or even Asian but, in fact, Christine grew up in South-East Asia and so has been well placed to select dishes from Thailand that are certainly authentic but are also appealing to the western palate. Christine trained at the internationally renowned Leith’s School of Food and Wine and now works as a food writer and stylist in London.
Christine gives a tantalising overview of Thai cuisine in the first section of her book, and presents some classic dishes that those who have travelled to Thailand, and Thai restaurant-goers, will recognise. Fish Sauce with Chillies is as ubiquitous in Thailand as, say, ketchup might be in the west. It’s simple to make but it will add that distictive kick to Thai food. Chicken Pad Thai is one of the best known of Thai dishes but Pad Thai can also be made with seafood or tofu. Mangoes feature highly in Thai cooking, both sweet and juicy for desserts, and unripe in salads. Christine offers a delicious Mango sorbet that would be a charming finale to a traditional meal.
Each region of Thailand has its own cuisine which depends upon the produce found in that area. The north is mountainous and far from the sea so fish isn’t used so often. Pork, chicken and beef cooked in mild curries are typical. The food of Southern Thailand has the flavours we dream about. Coconut, fishcakes, shrimp and peanuts. The tropical climate encourages coconut palms to flourish and those coconuts are used to great effect in Coconut Beef Curry. This is quick to make but I suggest you reduce the quantity of chillies unless you want an authentically HOT Thai curry. It makes an impressive meal for little effort.
There is a recipe in Thailand – A World of Flavours that would encourage any Thai food lover to buy the book: it’s Chilli Preserve. That might seem strange but it’s a recipe seldom seen. Many books give rafts of instructions on how to make every dish from slow-cooked curries to carved fruit but Chilli Preserve is the essence of Thai cuisine.
Christine Watson is a writer who has evident passion for the food of South-East Asia. Her selection of recipes shows the best of Thai cooking and also introduces us to new delights that we can easily make at home. It’s an attractive and enticing volume and great value for money.
Thailand – A World of Flavours
Author: Christine Watson
Published by: Apple Press
Price: £12.99
ISBN 978-1-84543-320-8
Cookbook review by Chrissie Walker © 2018
See more books by Christine Watson here