If you watch British TV then you would know of the Hairy Bikers, but there are those who have not, thus far, been fortunate enough to get to know these boys. You are missing a treat.
Dave Myers and Si King are two northern lads with passions for travel, bikes and food. Their books are paper versions of their TV series, being part travelogue and part cookbook. You have no need to feel alienated if you don’t give a spark plug about a Harley something or other. This isn’t a biker’s survival manual just a rather good cookbook derived from the Hairy Bikers’ road trips.
It is a diverse and fascinating recipe book. How many other authors would have the nerve to present recipes from India, Argentina, Belgium and Morocco in the same volume? There is, however, a common thread: delicious and accessible food. Each chapter is liberally laced with wry northern wit and dishes that are appetising and traditional.
Batter can only add to the joy
The Indian chapter offers Lamb Chop Pakoras. I confess that I had not come across these before but what a great idea. There can be nothing wrong with deep-fried anything, in my estimation (everything in moderation) and anything coated in a batter can only add to the joy. The chops are poached in a milk and spice mixture before being fried in a batter spiced with mustard seed and cayenne pepper.
Masala Iced Coffee is far more delicious than the regular iced coffee of Costabucks in your high street. This version is spiced with vanilla, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon. It’s just as nice hot, but if we get a summer then a long cool coffee with merry ice a-chinking will be welcome.
Argentina is famed for its beef, tango and crying, but Dulche de Leche Cheesecake is quite a marvel. The key ingredient is a tin of boiled condensed milk (the same as that used for Gypsy Tart). This is rich, flavourful and a bit different from your more usual New York-style cheesecake.
Dark Chocolate Mousse from Bruges
What do you think of when you think of Belgium? Nothing (unfair!). Truth to tell, Belgium has as bad a reputation for food as Britain has, and with just as little reason. They have lovely mussels, chips (fries) with mayonnaise, waffles, fish of all kinds… and chocolate. The Hairy Bikers have a dark Chocolate Mousse from Bruges garnished with some double cream. It looks like a thick Irish coffee. The secret is to use good-quality chocolate.
Salad Zaalouk is a Moroccan Aubergine salad. It’s not a purée although it is mashed. It has a bit of body and plenty of flavour from garlic, cumin, paprika and preserved lemons. Don’t leave these out as they add some necessary bite. Serve this as part of a Moroccan salad selection or as a starter for a North African meal.
There are 100 or so dishes in The Hairy Bikers Ride Again. They are all very fine and I’d not turn my nose up at any of them. Both Dave and Si can cook a bit and that, combined with their way with words, makes this another winner. It’s a great read with funny anecdotes but also humanity and charm. Love it.
Cookbook review: The Hairy Bikers Ride Again
Authors: Dave Myers and Si King
Published by: Michael Joseph – Penguin
Price: £22.00
ISBN 978-0-718-14909-3
See more books by The Hairy Bikers here
Cookbook review by Chrissie Walker © 2018