Food Friday: Cocido

A close relative of Pochero, Cocido is a Spanish tomato stew with pork, Spanish sausages and vegetables. This dish brings back memories of my grandmother's home-cooking---rich, comforting and straightforward. I have vivid memories in my grandmother's kitchen---the delicious smells of garlic, onions and ginger, of steam coming out from the pot, the delicate way she sliced vegetables, her vibrant laughter, a cigarette hanging from her lips, the graceful sway of her hips while cooking and humming a long-forgotten song. My mother told me that my grandmother learned her way in the kitchen from their family cook. She was a child-bride and when her husband (my grandfather who died when my mother was 8 months old) was napping or out of the house, my grandmother would tiptoe to the kitchen and observe the cook. As her interest in cooking grew, the old cook taught her how to appreciate and prepare great-tasting food that her family came to enjoy.

My bowl of cocido was served at Abe-Serendra where you can find home-cooked meals in a classier set-up and good value for money. The restaurant is always full and they don't accept reservations, so be there a bit early.

Posted for Food Friday