Who’s the author? José Pizarro grew up in Talaván, a tiny village in central-Western Spain, working with fresh produce, dairy products and meats on his family’s farm. His background served him well in his early years training at the top restaurants in Spain, and later, as the head chef of Michelin-starred restaurant El Mesón de Doña Filo. In 1999, he moved to London and quickly became a beloved figure in the local culinary scene, serving up authentic Spanish cuisine at his six restaurants in the city, including José Tapas Bar and Pizarro. The José Pizarro brand has since gone global with a restaurant in Abu Dhabi as well as seven best-selling cookbooks containing his knowledge of ingredients, dishes, and recipes from different regions of Spain.

What’s it about? Pizarro’s sixth cookbook, The Spanish Home Kitchen, is a deeply personal collection of 80 recipes gathered from his home country. Divided into four main chapters, Vegetables, Fish and Seafood, Meat, and Sweet, Pizarro features authentic recipes passed down from his grandmother alongside heart-warming stories from his childhood with photographs from the family archives. From nostalgic favourites to modern interpretations of traditional dishes, these hearty, nourishing recipes are meant to bring people at the dining table closer together.

Recipes we love: Shoulder of Iberico Pork In Rich Tomato Sauce with Zesty Couscous, Deep Fried Calamari Sandwich, Moorish Meatballs with Spinach, Pine Nuts and Spiced Saffron Yoghurt, Seared Squid With Caramelised Fennel, Onions, and Lemon and Parsley Dressing, and Cherries in Aguardiente Syrup with Pistachio Ice Cream
Perfect for: Home cooks who enjoy preparing family-style meals