Every year, the Formula 1 World Championship takes drivers, teams & spectators all over the world, whilst millions of fans follow the action at home. Having been a fan since I was young, for the last few years, I have cooked my way through the season, with a feast inspired by the host country each race Sunday. This year, I’m sharing the journey, so you too can cook along and perhaps find your new favourite cuisine! There's a couple of races (read: meals) that I particularly look forward to each year, but I won't reveal my favourites just yet! Though we have also got some great new destinations to look forward to this year, including Portugal, The Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, so who knows if my top spot will be changed!
I’ll be putting a meal together for each race, which either celebrates a national dish, surprising tradition, or another element of the country's cuisine entirely! In choosing dishes for each country, I’ve tried to think of the season as one whole big twenty-something course menu, so there’s a good variety of styles of dish; expect two and three course menus, or in some cases, all the small plates!
Over the years I’ve consulted with & cooked for friends from various countries on the schedule, on a quest for the seal of approval and assurance of authenticity. This, coupled with my own research, from reading as well as visits to the countries and races, makes for what I hope is a respectful but accessible experience with each country. Of course, any feedback or suggestions for upcoming countries, would be gratefully received!
I’ll post the recipes and an overall ingredients/shopping list (as some countries will use the same ingredient in multiple recipes) in the week before each Sunday’s race in fully downloadable in PDF form, should you fancy. Cook as much or as little of the feast as you like, and don’t be put off by the ingredients needed in some recipes; I’ve found that over the course of the season the more unusual spices, condiments and accoutrements are used repeatedly so they won’t be lurking on the larder shelves forever!
There'll be a combination of my own recipes, as well as a few adapted numbers, some of which will be incredibly simple to prepare, and others involving a little more love & attention, but no more than a great traditional roast. I should also note I’m cooking weekly for a (mainly) pescatarian, and myself, a meat-eater, so I can promise a range of veggie, fishy and meaty dishes, plus suggestions for alternatives to tailor dishes to you and your diners requirements.
So whether you’re a die-hard Formula One fan, or just fancy cooking something a little different, buckle up and get ready to find your new favourite cuisine!
Finally, I'd love it if you could share your creations on Instagram, tagging @cheflapin and using the hashtag #startinggriddle
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