On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, renowned chef and restaurant owner Yotam Ottolenghi made a delightful appearance. Known for his bestselling cookbooks, Ottolenghi brought his latest book, “Comfort,” to the show, sparking a lively conversation about all things comforting and delicious.
Colbert, eager to learn more about Ottolenghi’s take on comfort food, asked whether comfort lies in the act of eating or in the process of creating the food. Ottolenghi responded enthusiastically, stating that both aspects bring him comfort. He also expressed his love for the experience of shopping for ingredients, finding it to be a wholesome and cross-cultural endeavor.
To demonstrate his unique approach to comfort food, Ottolenghi prepared a Japanese sandwich with a North African twist, called H Chicken Sandos, right there on the show. As Ottolenghi pounded the chicken breast, he explained that using yogurt not only tenderizes the meat but also eliminates the need for eggs in the recipe.
Next, Ottolenghi introduced his spice mixture, baharat, which means “spices” in Arabic. This blend includes a combination of cinnamon, allspice, paprika, pepper, salt, and a hint of sugar. Colbert, always curious and engaged, eagerly joined in the cooking process, making the experience even more entertaining.
As they continued to prepare the dish, Colbert asked Ottolenghi about his own culinary preferences. Ottolenghi revealed his fondness for rice and shared a couple of delicious rice recipes from his book. Their lively banter and shared enthusiasm for food made for an engaging segment.
As the sandwich sizzled in the frying pan, Ottolenghi explained the significance of the Japanese and North African fusion in the recipe. The H Chicken Sandos seamlessly combined traditional Japanese flavors with the vibrant spices of North African cuisine, resulting in a unique and mouth-watering dish.
While assembling the sandwich, Ottolenghi mixed mayonnaise with North African chili paste called Harissa, adding a tangy and spicy kick to the dish. Colbert, keeping up with the chef’s pace, excitedly proclaims his love for Harissa.
Throughout the segment, Ottolenghi’s passion for cooking and food shone through. Despite his international success, he remained down-to-earth and relatable, sharing anecdotes of his children’s feedback on his cooking.
Before wrapping up, Colbert inquired about Ottolenghi’s educational background in philosophy. Ottolenghi explained that he ultimately left academia because he found cooking to be far more satisfying. His belief that cooking has a broader audience and brings greater joy perfectly encapsulated his passion for the culinary arts.
As the segment concluded, Colbert and Ottolenghi toasted to the success of the dish, enjoying the H Chicken Sandos together. The mouth-watering sandwich showcased Ottolenghi’s talent for blending different culinary influences, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts.
Ottolenghi’s latest cookbook, “Comfort,” promises to be a treasure trove of cozy and delectable recipes. With his innovative approach to cooking and his ability to infuse comfort into every dish, Ottolenghi continues to captivate taste buds worldwide.
Catch the full episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for a delightful and entertaining culinary experience with Yotam Ottolenghi. “Comfort” is available now for eager food enthusiasts to explore Ottolenghi’s unique take on comfort food.
