14 May 2025 06:00
A Taste of the Balearics: Jeff Koehler on the Spanish Mediterranean Islands Cookbook
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This week, I’m joined by Jeff Koehler, food writer, traveler, and author of The Spanish Mediterranean Islands Cookbook, out now from Phaidon. Jeff has written nine books exploring the intersection of food, culture, and place, including The North African Cookbook, Where the Wild Coffee Grows, and Morocco: A Culinary Journey with Recipes. His work has appeared in NPR, The Washington Post, and Saveur, and he's been honored with the IACP award for literary food writing.
We talk about Jeff’s journey from the Pacific Northwest to Barcelona, and how he came to split his time between the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands. Jeff shares his deep knowledge of the island's culinary traditions, from rustic pantry staples and spreadable pork sausage to fresh seafood and seasonal sweets. You'll hear about daily life in Menorca, what makes each island unique, and why Jeff believes anyone, even those without a Mediterranean market nearby, can cook from this book.
If you’ve ever been curious about island living, Mediterranean cuisine, or the power of place in shaping food culture, this is an episode for you.
Episode Highlights
- Jeff’s move from Seattle to Spain
- The food culture of the Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera
- Seasonal eating and daily market shopping
- How necessity shaped island cuisine
- Tips for recreating Mediterranean dishes at home
JEFF KOEHLERJeff's Instagram Check out Jeff's website Get Jeff's book The Spanish Mediterranean Islands Cookbook
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