A tumbet is specific to Mallorca; it is unique to the region. It highlights the bounty of the land and the abundance of vegetables. It is country cooking at its best, the vegetables taking centre stage. The dish is influenced by the Arabs, Moorish farming and cooking techniques. The Moors ruled the Balearic Islands from the 10th to the 13th centuries, bringing advanced irrigation and cultivation techniques. They also introduced vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants. From

I have always believed that vegetables can be delicious, and this dish proves it. Whenever I have it on the table, I ask the hardcore carnivores to at least try it, and then I notice they almost always go back for seconds. This is a beautiful dish; the vegetables add a splash of colour, studded with mustard seeds and glazed with caramelised maple syrup. There is spice, sweetness and different textures. I sometimes make this as a main course and enjoy the vegetables for their

Our first day in Sri Lanka was the Katina Poojava, also known as Katina Pinkama, one of the most important Buddhist festivals. The entire community participates, organising, cooking dishes and preparing for this event. Our host, Yasassri, was contributing by making a few dishes. Together we cooked three dishes, see recipes below: Boiled manioc with grated coconut (Kaha manioc) Pumpkin curry with blackened coconut (Wattakka kalu pol maluwa) Pennywort sambols (Gotukola sambol)