Plus, he offered his best tip for planning expectation-free dinner parties for friends and family.
We were lucky enough to sit down with Andres to talk about his motivations behind the special.
EatingWell: Whats an underrated ingredient you wish people used more often in their cooking?
Photo:Amazon
Andres:Eggs are the perfect dish.
you’re able to fry, boil and scramble.
you could make omelets, souffles, sweet dishes and savory dishes.
you’re able to whip egg whites with sugar to create meringue.
you’re able to cook egg whites low and slow to achieve masterpieces.
From mayonnaise and aioli to mousse, eggs are the perfect protein, in a way.
Andres:If theres an ingredient I especially like, its the Spanish paprika or Spanish pimenton.
you’ve got the option to make it into dressing for a salad.
you might sprinkle it on top of fish on a bit of foil and salt.
Its a simple spice with a lot of possibilities.
EatingWell: What goal did you have in mind with filmingDinner Party Diaries?
Thats how I attempt to live my life and what I attempt to show others.
And I dont organize the dinner parties in advance.
Its almost spontaneous like, Hey, are you coming tonight?
Those are the best gatherings because there are no expectations.
EatingWell: Youre embracing creativity and imperfection with this TV special.
Do you have a tip for those who want to be more spontaneous in their own kitchen?
Andres:There was a moment when I cut myself in the show.
EatingWell: How did you decide on the menu for the special?
Andres:We decided on some of the dishes a half hour before the show.
We had an amazing production team that made it happen, but believe me …
When I came at the last second saying we should change the dish, everyone rolled their eyes.
But thats what happens when youre at home and someone forgets to buy something.
Or, all of a sudden someone is allergic to something, and you have to change the menu.
Its kind of funny that these situations happen at all dinner parties, right?
Everything else outside that cocoon of friends and family is way too serious.
The kitchen is a perfect place where everybody brings down their guard.
EatingWell: Whats your biggest tip for people wanting to host friends and family at home?
Andres:Dont overplan!
Dont make too many dishes.
Make a big pot.
It can be a big pot of pasta or stew or soupjust dont over complicate it.
One pot can feed the world, indoors or outdoors … especially a terracotta pot.
It can break easily, but its the pot that keeps giving.
Recipe to try:Jose Andres’s Gazpacho
