Marcus Wareing Simply Provence: Episode 1

When you think of French food, certain things spring to mind: wine, cheese, frogs’ legs. But often it’s a simple ingredient at the centre of the greatest Provençal food.

Whether you consider it a fruit or a vegetable, there’s no denying that here the tomato is king. Marcus's mission is to discover the ultimate simple Provençal tomato recipe. After searching for inspiration in the local market, he whips up a batch cook classic: simple and delicious Provençal tomato sauce that’s traditional, versatile and easy.

He then visits an organic local farm with over 50 varieties to harvest, taking a basketful to a local school to get a lesson in simple French cooking from dinner lady Maude. Marcus helps make soupe au pistou, which uses the tomatoes he harvested blanched in a pesto-style sauce.