Favorite Fast Slow Food

I've had this question in my mind for a few days--can there be a such thing as fast Slow Food? If so it definitely sounds much better than slow fast food. I consulted Kurt's helpful Slow Food Primer and my interpretation is that yes, there can be fast Slow Food.

I'd like to hear other people weigh in on this philosophical question. And if you agree with me that there can be such a thing as fast Slow Food, what are some of your favorites? I'm still looking for help framing this, but it seems that the key with the Slow Food concept is that it helps preserve cultural traditions associated with food, is based on sustainable agriculture, etc. So something that could be put together quickly with fresh, locally grown ingredients would seem to qualify as fast Slow Food.

Let's see--how about a Caprese Salad, using fresh late summer tomatoes and basil and some locally produced mozarella. I like mine served with a dollop of pesto as well drizzled with extra virgin olive oil (now that's something to look forward to)...

So if you agree that there can be fast Slow Food, what are your favorites?

Comments: 11

Kurt Michael Friese Mar 30, 2006, 9:15pm EST

Sure there is, though for clarity's sake I might call it quick rather than fast, but your Caprese is a good example. So's penne pomadoro.

On the other hand, since you mentioned slow fast food, don;t forget that a burger or a hot dog or a pizza could easily be slow food. So can fried chicken or tacos.

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David C. Mar 30, 2006, 9:25pm EST

Interesting points Kurt...I can see how most of those items could be slow food in the right context...but hot dogs--home made or something?

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Carol Voigts Mar 30, 2006, 9:44pm EST

David, I think anything made with care and real ingredients, lovely thought about as it's made, and intended for the nourishment of our bodies and our souls. I can't think of any particular favorites. But some of the things I like to do to hurry up my preparation when I'm busy, is to have prepared ingredients from another time during the year like layered basil in olive oil in the fridge, or jalapenos, sauteed in oil and in a jar to use in dishes like omlettes, or and over supply of peppers and onions in late August cooked up in olive oil and rosemary and frozen in little packets for adding to things that strike my imagination. Those little things make a quick preparation become a slow food because it includes the season it came from.

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Doc, in the middle, holding on... Curmudgeon esq. Mar 30, 2006, 9:56pm EST

livers & gizzards.. fried to order.. takes forever!

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David C. Mar 31, 2006, 6:14am EST

Carol, those sound like great ideas! Lloyd, sounds like something I should eat but I don't know...

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Kevin Weeks Mar 31, 2006, 11:46am EST

David,

Local trout, brushed with artisanal olive oil, sprinkled with fresh herbs, broiled. Seven minutes start to finish.

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Karen Mitchell Mar 31, 2006, 11:46am EST

I like to make vegetable soup, which takes a long time but then you have left overs for a few fast food meals.

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Laura C. Mar 31, 2006, 1:03pm EST

I prepare Rachel Ray's chili recipe all the time. It tastes like slow food, but can be made, start to finish, in about 30 minutes. And all the veggies can be purchased locally if you desire! If you decide not to add meat, you can easily eat it all week and it's just as good Day 1 as Day 5.

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David C. Apr 15, 2006, 2:12pm EDT

I'll pass on the fast food slow thanks!

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Favorite Fast Slow Food

Comments: 11

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