Follow Anna as she shops in Burnham Market at Gurneys and Humble Pie for the freshest local ingredients to cook an Ottolenghi-inspired cod and chickpea dinner party dish.
A Culinary Stroll Through Burnham Market: Shopping for a Cod & Chickpea Feast
There’s something special about hosting a dinner party that’s deeply rooted in your local community. For Anna, a passionate home cook living in the picturesque village of Burnham Market, it all begins with the ingredients—and there’s no better place to source them than Gurneys Fish Shop and Humble Pie Delicatessen.
This week, Anna is preparing one of her favourite Ottolenghi dishes: a fragrant cod and chickpea stew layered with Middle Eastern spices, fresh herbs, and zesty citrus. The kind of dish that’s both comforting and impressive—a perfect centrepiece for a relaxed summer gathering.
First Stop: Gurneys Fish Shop – The Heart of Norfolk Seafood
As the sun rises over Burnham Market, Anna makes her way to Gurneys, the beloved local fishmongers known across Norfolk for its pristine selection of fresh, sustainable seafood.
At Gurneys, she picks up:
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Two thick fillets of North Sea cod, freshly landed that morning.
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A small bag of local mussels to add a little flair to the stew.
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And a tip from the owner: a dash of saffron works wonders with cod and chickpeas.
"Shopping at Gurneys is always a joy," Anna says. "There’s such a connection to the sea and to the community. You just know you're getting the best of the coast."
Then to Humble Pie – Burnham Market’s Hidden Gem for Gourmet Groceries
Next, Anna walks a few doors down to Humble Pie Delicatessen, a charming independent shop brimming with artisan goods, Mediterranean pantry staples, and locally grown produce. It's a haven for home cooks and food lovers alike.
For her Ottolenghi recipe, she selects:
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A tin of organic chickpeas, perfectly creamy in texture.
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Preserved lemons and rose harissa—signature flavours in many of Ottolenghi's Middle Eastern dishes.
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Fresh bunches of parsley, coriander, and mint.
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And a crusty sourdough loaf to serve on the side.
She even finds a bottle of Norfolk white wine to pair with the meal, recommended by the deli staff.
Bringing It All Together: Cooking Ottolenghi’s Cod & Chickpea Stew
Back in her kitchen, Anna prepares the dish with the kind of passion and ease that comes from cooking with quality, local ingredients. She gently simmers the chickpeas in a spiced tomato broth, layers in the cod, and finishes it off with chopped herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. The fragrance alone fills the house and draws guests to the table before the first glass is poured.
Why Local Shopping Makes All the Difference
Burnham Market may be known for its charm and boutique shops, but for Anna, its real treasure lies in places like Gurneys and Humble Pie—where quality, community, and culinary inspiration come together.
Whether you're planning a special meal or just want to shop more locally, follow Anna’s lead: let Burnham Market be your kitchen’s best-kept secret.