Spain, a country located in the Mediterranean region is known the world over for its many delectable foods. Moreover, the cuisine of Spain like the other cuisines of the Mediterranean region, is considered to be extremely healthy as well as it features much olive oil which is sourced from the olive trees which grow in abundance here - sea food, lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Spanish cuisine has great regional variety as well due to the diverse topography of the country however, there are many elements of Spanish cuisine which remain homogenous throughout the country save for some regional accents.
Tapas
The Spaniards believe in starting a meal with a wide array of succulent starters called Tapas. These small plates can be the appetizer course of a meal or when consumed in large quantities, can constitute the entire meal itself. There are many different varieties of Tapas which are served in the Tapas bars of Spain like croquetas, which can be made with ham or prawns, prawn and bacon brochettes (bacon wrapped prawns) Patatas Bravas (spicy fried potatoes served with Brava sauce), Pa amb oli (Bread with olive oil typical of Mallorca), Gambas a la plancha (Pan grilled shrimp), Boquerones en Vinagre (tiny preserved anchovies served with olive oil), garlic marinated olives and Queso Manchego Añejo (aged Manchego cheese). These are just some of the hundreds of varieties of Tapas that you can expect to have in one of the many Tapas bars that dot the Spanish culinary landscape.
Paella
Paella is a rice dished that is almost always associated with Spanish cuisine. This rice dish is cooked in a pan called a “paellera” which is a round flat pan with two handles. Paellas are usually cooked to celebrate a festival or a wedding feast. Traditionally, a paella is made with fresh seafood but it can be also made with chicken or rabbit.
Bocadillos
The Spanish have their own version of sandwiches which are quite different from the sandwiches which are served in other parts of the world. Spanish sandwiches called bocadillos do not contain the usual components which feature in a sandwich like mayonnaise, lettuce, pickles, onions etc. Spanish bocadillos are usually made with half a baguette or a similar local toasted bread. The bread is often moistened on the inside by rubbing the cut side of a tomato on it or it can be moistened by drizzling it with some Spanish olive oil. It is then filled with typical Spanish meats like the Chorizo sausage, Jamón serrano (air dried ham), Calamres (calamari), Bacon or Jamón Y Queso (Ham and Cheese). The bocadillo is a simple but flavorful sandwich which doesn’t spoil easily and travels well in the Spanish heat.
Spanish Omelette
Popularly known as tortilla de patatas, the Spanish Omelette is yet another well known culinary delight from Spain. Most Spanish cafes and tapas bars have their version of the Spanish omelette on their menus. The Tortilla de Patatas is sometimes made with beans, mushrooms and spinach as well. It can be eaten hot or cold as a tapa or it can also feature as a filling in a bocadillo.
Choclat con Churros
The long crisp dough fritters known as Churros are not eaten as dessert after a meal but are served for breakfast all over Spain. These fritters are always served with a dense chocolate dipping sauce. The dish of Churros con Chocolat presents a delicious way to jumpstart your day. Sometimes these Churros which are dusted with icing sugar are also eaten as a tea-time treat as a stop-gap until a typically late Spanish dinner.
Crema Catalan
The Spanish cousin of the crème brulée is lighter and less sweet than the renowned French desert and provides an ideal wrap up to a heavy paella meal. The Crema Catalan also has the similar crunchy caramel topping as its French counterpart.
Turrón
Turrón is the Spanish version of nougat which is typically made with honey, sugar and egg whites. Different regions of Spain have their own version of this Spanish sweet which also contains toasted almonds and sesame sprinkles and is a delicacy which is enjoyed at Christmas time.
When you visit Spain next, be sure to indulge in some of these tantalising Spanish culinary delights!
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This entry was posted on Monday, July 21st, 2008 at 4:13 am and is filed under Europe, Food, Fun. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
