The foods and diet of Spain.
Spain has a wonderful variety of delicious foods to savour, again and again, with a diet of fresh fish, olives, mouth watering cheeses, and the signature dish of the Valencian region, PAELLA, but to mention a few.The region, like most of Spain is also famous for an eye boggling selection of TAPAS (small portions of various foods on the table at any one time).
The Spanish have a great love for their food and mealtimes are grand affairs, with lunch (Almuerzo) historically being the main meal of the day - a 3 or 4 course meal, served with wine and followed (again traditionally) with a siesta.
The best known produce of Spain (food wise) is probably Olives & Olive Oils, followed by the dizzying range of fresh seafood and of course the Paellas and huge selections TAPAS, both hot and cold. Very popular, especially in the hot summer months is GAZPACHO, a cold tomato and herb soup, traditionally served with a few cubes of ice in it to keep in cold. Meats like Chorizo (a cured spicy meat product) and Jamons (cured hams) are another a delicacy of the country, with the Iberico jamon being the sweetest (and probably the most expensive).
Spanish cheeses (Quesos) are too very well liked both here and internationally, the most famous being Machego - a hard (and verying strengths) cheddar-like cheese made from sheeps milk, normally ate with bread and MEMBRILLO (a quince paste).
The Orihuela Costa and the rest of the Costa Blanca is awash with beautiful Tapas restaurants or bars and cafes that serve tapas, both by day and by night. It is a great and very sociable way to get to try new flavours, share with friends and loved ones and also have a unique and new dining experience.
Tapas .
From there, it was thought that a small piece of food, placed on top of the Tapa, would encourage and entice people to the bars and encourage them to drink more and eat more.
In many bars & cafes today, Tapas are not only on offer to buy, but many establishments will serve a bowl of nuts, or a small plate of cheese, when drinks are ordered.
Tapa - Hopping has become a convivial part of the Spanish lifestyle, with groups of friends and family, visiting a number of bars in any one evening, sampling the fine (or not so) wines or beers and having a selection of tapas at each.
This is an excellent way to savour the delights of the overwhelming range of tapas that are available.
Below, we have listed some of the most well known tapas, but going out and just trying something new, is the best way to discover the tapas that you will like the best.
- Tortilla Española :-
A large golden disc of egg and potato, with or without onion. Every mama has their own recipe in Spain. Can be eaten hot or cold. - Meatballs :-
A great favourite, traditionally served in a saffron and almond sauce. - Sizzling Pli-Pil Prawns :-
Mouthwatering, hot and spicy prawns in garlic, olive oil and spices. - Empanadas:-
Little tuna and tomato in pastry parcels, deep fried. - Pimientos del Padron :-
Small green peppers roasted in olive iol and salt. Every not and again you get a hot one.Delicious! - Patatas Bravas:-
Cubed and fired potatoes with a spicy tomato based brava salsa (sauce). - Ensalada Rusa:-
A Russian salad with olives, tuma, potatoes, vegetables in a mayonnaise. - Gazpacho:-
A cold tomato based soup. Not really a tapa, but delicious and refreshing in the heat of the summer. - Salted Roasted Almonds:-
Very popular in the bars and served with drinks in many places.
This is a VERY small selection of hot and cold Tapas and the list could go on and on and on.
Why not head to a Tapas bar or restaurant with your loved ones and share a great way of discovering the variety of foods of Spain.
Paella .
The Valencian region was the birthplace of this satisfying dish and throughout the region (including the Orihuela Costa), people will tell you that you have not had a real Paella until you have had a Valencian one.
 A Traditional seafood Paella. |
Paella is possibly the most internationally known dish from Spain, with restaurants across the globe creating traditional and more modern versions, a rather large compliment to a dish that had humble origins as peasant food.
What is in it ?
Whatever you want to be honest, but traditionally it is a base of rice (short grain), with seafood (the local favourite), saffron (although paprika will do) various meats like, rabbit, chicken, beef and with a selection of vegetables, cooked in a short flat pan, historically on a wood burning fire.
.jpg) |
| A selection of mouth-watering Spanish Tapas |
Other Popular Spanish Dishes.
Bacalao.
Bacalao is a dried salt cod, which is very popular with the Christmas and Easter dinner menus. It is cooked with potatoes in a stew like manner. Many people find that this is an acquired taste, but as it is delicious, once you have tried it, you will be wanting more.
El Cocido Español.
This is basically the whole meal in one pot and is Spain's national dish, consisting of a soup (usually with fideos[noodles], chick peas, chicken, jamon[ham], vegetables and potatoes and chicken or meats, cooked in the one pot.
Morcillo.
Varying types of Blood Pudding Sausage, similar to Black Pudding. Try the Morcillo con arroz (rice). Great on a barbecue.
Something for the Sweet Toothed ?
Desserts are very popular as the Spanish have a sweet tooth. The traditional dishes are Creme Catalan - a baked custard topped with a burnt crust of melted sugar, Arroz con leche (rice pudding) - usually made with condensed milk and cinnamon and bizcocho (cake), the best known being Torta de Santiago (a sweet almond tart).
Turrón.
Turron is a big bar of sugary confection and is a Christmas favourite with the Spanish. Turron comes in a dizzying array of flavours, fromthe traditional nougat to almond to thick creamy crunchie chocolate and will not do your waistline any good. However, it really is a must if you have a sweet tooth and the more varieties you try, the more you will want.
