Spanish Food – What A Fantastically Yummy Cuisine
The Spanish cuisines is diverse and often a distinct mix of meat stews. There is a clear mediterranean touch to many of the recipes from this region. There has also been considerable influence of the Spanish colonies and plenty of recipes were borrowed from them. The Jewish influence is also observed in its tastes and cooking habits. Probably the most favorite non vegetarian food here is pork and pork stew is part of the many spanish dishes.
Spain is the leading producer of olive oil, infact half of the world’s olive oil is produced in Spain. Not surprisingly it is utilized in plenty of Spanish cuisines. Northern Spain also uses lard and butter equally well.
Spanish food has some distinct characteristics in the way its cooked and served. Onions are garlic are used extensively and wine and bread is served with most meals. There exists good variety in desserts and fruits and dairy products are used in them. Desserts are often served along with the main course. There is a unique Spanish custom that involves the serving of appetizers called ‘tapas’ before any drinks.
Some popular Spanish dishes include:
Gazpacho: Gazpacho is a kind of vegetable soup comprised of garlic, stale bread and olive oil and sometimes tomato and bell paper is also added. This is served both cold and hot. The cold variant is known as Gazpacho while the hot variant is known as gazpacho manchego and often includes mushrooms and rabbit meat that is less of a soup and more like a stew.
Paella: This is a typical rice mix that is unique to Spain. It is prepared by mixing saffron and olive oil with rice and is later garnished with seafood or meat and even vegetables.
- Chorizo – A spicy sausage made from fatty pork and seasoned with chili and paprika. There are two varieties: hot (“picante”) and sweet (“dulce”). Most varieties can be eaten cold, although there are some regions of Spain which produce varieties that need further cooking. Chorizo is not just eaten on its own, but is also used as an ingredient in other dishes.
Jamon Serrano: Ham dish prepared by dry curing the meat.
- Fabada Asturiana – A bean stew that also contains black blood sausage (“morcilla”), chorizo and pork, and which is flavored with saffron and other seasonings.
Olla Podrida: This is a thick stew made from pimentos, tomatoes, onions and potatoes.
- Marmitako – A fish stew made with onions, pimentos, potatoes and tomatoes.
- Pescato Frito – Marinated fish, battered and fried.
Tortilla de patatas: A form of omlette laced with smashed potatoes and seasoned with onions.
For additional information and videos on the various Spanish recipes please visit Spanish Food. You might also want to take a look at a few of the famous Spanish Desserts
