Saturday, May 21, 2011

Dip into Some Delicious Spanish Delicacies!


guest post by Amanda Hattersburg

Spain's popularity as a holiday destination means there are many attractive Spain holiday deals to choose from, whether you’re looking to indulge in some scintillating time in the sun or view the architecture that has made it such a fascinating tourist attraction.

But despite the diverse range of activities across the country, there is one thing holiday-makers universally appreciate about Spanish culture... its cuisine!
There are so many different dishes to indulge in – most are relative to their region – offering different depths and dimensions to their respective areas. Here are some favourites, and where they can be found.

Cocido

A dish totally in tune with both Spanish and Portuguese culture, cocido is a classic regional stew made from meats, vegetables, sausages and either chickpeas or garbanzo beans. The most famous cocido lies in Madrid, and is called the cocido madrilène. Translated as ‘Madrid stew’, it’s heavy on the meat and typically contains salt pork, beef, ham, chorizo, a stewing chicken, morcilla and a vegetable and potato mix.

Gazpacho

A very popular dish consumed widely across Spain, gazpacho is a raw tomato and vegetable-based soup. Originating from Andalusia in the south of Spain, gazpacho is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer’s day. Served cold, gazpacho soup is distinct because of its bright red colour, though replacing the tomatoes with other ingredients such as watermelon, avocados or seafood can make a difference and offer real variety, both in colour and flavour.

Paella

You’d be forgiven for thinking that paella is Spain’s national dish, such is the delicacy’s reach across the globe. But, in Spain, paella is regional to Valencia and regarded as something of a local speciality. There are three different types of paella to sample when visiting Spain: Valencian paella, mixed paella and seafood paella. No matter which paella you try though, watching its preparation is mastery itself. According to tradition, paella is supposed to be cooked over an open fire by men, which has to be kindled with oranges, pine cones and pine branches for aroma before being eaten directly from the pan.

The Spanish Mediterranean diet also consists of a lot of seafood - fish such as hake, squid, shellfish, traditional fried fish dishes and more besides. The Spanish culture and available cuisine across its many regions is a delight to explore and discover day after day, and something that has to be truly experienced first-hand.

Photo Credits: food, cocido, gazpacho

12 comments:

positivetravel said...

I love a good gazpacho soup! It has been ages since I have made this dish. It is so refreshing on a summer day!

Clare Haward said...

Paella is my favourite spanish dish. Though i find it is much more enjoyable eaten at a beach side restaurant than it is in my own kitchen.

Mark H said...

@positivetravel: Paella is my favourite but good gazpacho is excellent in warm weather.

@clare: We sound of similar tastes. Paella to me works best ina rustic inexpensive seaside cafe.

Accommodation in rio said...

Chicken and shrimp paella is my favorite. An efficient and delicious way to feed a hungry family, this paella relies on condensed soup for its creamy flavor.

simoni1289 said...

Wow!! I have tasted only paella but I think I am going to Spain soon to taste these delicious dishes!! :-)

Mark H said...

@accom in rio: Condensed soup? I'd have thought that would overpower the seafood.

bijuterii argint said...

the only time I put weight was on my vacation to spain, the food was delicious!

Mark H said...

@bijuterii argint: Putting on weight is part of being on vacation!!

todd said...

Had some incredible seafood paella at a small restaurant in Madrid right across from the Atocha Renfe train station. Puerta, I believe it was called. Still have yet to find a place in America that makes it well. Especially in the North East.

Mark H said...

@todd: I'd have thought that anywhere else would struggle to match a good paella out of Spain...

Sherry Ott said...

I'm heading to Spain in a month and can hardly wait to try the food - this was a great primer! Plus - I'm looking forward to taking some cooking classes too!

Mark H said...

@sherry: Cooking classes in Spain sounds fantastic. They have some of the most tasty and attractive food of anywhere.

 
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