Convinced that gastronomic discoveries are an integral part of the trip, we have already presented our favourite Greek and Italian specialities. To continue our tour of the Mediterranean in the plate, let's go now to Spain! The Iberian Peninsula welcomes every year many travellers who come to discover renowned cities such as Barcelona or Madrid, but also a festive and warm atmosphere. Spain is a friendly country and the typical dishes of its culinary tradition reflect this wonderfully: colourful, fragrant and generous, they awaken our taste buds! Here are 10 specialities to discover in Spain
The patatas bravas, the essential of the tapas evenings
This dish seems to be disconcertingly simple, yet you'll have to try it several times before you manage to reproduce at home the same patatas bravas as those served in Spain! The main ingredient is, of course, the potato. But, to make it brava (brave) you will have to add a sauce made of tomato, chilli pepper and possibly red pepper. A delicacy to be enjoyed in all Spanish bars and restaurants!
Gaspacho, a thirst-quenching soupSummer
The tortilla de patatas, a convivial dish
If the French are in the habit of comparing it to an omelette, the tortilla de patatas is however a typically Spanish recipe! Composed of eggs, onions and potatoes, it can make a unique dish, be served as a tapas, or even fill a sandwich. A very popular speciality in Spain, the tortilla de patatas puts everyone in agreement with its simple and tasty ingredients!
Paella, the unavoidable
Paella has crossed the borders of the Iberian Peninsula to become a true emblem of Spanish cuisine! It takes its name from the pan in which it is cooked, and is mainly composed of round rice accompanied by meat, fish, peppers, tomatoes, olive oil and above all saffron! It is this spice that gives it its characteristic yellow colour. Each region has a different recipe, but the real paella is considered to originate from Valencia.
Empanadas, exceptional turnovers!
If the whole of South America loves them, empanadas are also a dish of the Spanish culinary tradition. They can be found in the form of a cutting pie or in small individual portions (empanadillas). These puff pastry turnovers can be stuffed in several ways (meat, fish, egg, potato...) since the recipe was originally made with leftovers. A tasty zero gaspi tip!
Octopus à la galicienne, a festive dish
Pulpo a la Gallega is, as its name suggests, a speciality of Galicia, the region of Santiago de Compostela. But this dish is so good that it is eaten all over the country! Composed of octopus tenderized by its long cooking time in a casserole and covered with chilli or paprika, it is usually served with potatoes. It is a festive dish, served especially during férias
Iberian ham and Spanish sausages
Cold meats hold a prominent place in Spanish gastronomy. Very famous, its hams or chorizos have crossed the country's borders to fill the stalls of many butchers. The Iberian ham or jamón ibérico, one of the top-of-the-range varieties of which, the famous pata negra, is a protected designation of origin in Spain. Its meat, which comes from Iberian pigs, is very dark in colour and has a powerful taste
Sangria, an explosive cocktail
Even if some doubts remain as to its strictly Spanish origin, sangria is today a registered designation of origin in the country. Impossible not to enjoy this cocktail during a stay in Spain! It takes its name from its dark red colour: sangre means blood in Spanish. To make a good sangria, you will need: red wine in which fruit and spices have macerated and sparkling water or lemonade
Chocolate con churros, a bit of sweetnessYou
Crema catalana, the cream of the cream
Catalan cream is a thick egg cream flavoured with citrus fruit and cinnamon and sprinkled with burnt sugar. And although it may look like the famous crème brûlée, its composition is different: Catalan cream is lighter because its recipe does not contain cream, but milk!
