Spain is a country whose cuisine is as complex and mixed as its rich, long heritage and history. It is very appropriately reflected in Spanish cooking. Many dishes owe a lot to Spain being a Mediterranean country, but traditional Spanish cuisine also includes foods that have been imported to the country form former colonies of the Spanish Empire in the new world. This includes beans, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. There is also a large Moorish as well as Jewish tradition infused in their cuisine. Here are five traditional Spanish dishes that you simply have to try if you are there to truly experience what life in the Spanish countryside is all about.
The Spanish Omelette
One of the most popular as well as beloved traditional Spanish recipes is the recipe for a Spanish omelette. One of the reasons it is so popular is because it is so amazingly versatile. You can use a Spanish omelette for just about anything. You can serve it either hot or cold, as a starter or as a snack – or of course a main course! It goes very well with salads too. Since it gets cut into wedges similar to cakes, this makes it ideal for packing away be it for a picnic or a packed lunch.
Pisto Manchego (Spanish Ratatouille)
Very similar to ratatouille, Pisto Manchego is a mix of tomato and vegetables that can be served up hot as a side accompaniment to a main dish, or served cold to be a starter dish or to go with a salad. You can use pisto manchego as a filling as well for sandwiches, savoury crepes, and empanadas. Another great thing about pisto manchego is that it freezes very well so you can make a lot of it and simply use it as required. The dish originated in Castilla la Mancha, but today it is well loved and served throughout Spain.
Paella
Paella is quite possibly the most famous dish of all Spanish cuisine. Paella is a rice dish that originated in Valencia in the mid-19th century. Many people believe that Paella is the national dish of Spain, but most Spaniards think of it as a regional dish for Valencia. There is a Moorish influence in Paella since they often made casseroles that contained rice, fish and spices during family gatherings. This directly led to rice becoming a staple food of Spain by the 15th century. Paella traditionally contains rice, green vegetables, meat, beans, and snails. Seafood Paella will replace the meat with seafood while leaving out the beans and green vegetables.
Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a dish that many people are familiar with. It is a tomato based soup that is typically served cold. Gazpacho originated in the southern region of Spain called Andalucía, where it is widely consumed. Gazpacho is also incredibly popular in Portugal. It is primarily enjoyed the most during summer months due to the fact that it is served at a cold temperature and has refreshing qualities.
Pescado Frito
Literally translated, this means fried fish. It is a very traditional dish in Spain, especially in Catalonia, Almeria, Cadiz, Malaga, and Valencia. In the Spanish tradition, the fish, either a blue or white fish, is coated in flour and then deep fried in olive oil. It is then sprinkled with salt as the sole seasoning used. Typically, it is served hot and can be enjoyed as a starter dish with a beer or wine, or as a main course. Traditionally, it is served with lemon wedges which are squeezed occasionally over the fish. Because it is deep fried in olive oil, it is crisp and light even when cold, which makes it a traditional dish for Shabbat.
If you are staying in one of the La Manga rentals this summer make sure that you head into the towns and villages nearby and try one of the above dishes. All are guaranteed to be delicious.
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