World cuisines - Spain

Food here is not only a source of livelihood, there is socializing, there is conversation, there is enjoyment. Whether it's a quick work lunch, a snack with a beer, or a four-hour family gathering lunch or for a picnic in the park.

Spanish cuisine based on simple and fresh ingredients. The two central ones are olive oil and garlic. Geographical diversity, weather conditions, ethical and cultural differences are in Spain influenced the fact that in different parts of the country different ingredients, dishes or methods of preparation are in the foreground. There are more stews in the north, more frying in the south, grilled dishes are common in the interior, and seafood along the coasts, replaced by beef and lamb in the hilly areas. V Andalusiai is eaten spicier and this is where the famous Gazpacho - a cold tomato soup - comes from. Castile is a paradise for roast lovers, Extremadura is famous for cured pork products, the Basque Country is dominated by fish dishes, in Asturias and at home there is fabada stew, made from green beans and pork. V Galicia orange and olive groves thrive, in Valencia and rice fields, and here we find many dishes with rice and saffron. But all Spanish places share some traditional dishes that bring Spanish cuisine to the world.

The queen of paella
If we think about Spanish cuisine, most people think of paella first. A delicious, colorful risotto, in which seafood, fish, meat, and vegetables are mixed, is said to originate from Valencia, although it is known worldwide as a traditional Spanish dish. There are roughly three versions of paella, although in reality there are as many colorful risottos as there are cooks. Valencian paella consists of white rice, green vegetables, meat (rabbit, chicken or duck), snails and beans. In seafood paella, meat and snails are replaced with fish and seafood, beans and green vegetables are omitted, and some seasonal vegetables are added. Mixed paella but it consists of a free combination of meat, seafood, and vegetables. Two other key ingredients in any paella are saffron and olive oil.

"Potato" tortilla, cheese and meat
These are the three indispensable dishes of every Spanish home. Tortilla "patata" is a Spanish omelette - it is usually just called a tortilla. A traditional Spanish tortilla is a thin egg omelette with potatoes fried in olive oil. In some places they also add onions, in other places meat, but traditionalists claim that it is best according to the original recipe without unnecessary additives. Tortilla is eaten warm or cold by the Spanish, it can be used as a snack, as a main dish or as a picnic food. Cheese is also an important element of the local cuisine and several types of cheese originate from Spain. Here, too, the country's geographical diversity is reflected in the cheese variations. From Galicia, for example the light cheeses Tetila and San Simon are produced, Castile is home to the strong sheep cheese Manchego, and Extremadura is famous for the goat cheese Izbores. In addition to cheese, meats are indispensable in Spain, and it is said that almost every village has a characteristic cured meat. For meat, they mostly use pork, and in some higher regions also beef and lamb.

Tapas – snacks throughout the day
The Spaniards are said to like to nibble on something throughout the day, and that is why snacks, these tapas, have taken root, for which special tapas bars are dedicated. Young and old Spaniards gather here, and they must have a snack while drinking beer or sangria. This "tapas tradition" serves socializing, conversation and, of course, enjoying good food. Every Spaniard probably has his favorite tapas bar, otherwise snacks are offered everywhere, even in such a small bar. Tapas can be quite simple or a true culinary art, and contain cheese, fish, eggs, vegetables, fries, pastries, canapés...

To top it off, a glass of wine and dessert
Food in Spain does not only serve to survive, but is anchored in the culture as companionship, pleasure, pampering. Therefore, it is not surprising if a family lunch lasts four hours or more. A glass of wine is almost mandatory with food or a snack, white Albariño and red Tempranillo are among the most famous varieties. The end of the meal is also time for dessert in Spain, and the African influence from history is still felt here today. They use a lot of almonds, honey, cinnamon, candied fruit, eggs and sweet syrups. Rice pudding and flan reign supreme - a dessert made from egg cream and caramel, which can be found all over the world, but in different interpretations. And we won't be unfair to others if we say that the Spanish version of flan is among the tastiest. It is considered very "clean", but incredibly tasty. Just like the entire Spanish cuisine.