Recommended Spanish Food!
Holiday Ayo - Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It borders Portugal to the west, and has long coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of Spain is Madrid, which is also the country's political, economic, and cultural center. Other important cities in Spain include Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Bilbao.
Spanish cuisine has a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some recommendations for delicious Spanish specialties that you must try!
1. Paella
source: iamafoodblog.com
Paella is a typical Spanish rice dish originating from the Valencia region. Paella is usually served in a flat pan called a “paellera”. This pan has a wide and flat surface, which allows the rice to spread evenly while cooking. Paella is also known for its attractive appearance, with ingredients such as meat, shrimp, shellfish, and vegetables neatly arranged on top of the rice.
Paella has a rich and delicious taste. The taste of rice combined with spices such as saffron, paprika, and other spices gives a distinctive aroma and taste. In addition, the taste of additional ingredients such as chicken, rabbit, shrimp, shellfish, and vegetables provide a touch of diverse and delicious flavors.
The rice in paella is cooked with just the right amount of liquid, so the rice remains soft and chewy. The bottom of the paella, known as “socarrat,” refers to the crispy layer that forms when the rice slightly sears on the bottom of the pan. The socarrat provides a crunchy, caramelized texture that adds to the deliciousness of the dish.
Paella has several variations depending on the ingredients used. Paella Valenciana, which is the classic variant, usually consists of chicken, rabbit, peas, and white beans. Paella de Marisco is a variation with seafood ingredients such as shrimp, clams, and squid. In addition, there is also Paella Mixta which combines meat and seafood ingredients.
2. Tapas
source: foodcoop.coop
Tapas are a type of small dish or snack that can be in the form of bread or meat. Because tapas can include a variety of small dishes, the flavors can range from spicy, salty, sweet, to sour. Tapas often have rich and complex flavors, with distinctive uses of spices, herbs, and sauces in their various dishes.
This food is usually served in small portions, making it suitable to be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack. This dish is usually served on a small plate or small bowl. Over time, the concept of tapas has evolved and now there are various variations of tapas with various shapes and appearances. The texture adjusts to the dish made at that time.
Tapas reflects the Spanish culture of communal eating. When eating tapas, these small dishes are usually placed in the center of the table and enjoyed by a group of people. This creates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where people can share dishes and sample a variety of flavors.
3. Gazpacho
source: allrecipes.com
Gazpacho is a cold soup dish made from fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic, and olive oil. Sometimes ingredients such as bread, vinegar, and salt are also added. Gazpacho has a soft and smooth texture because its preparation involves a process of pureeing the ingredients to produce a soup with a light and refreshing consistency.
Gazpacho has a fresh, sour, and slightly sweet taste. The ripe, sweet taste of tomatoes, combined with the fresh taste of cucumber and the distinctive taste of bell peppers, create a delicious combination of flavors. Garlic and olive oil give a touch of depth and complexity.
Gazpacho is a popular summer dish in Spain, especially in warm areas like Andalusia. This dish provides freshness and deliciousness with a distinctive taste from its fresh ingredients. Gazpacho is also known as a healthy dish because it contains many vitamins and nutrients from vegetable ingredients.
4. Spanish Tortilla
source: seriouseats.com
Tortilla is a typical Spanish omelette dish made from eggs and diced potatoes fried with onions. The fried potatoes give a crunchy and slightly sweet texture, while the onions add a touch of softness. The eggs add deliciousness and make the tortilla dense and thick.
The bottom of the tortilla usually has a slightly crispy layer from the frying process, while the inside is soft and dense because of the egg and potato mixture that binds it. Tortilla Española is often served as a tapas dish, but can also be a main dish served sliced. This dish can be enjoyed warm or cold.
5. Churros
source: elconfidencial.com
Churros are a Spanish dessert that is famous all over the world. Churros are shaped like long sticks or rods that are straight or curved. Usually, churros have a serrated or exaggerated surface, giving them a crunchy texture when fried. Churros are usually served in short pieces or long rolls.
The outside of the fried churros becomes crispy and golden brown, while the inside remains soft and chewy. Churros are often served with powdered sugar attached to the surface, giving a delicious sweet sensation when bitten.
Churros are often served hot and fresh. They are usually served in a tube or small cup filled with thick chocolate or sweet sauce such as cajeta or caramel milk or dulce de leche or thick caramel milk. Churros are usually dipped into the chocolate or sweet sauce before eating.
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