Spanish Cuisine

SPANISH CUISINE

Present day traditional Spanish food is influenced by the Greek, Roman, Phoenician and Moorish settlements in Spain’s history. The Moors had a strong influence on Spain for many years and their type of food is still eaten by Spaniards till date. Spanish cuisine comprises a small variety of dishes and is heavily influenced by seafood available from the waters around the country. Spain’s history with many cultural influences has led to an exclusive cuisine with thousands of recipes and delicious flavors.

Culture of Traditional Spanish Food

Pork is very popular in Spain and has been so for centuries. It was a statement of Christian ethnicity or cleanliness of blood, because it was forbidden to Jews and Muslims. Most recipes always include pork loin chops in garlic and red peppers, as well as brandy. Other native food of the Americas were introduced to Europe through Spain and any cook in Spain today could hardly do without potatoes, peppers, tomatoes and beans.

The essential ingredient for traditional Spanish cooking is olive oil and Spain produces 44% of the world’s olive supply.  Meals eaten by Spaniards are made traditionally by hand, from fresh ingredients bought daily from the local market. This practice is however more common in the rural areas and less common in the large urban areas like Madrid, where supermarkets have replaced most of the open air markets. Garlic, olives and sweet and hot peppers are also important ingredients in most Spanish recipes.  Meat, poultry, game and fish are also prominent in the Spanish diet.

Spanish breakfast

Spanish breakfasts are usually light. The menu might consist of coffee and a croissant or roll.  Omelette and tortillas are also popular for breakfast.

Spanish lunch/dinner

The lunch (la comida) and the dinner (la cena) menus are more elaborate than the breakfast. Spanish Tapas are extremely popular. A Tasca or Tapas bar is where most Spaniards entertain themselves after work. Spanish Tapas menu encompasses simple dishes made of cheese, fish, eggs, dips, vegetable dishes, canapés, and savory pastries. Tapas can be found even in small bars and tiny villages.

Other Spanish Meals

An important Spanish food or recipe is Jamon Serrano, a special ham which is not smoked. Sausages make up a part of the Spanish diet as well. Salads and fried potatoes come as appetizers in a typical Spanish food menu. Desserts are usually made of eggs, ground almonds, flour and milk.

Traditional Spanish food Recipes

The cuisines of Spain differ widely from one region to another, even though there are some common characteristics. some basic characteristics of Spanish food would include: the use of olive oil as a cooking fat in items such as fritters, the use of sofrito to start the preparation of many dishes, the use of garlic and onions as major seasonings, the custom of drinking during meals, serving bread with the vast majority of meals, consumption of salads, especially in the summer and the consumption of a piece of fruit or a dairy product as dessert. Desserts like tarts and cakes are usually reserved for special occasions.