The municipality of Melide in Galicia, has made history by setting a new world record. That’s where the largest tortilla de patatas ever made is made. 70 chefs worked together to create a six-metre-diameter tortilla that was served to 5,000 guests.
Melide celebrated the record performance of the largest tortilla in the world with pride. The event attracted the attention of the media and spectators who came to watch the performance. In addition to its local importance, this type of event gives a boost to gastronomic tourism in the region. It is a sector that has experienced remarkable growth in recent years in Galicia, which is known for its rich culinary tradition. What makes this achievement truly special is not only the size of the ingredients, but also the skill with which the largest tortilla in the world has been prepared. Manuel Casals, manager of ‘El huevo de la abuela’, explained that this tortilla is not only the largest, but also the first of this size to be completely flipped.
Successful event
The event was a resounding success not only because of the record achieved, but also because of the huge number of people who enjoyed the tortilla. Manuel Casals confirmed that around 5000 portions were served, leaving the whole city and visitors happy.
Turning it over required a crane that had been specially designed for the occasion. “Flipping a six-foot pan is not something you do every day,” Casals said, elated by the event’s success.
Large amounts of ingredients and tap needed for the tortilla
This monumental tortilla required 1,700 kilos of potatoes, 300 of oil and 15,000 eggs. “The most complicated part was not the cooking, but the turning,” confessed one of the cooks, emphasising the effort and precision required for this maneuver.
The quality of the ingredients was another point of attention. One of the chefs who worked on the preparation explained the secret of a good tortilla. That lies in the use of good oil, fresh potatoes and especially preparing them with love. But the moment of turning around is also important.
With or without onion
As in any conversation about potato omelet, there was always the eternal debate among those present: with or without onion? Although a more neutral recipe was chosen this time to satisfy the majority, several guests expressed their preference.
Organisation was quite a challenge
Organising the event was not an easy task. From the coordination of the 70 chefs to the preparation of the ingredients. To avoid mistakes, the planning had to be extremely careful. The crane built especially for this occasion was the key to the success of the record. This allowed the gigantic pan to be rotated.
How long will this record stand?
This record could be just the beginning. Casals has left open the possibility that they will try to top it again next year. “We have already set the bar high, but we are sure that we can do even better.”