From the coast to the mountains, each region boasts its own unique cuisine, steeped in history and local traditions. As part of a series of articles, we will take a journey through the different regions of Spain, exploring their distinctive dishes and the stories behind their culinary tradition.
The Basque Country: Pintxos and Seafood Delights
Starting in the north, we find the Basque Country. This region is known for its pintxos, a type of tapas that is typically served on bread with a variety of toppings, from seafood to cheese. The Basque Country is also famous for its seafood dishes, such as hake in green sauce and cod in pil-pil sauce.
Catalonia: Paella and Fideuà
Moving south, we come to Catalonia, home of the famous dish paella. This rice dish is traditionally made with chicken, rabbit, and vegetables, and is flavoured with saffron. Another Catalan specialty is fideuà, a similar dish made with short noodles instead of rice.
Madrid: Cocido Madrileño and Bocadillo de Calamares
Then, in the centre of Spain, we find Madrid, the capital city. One of the city’s most famous dishes is cocido madrileño, a hearty stew made with chickpeas, meat, and vegetables. Madrid is also known for its bocadillo de calamares, a sandwich filled with fried calamari rings.
Valencia: Horchata and Bunyols
Traveling east, we reach Valencia, the birthplace of paella. Valencia is also known for its horchata, a sweet drink made from tiger nuts, and its bunyols, fried dough balls often filled with pumpkin or chocolate.
Also read: Authentic Valencian recipe in danger of being lost
Andalucia: Gazpacho and Salmorejo
In the south of Spain, we find Andalucia, a region with a rich Moorish heritage. One of the most famous dishes from this region is gazpacho, a cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Another Andalucian specialty is salmorejo, a thicker version of gazpacho that is often served with hard-boiled eggs and serrano ham.
Galicia: Pulpo a la Gallega and Empanadas
Finally, we come to Galicia, a region known for its seafood dishes. One of the most famous Galician dishes is pulpo a la gallega, boiled octopus served with potatoes, paprika, and olive oil. Galicia is also famous for its empanadas, savory pies filled with meat or seafood.
A food lover´s paradise
Each region of Spain has its own unique culinary tradition, shaped by its history and local ingredients. From the Basque Country to Galicia, there is a wealth of delicious dishes to explore, making Spain a true food lover’s paradise.
