Food In Spain

Experiencing the culinary offerings of a different country is just one of the rewards of going on a vacation. If you are going to Spain, you will be happy to know that you will get a broad range of delicious delicacies. You might have already tasted Spanish food in restaurants where you live, but there is nothing like having it in Spain.
Since the country is considered a gateway between Europe and Africa, with access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, expect to see various culinary influences there. With a history that includes Greek, Roman, Celtic, and Moorish influences, Spain offers food from different cultures. The Greeks and Romans brought in olives and olive oil. The Celts brought in fish and meat pies. The Moors used almonds, honey, and spices like saffron. Further, the Spanish were leaders in exploration. Thus, from the late 1400’s on, they brought various foods like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and corn with them from other regions. These items also entered their diet. Moreover, since the country has miles upon miles of coastline, expect to savor in high-quality seafood. Pork and poultry is also big there.
The most popular Spanish dish is paella. It originally comes from Valencia. It is made of rice and includes various other ingredients like shellfish including shrimp, lobster, and clams, vegetables, chorizo, and chicken or rabbit. Not all variations contain all ingredients. To add flavor to the dish, there is also the inclusion of broth, garlic, wine, onion, sweet red peppers, and saffron.
Coastal areas are very popular for their fresh seafood. Large prawns are a staple in these areas, with dishes like gambas ajillo leading the menus. Cooked in olive oil and seasoned with spices, they certainly keep people happy. The various regions of Spain have their famed dishes. The southern Spain region of Andalucia specializes in a cold tomato soup called gazpacho. This region is also famous for its fried battered fish called freidurias.
Besides seafood, pork is a big food item in the country. Jamon Iberico and jamon Serrano are popular types of ham. Another type of pork comes in the form of a sausage. It is called chorizo and comes in variations. It is quite red in color due to the dried red peppers it contains. The Segovian province of Cantimpalos loves its chorizo.
During your travels in Spain, you also must try the tortilla Espanola. This is a Spanish omelet made of potatoes, eggs, and onions (usually). Unlike standard omelets, the main ingredient in this dish is the potato, not the egg. It is an easy and simple meal.
What is a meal without some wine? Spain is very proud of its rioja, which comes from the north, as well as its sherry, a fortified wine, that comes sweet or dry. Immensely popular in this country is the sangria , which is a wine mixed with soda water and pieces of fruit. When it comes to dessert, the Spanish favorite is the flan. This rich and delicious custard can top any meal.