Spanish Cuisine - Recipes and Introduction

When we are talking about the Spanish cuisine and Spanish food we have to be aware that Spanish recipes may have strong Phoenician, Greek, Roman, but also Arabian influences. There is a variety of regions, beginning with the Basque Side, Valencia, Extremadura, Catalonia and Andalusia. Spain, the country of »Corida« (Bullfighiting) and Flamenco, of sandy beaches, olive oil, saffron, oranges and wine is inhabited by not less than 17 nationalities, which all have marked its cuisine.

The maybe best known foods of the Spanish cuisine are Paella (a dish with rice as main ingredients), Gazpacho (a cold, spicy soup based on tomatoes), Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish omelet with fried potatoes) or Tapas (all kind of appetizers).

In accordance with their traditions, the Spanish are spending most of their time outside their home. So, meals are often served in restaurants or cafés. It’s a common habit in Spain to have breakfast (el desayuno) in a bar. Such a breakfast may be served up to noon and contains also sweet food such as the famous Magdalenas, although the waiter might serve you also a cheese sandwich or sausages roll of you like so. Between 12 o’clock and 16.00 o’clock hot meals are prepared in the kitchen and some appetizers might be taken at this time. After that kitchens are kept closed until the evening when you will be served dinner (between 21 and 24 o’clock).

As for deserts – beside fruits and ice cream – the Spanish use to serve cookies and pudding. An interesting thing is that the Spanish are considering their delicious coffee a desert. So those of you that prefer tea you will be disappointed by this aspect of the Spanish cuisine. Actually, in Spain, you won’t drink so much tea.

Just as for Italian Pesto recipes, the Spanish use olive oil for soups and salads. Spanish prepare often fish dishes, seafood, pods and rice foods. These are completed by tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggs, garlic, onion, olives, almonds and wine. An often used spice is saffron.