Traditional Spanish Food
Delicious Spanish Food!
Easy Spanish Recipes
Traditional Spanish food is very similar to other Mediterranean countries as they share similar spices, herbs and a fresh supply of fish from the Mediterranean sea. The most famous is the tasty and delicious paella which originates from Valencia.
Olives and vineyards abound and are a major source of income for most Mediterranean countries.
Fruits and salads are plentiful, delicious and fresh and olive oil is one of the most important ingredients of Spanish food.
Spain was occupied by the Moors for many years so the food of Spain also uses the various spices and herbs related to this type of cooking.
In most rural areas markets are oveflowing with the freshest of vegetables and fruit and in cities such as Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona there are large covered markets.
They have the most amazing array of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs such as parsley, garlic and saffron. A large variety of Spanish cheese, olives, olive oil, serrano ham, fish and seafoods. The city of Valencia is famous for Mercado Central and Barcelona for La Boqueria market.
Breakfast - El DesayunoThis is not a heavy meal and Spanish breakfast food usually consists of toast, croissants, cakes and fresh coffee.
Chocolate drink (hot or cold) is very popular for children and everyone enjoys the delicouse magdalena cakes for breakfast or merrienda (afternoon snack/tea).
Lunch - La ComidaThe Spanish are well know for their afternoon siesta and although many people just make do with a snack (those in the city), many people still enjoy a large lunch followed by an afternoon nap and return to work at 5.00pm.
The meal normally begins with soup and bread followed by a meat or fish dish with plenty of fresh salad. Spanish desserts normally consist of a variety of fruits or the quintessential flan (creme caramel).
Many shops and offices in cities have stopped having a break for siesta so people take their lunch break at one of the local tapas bars and enjoy tapas and paella, Spanish Tortilla (Spanish omelette) or bocadillas (crusty bread filled with cheese, serrano ham and other tasty fillings).
Sunday is the best day for eating traditional Spanish food as the entire family joins in! Many people enjoy a traditional Spanish paella for lunch and those with a garden usually cook it and eat the paella outside.
Spanish Foods - Merrienda (Afternoon Tea/Snack)
Merrienda occurs between lunch and dinner when the traditional Spanish food loved by children is enjoyed. Slices of bread covered with thick chocolate (sometimes magdelanas) washed down with a cold milk chocolate drink is the snack all Spanish children enjoy after school.
Many adults also enjoy this afternoon snack with any of the above or chocolate and churros (similar to doughnuts) at a local cafe.
Dinner - La CenarThe meal is often very light as it is eaten quite late in the evening. Many people eat out at local tapas bars where you can find traditional Spanish food such as Spanish Tortilla and pasta dishes accompanied with salad.
Eating out in Spain is always a wonderful experience as there are so many lovely restaurants to choose from. Most restaurants in Spain don't really get busy until 8.00-9.00pm and some very much later.
There are many restaurants in Valencia and tapas bars along the marina, next to the lovely Valencia beaches and in the Old Quarter of Valencia and especially in Barrio del Carmen.
What's your favorite Spanish recipe?
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