As always, new discoveries in the kitchen represent a pure delight for every lover of gastronomy. Catalan gastronomy, therefore, delights its lovers by being discovered in all its flavors. Would you like to know more
As always, new discoveries in the kitchen represent a pure delight for every lover of gastronomy. Catalan gastronomy, therefore, delights its lovers by being discovered in all its flavors. Would you like to know more about these flavors? This article presents an overview of the flavors of Catalan gastronomy.
Catalan gastronomy: what you need to know
Catalan cuisine is recognized for the quality and diversity of its countless flavors. Already, from the Middle Ages, epicureans were delighted by the specialties of the region. And so, these were exported all over the world. One distinguishes, in particular, the wine and the olive oil, which were exported the most. Catalan flavors are a set of products from the land, the sea, and the mountains that invite themselves into the plates. They can be enjoyed around starred tables along the gastronomic routes or simply by cooking it yourself. Note that because of its multiple flavors, Catalonia obtained the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2016.
Discover the flavors of Catalonia
There are various ways to experience Catalan flavors. This can be through markets, museums, and cooking workshops for those who want to learn how to make Catalan dishes.
The steps
Flavor markets are lively and colorful and have thousands of scents. For example, La Boqueria is a veritable gold mine that has existed for 800 years. You will find fresh fish that is brought back from the sea every afternoon and freshly squeezed fruit juice according to your desires. You will also find chocolates that are made in an artisanal way to delight your taste buds. The market is open from Monday to Saturday for the happiness of those who wish to make purchases or do tastings on-site.
Museums
The gastronomic routes that have been developed allow everyone to visit many museums. They will also allow you to visit cellars and specialized sites, all this with the aim of making you discover the Catalan flavors. You will also discover the many olive fields and vineyards.
Cooking workshops
As stated above, the cooking workshops are intended for all those who wish to learn more about Catalan flavors. If you have a culinary flair, there are various workshops that will be happy to welcome you.
Some essential dishes of Catalan cuisine
If you take a trip to Catalonia, there are dishes that you will not be able to resist. They indeed present all the Catalan flavors.
The calçots
These are staples of Catalan cuisine. These are tender onions cooked over the embers, which are often accompanied by romesco sauce. If you visit Catalonia between January and March, you will find the best calçots to taste.
Allioli
It is a sauce composed mainly of garlic and olive oil. Moreover, its name comes from the combination of these two ingredients, which give in Spanish all i oli. This sauce generally accompanies braised dishes or hot dishes.
The escalivadas
It is a dish made with roasted red peppers and eggplant. It can be consumed both as a starter and as a side dish.
Panellets
Panellets are traditional dishes cooked during All Saints Day. It is a sweet recipe made with pine nuts and breaded marzipan. If you like sweets, they will be able to satisfy you.
Escudella i carn d’olla
It is an entrance that is ranked among the oldest in Europe. This is a meat soup that is always very popular on winter evenings.
Conill amb cargols
This is a rabbit with Catalan snails. It is a dish dedicated to the patronal feasts and which is very appreciated by lovers of refined cuisine.
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