Catalonia, as well as its cuisine are the perfect combination of two words: Mar and Muntanya, meaning the sea e and mountains y . It perfectly embodies the centuries-old traditions of the Mediterranean basin with the influence of the Pyrenees. What to expect from local dishes? Find out now …
Catalan cuisine is quite simple, and at the same time delicious and filling dishes, drawing on the richness of the Mediterranean climate. Its most important ingredients are tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs and fish and seafood, as well as various types of mushrooms and various cold cuts, such as fuet , botifarra or llonganisa . If we’re already with cured meats, it’s impossible not to mention escudella and carn d’olla – this is the real quintessence of Catalan cuisine: a dish consisting of several types of meat, vegetables, sauces and sausages.
An interesting bite is the so-called arroz negre , or black rice, also considered one of the variations on the classic paella . It is rice with squid and its natural ink, which gives it a dark color. Vegetable lovers will probably taste escalivada – roasted peppers and eggplant, lightly drizzled with oil, as well as calcot . They are slow-cooked leeks dipped in the famous romesco sauce , which includes hazelnuts, almonds, olive oil, bread, tomatoes and beautifully hot nyora peppers. It doesn’t matter if you pass by sarsuela de peix , also known as za rzuela de m ariscos . This peculiar variety of stew is prepared from various species of fish and seafood. Traditionally, freshly caught specimens are used and cooked in a cauldron over a bonfire. Quite often it is served with the addition of picada , i.e. a sauce based on garlic, nuts, parsley, bread and a whole range of aromatic spices.
When looking for Catalan sweets, you must try crema catalana , , a cream with a pudding-based consistency based on eggs, cream and sugar with a layer of caramel on top and cinnamon sprinkles. Another treat is mel and mat made with honey and cream cheese.
Of course, these are just a few examples from the whole range of specialties. You will definitely try more on your dream trip to Catalonia.
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