A quick fire guide to Spanish cuisine

Twelve million Brits take their holidays in Spain each year, attracted largely by the hot weather and the promise of a sun tan. It’s surprising to learn that while so many British people make the trip, they don’t take advantage of what is one of the most celebrated cuisines in the world. English breakfasts and cold beers are on the top of many holidaymakers’ menus, especially 18-30s heading for a wild drinking holiday in Costa del Sol or Playa de las Americas, Tenerife. However, people wanting a bit more during their holiday may be interested in being a little more adventurous and sampling some real Spanish food. Here’s a quick guide to some of this nation’s top dishes:

Tapas

There’s been a surge of tapas bars opening in Britain over the last decade or so, and it’s almost become a cuisine in its own right because it’s so popular. Basically tapas are small appetizing dishes that are great for sharing if you buy a few of them, and they’re usually eaten by Spaniards between work time and dinner time (which is normally served at the later time of 9 – 11pm). There’s a whole range of different flavours to sample, and restaurants will offer plenty of variations to keep everyone happy. Popular examples include tigres (spicy stuffed mussels), calamares (battered squid rings) and patatas bravas (fried diced potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce, often served with aioli), but the variety is virtually unlimited.

Tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette)

Not to be confused with the Central American flatbread known as tortilla, this dish is actually a large omelette with potatoes. Onions and potatoes, and sometimes garlic according to the region, are first lightly fried in a significant amount of oil, then scrambled eggs are added to the mix until set. It’s a simple yet very popular dish, and has many variations. In some parts chorizo, peppers, and mushrooms may be added.

Gazpacho

This cold soup originates from the southern region of Andalusia, and is especially popular during the hotter summer months. Descending from an ancient concoction based on stale bread, garlic, olive oil, salt and vinera, the most regular feature of modern gazpacho is tomato. The preparation for the soup is particularly easy, as it requires no cooking. Instead, all of the raw vegetables are either thrown together with olive oil and vinegar, or blended. For that reason it’s incredibly healthy.

Paella

Paella is the singularly most famous dish to come out of Spain. It is particularly popular in Valencia and further north along the east coast in Catalonia. It’s a rice dish created in a pan with a large base, and is always a stunning presentation when done properly. Meat, seafood, or vegetables, or sometimes a mix, are stir fried in the pan, and then added to this are a blend of herbs and spices; particularly saffron or garlic. After this stage stock or water is added and brought to the boil, and then rice is added. This is then left to simmer for around an hour to create an extraordinary flavour and sticky texture. If you’re going to sample only one Spanish dish then you should make it paella.

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