Being surrounded by water (Atlantic Ocean on the west, Mediterranean Sea on the east, and Cantabric Sea on the north), Spain’s diet has a lot of seafood in it. The famous rice dish, the paella, is filled to the brim with fresh seafood such as mussels, shrimp, squid, and fish. Crabs such as the snow crab (centello), blue crab, and buey de mar are popular in Spain. Whether incorporated in the empanada or as crab cakes or simply boiled in sea water, these crustaceans are a delight. Lobsters may be boiled and served with sauce or the meat mixed with a rice dish. Seafood is also found in soups and stews or sometimes enjoyed steamed or boiled (in the safe way to eat, of course). Either way one thing we can be sure about, Spain loves their seafood. Spain also has a lot of Roman influence like ham, lentils, and mushrooms, which were common at the northern part of the country. The southern part of Spain had a lot of
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Being surrounded by water (Atlantic Ocean on the west, Mediterranean Sea on the east, and Cantabric Sea on the north), Spain’s diet has a lot of seafood in it. The famous rice dish, the paella, is filled to the brim with fresh seafood such as mussels, shrimp, squid, and fish. Crabs such as the snow crab (centello), blue crab, and buey de mar are popular in Spain. Whether incorporated in the empanada or as crab cakes or simply boiled in sea water, these crustaceans are a delight. Lobsters may be boiled and served with sauce or the meat mixed with a rice dish. Seafood is also found in soups and stews or sometimes enjoyed steamed or boiled (in the safe way to eat, of course). Either way one thing we can be sure about, Spain loves their seafood.
Spain also has a lot of Roman influence like ham, lentils, and mushrooms, which were common at the northern part of the country. The southern part of Spain had a lot of Mediterranean influence, with the influx of healthy dishes. Typical dishes include stews, sausages, and cheeses. Spanish food in general, has rich, robust flavors which say a lot of their culture and character. There’s not one food that’s bland. The paella alone has a bit of tartness added with the squeeze of lemon on the rice dish before eating.
Tapas, in Spanish cuisine are a variety of appetizers either cold or warm, usually served to encourage conversation in parties. Spanish tapas may consist of olives, cheese, ham, and baby squid (the Spanish do
really love their seafood). Chorizo, mussels, and even mushrooms are also popular. Tapas are still popular in today’s modern restaurants and are sometimes recreated in home parties and small functions. Many restaurants nowadays have added their own versions of popular Spanish tapas in their menu.
A forever evolving culture, Spain’s food choices to continue to grow. As history has written, Spain has also brought a bit of their tradition and food in the countries they colonized, like Mexico and the Philippines. With globalization, more food is being recreated, with more influences coming from other countries. Trends nowadays add tweaks and updates to traditional Spanish dishes, either making it available to everyone or introducing cuisine to children. TV shows in cable or local channels introduce Spanish culture as well as describing food and giving tips and tricks on how to recreate these dishes at the comfort of the viewer’s kitchens. This rich culture still will live on.
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