An introduction to finger licking and exotic Spanish food
Spanish food is popular all over the world and is usually prepared from ingredients that are available locally or grown in the country. This is because Spain is surrounded from all sides by the natural barriers in the form of mountains and oceans. naturally, it is greatly influenced by sea food. Hence communication as well as transportation becomes quite difficult. Having been a country with a rich history and also a colonial power , it has been influenced by cuisines from all over the world. There has been a great influence of American and other European food. Spanish food is of supreme quality and you will fall in love with it immediately no matter what!
Although the food and dishes vary with the regions, some common food in the country are potato omelette, sausages, ham, chesses and various stews.
The basic ingredients that are used in Spanish food are olive oil and garlic. Spain itself has a number of different regions with people of varied cultures. Hence the cuisines also vary from region to region. However, one common thing is that, olive oil is used as a very important ingredient in the Spanish food. This also accounts for the fact that Spain is one of the leading producers of olive oil. The southern region of the Spain is very popular for the cultivation of olives.
Iberico ham or Jamón ibérico is a very famous food which is produced only in Spain. It is made from at least75 percent Black Iberian Pig or cross-bred pigs. The best hams are cured for months and years . You would be amazed to know that there are several museums of ham. You will find a number of varieties of ham such as the jamón ibérico de bellota (acorn), jamón ibérico de recebo and jamón ibérico de pienso. The Spanish are proud and also popular for their hams.
If you are good at geography then you might also be aware of another important fact that the Spain is surrounded by water on three sides. Thus people are crazy about fish and sea food, and fishes of the best quality are available in abundance. Halibut, shrimps, octopus etc. are some of the very common fishes that you will find in their menus.
Cheese is also loved by the Spanish. Cheeses are available from sheep, cow, goat milk and a mixture of their milk. You will get different varieties of cheese which can be consumed with meals and desserts. Sausages are also quite popular in Spain.
Fruits are also quite popular among the people. Fruits are consumed as snacks in Spain. They are also regularly consumed after their meals. Eggplants and zucchini are some of the vegetables that are consumed on a regular basis. Simple salads are also included in the regular dishes.
Nuts are loved by all. Spain is one of the largest producers of almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts. Desserts are also prepared from these nuts. Among these, almonds form an important ingredient in most of the desserts. Chocolate lovers often enjoy munching hazelnuts present in the chocolates produced here.
Food is incomplete without herbs and spices. Garlic, onions as well as herbs like oregano, rosemary and thyme are also used.
You would also find that every region has its own special dish in Spain. Spanish are great patrons of food and this can be estimated from the fact they wish : “Buen provecho” to everyone which symbolizes good meal.
