A Culinary Journey through Barcelona: Exploring the Traditional Foods of the City
“A Culinary Journey through Barcelona: Exploring the Traditional Foods of the City”
Spain is huge in the culinary world! However, each region, city, and every town boasts their own specialties!
Catalonian cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine, known for its variety, use of fresh and local ingredients, and traditional techniques and recipes. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region’s Mediterranean climate and geography, which results in a wide variety of seafood and fish dishes, as well as many meat-based dishes. Also, The cuisine features a wide range of stews, soups, and casseroles. Additionally, it is known for its rich desserts and pastries, and also for the use of olive oil and herbs as a staple in cooking. The traditional Catalan cuisine has a strong influence from the neighboring regions like Valencia and the Balearic islands, and also from the French and Italian cuisine.
Escudella d’Olla
Escudella d’olla is a traditional Catalan stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and a type of pasta called galets. The stew is typically served in two courses, with the broth and pasta served first, followed by the meats and vegetables. The base of the stew is made by simmering meats and vegetables in a large pot and adding herbs, spices and galets pasta. It’s considered a hearty and comforting dish that is often served during the colder months.
Esqueixada
Esqueixada is a traditional salad made with salt cod, tomatoes, onions and peppers. It is typically dressed with olive oil and vinegar. The dish is typically served chilled and is considered a light and refreshing dish, often enjoyed during the summer months.
Suquet de Peix
Suquet de peix is a traditional seafood stew that is typically made with fish, shellfish, potatoes, garlic, paprika and saffron. The stew is traditionally cooked in a clay pot. It’s considered a hearty and flavorful dish that is often enjoyed during the warmer months.
Fideuà
Fideuà is a traditional dish that is similar to paella, but instead of using rice, it uses thin noodles made from wheat flour, called fideos. The dish is made with a variety of seafood, such as squid and shrimp, and is flavored with saffron, paprika and garlic. It is typically cooked in a large pan over an open flame, and is often served as a main course.
Escalivada
Escalivada is a famous dish made with roasted vegetables, primarily eggplant, bell peppers and onions. The vegetables are typically grilled over an open flame, then peeled, and served with olive oil and sometimes with anchovies. It is typically served as a side dish, often as a part of a larger meal, and considered a light and refreshing dish.
Make sure to try this delicious dish during your visit to the city! Yum!
Crema Catalana
As far as desserts go, Catalonia has various mouthwatering specialties. One of them is Crema Catalana is a traditional Catalan dessert, similar to crème brûlée. It is made with a custard base and flavored with lemon zest, cinnamon and vanilla. The custard is topped with a layer of caramelized sugar and is typically served in small ramekins. It’s considered a rich and indulgent dessert and often served as a traditional dessert during festivals or special occasions.
Mel i Mato
A dessert even non-dessert people will like. Mel i mato is a traditional dessert made with fresh cheese and honey. It’s typically made with a sheep or goat milk cheese called “mató” and mixed with honey and sometimes nuts. It’s considered a light and simple dessert, often served as a dessert or as a sweet snack.
