Flavors here are mild and simple, allowing the diner to appreciate the quality of the ingredients. While there are regional specialties, here are a handful of dishes commonly found throughout the country:.
Countless varieties of it exist, and one could taste as many versions as there are cooks. There are, however, a few essential elements: a base of sofrito a slowly stewed mixture of onions, carrots, garlic, bell peppers or all of the above , rice, saffron which gives it the yellow color and some combination of seafood and meats.
There are vegetarian versions as well. This cold soup is made from ripe and juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, bread and bell peppers. The ingredients are blended until silky smooth, chilled and served in bowls or glasses. Tortilla is served at all times of day and in all manner of dining establishments.
Usually resembling a frittata thick and well cooked , a Spanish tortilla is often served at room temperature. Perhaps the most ubiquitous of tapas, patatas bravas vary quite a bit around the country, but all versions involve chunks of fried potato served with a creamy sauce. Some people add garlic. Some opt for a dash of sherry. Others still insist on jealously guarding their secret ingredients. The dish is simple but delicious and found throughout the country.
Pairing a regional Spanish dish with the corresponding region's wine makes for a wonderful dining experience. Wherever you are, eat and drink the local specialties, and you can't go wrong! The notion of a singular Spanish identity is complicated, and this has resulted in a population comprised of regional people with their own distinct dialects and cultural and culinary heritages.
In terms of food, the Basque region in central north Spain bordering France is probably best known for its culinary delights. In fact, San Sebastian the cultural capital of Basque Country has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than Paris!
Visitors just have to wander through the charming streets and pop into any bar or restaurant to taste some of the best of what the country has to offer. Catalonia, another semiautonomous region in the northeast, has Barcelona at its heart, and this area also has its own flair. Much of the population here has roots in the Gaelic and Celtic cultures of Ireland and Britain, making bagpipes and kilts not unusual here.
Some of the crispest, most refreshing white wines are made in Galicia. The Moors North African Arabs who lived in Spain for centuries had a strong influence on much of the culture here, including its food. The sunny, hot climate produces wines very different from the north, and this region is also a prime growing area for olives.
Spain is, after all, one of the largest global producers of olive oil. Here are some to get you started at a local restaurant:. Tipping is not expected or required in Spain. Restaurant and hospitality employees are generally compensated adequately and provided with health care and benefits.
That said, leaving a bit of change at the end of a meal is acceptable. A different tapa is ordered at each stop. This time is about socializing with friends and neighbors as it is about the quality of the food.
It is not uncommon for friends to have a regular circuit by meeting up at their favorite bars. The Spanish love tapas so much that they made a verb out of it.
The phrase " Vamos a tapear! There are literally hundreds, perhaps thousands, of different tapas. The midday meal or la comida , as it is called in Spain, is the largest meal of the day. It is definitely a big meal and typically includes multiple courses and wine. Since Spanish lunches are always large, and courses come one at a time, it is important to pace yourself. Like Italians, Spaniards believe in taking their time and enjoying their meals.
That is why you can expect lunch to last an hour and a half or longer. Traditionally, Spaniards have a two- to three-hour break from work or school in order to enjoy lunch. They also take a short nap or siesta. Essentially, the entire country closes up shop from about to p. The siesta is a tradition that goes back centuries from the days when most people worked in agriculture and air conditioning did not exist.
It is easy to understand why folks needed fuel from a large meal as well as a rest from the hot Spanish sun before returning to work. Everyone in Spain enjoyed this afternoon break from school kids to shop workers and government officials. Most Spaniards still enjoy a break and large meal, but life in Spain is changing. In larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona , many people spend over an hour commuting to and from work, making it impossible to go home for a meal and siesta.
Because of this, Spanish government employees in Madrid now work a standard eight-hour day with a one-hour lunch break. Many large supermarket and retail chains in large cities do not close for lunch anymore, either.
Most small shops still close to enjoy their meal and a break before re-opening in the late afternoon. Bread is always found on the Spanish table. It is plentiful and fresh and used to mop up sauces. Since Spaniards love eggs and dairy foods, you will find that many desserts are made from fresh milk or cream.
Fresh fruit is typical to see on a dessert menu and may be served with a soft cheese. Also, do not forget an espresso shot. You will probably need it after the big lunch.
The late-afternoon snack in Spain is called la merienda. It is necessary since there are typically five or six hours between lunch and dinner. La merienda is especially important to children, who always seem to have lots of energy to play soccer in the streets and other fun activities. Snacktime can be anything from a piece of French-style bread with a piece of chocolate on top or bread with chorizo sausage, ham, or salami.
It is eaten around or 5 p. It may not be the liquer, but it certainly is one of the most popular ones. The name speaks of the origins of this distilled drink, in the Beiras region of Portugal. A bottle of mid-range wine costs around 2. And the average price of local brand liquor at the market is about Generally speaking, Portugal is cheaper than Spain, although the flight there will likely be the most expensive part of your Portugal vacation. Can American Citizens Move to Portugal?
If you wish to live there long-term, then you need to get a residence permit. The safest country in Europe For peace of mind, Portugal is therefore a great choice, backed up by the Global Peace Index which is published every year: in Portugal took the third spot on the list of the safest countries in the world, just behind Iceland and New Zealand.
With a metro population of 2. For some people, the value of your Social Security benefit is enough to cover your costs of living. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel.
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