Spain, with its rich culinary tradition and diverse regional flavours, offers a feast of mouthwatering dishes that delight foodies all around the world. At Sazón The Folk Cook, we are aware of it. And that is why we propose you enjoy a particular gastronomic journey, where we will explore five delicious Spanish dishes through our local cooks’menus. Some of them are very emblematic, and the others may be somewhat unfamiliar to you, but all of them are simply a treat. Each dish represents a unique facet of the country’s culinary heritage.
Tortilla de patatas
We will start our gourmet journey with one of the most classic Spanish dishes: the potato omelette. The unbeatable queen of the tapas, our tortilla de patatas is as worldly known as simple in its ingredients. Potatoes, eggs, olive oil, salt and onion. Spanish tortilla with or without onion is a common and endless debate among Spaniards. And it seems that the potato omelette with onion always wins.
Its preparation requires, however, a certain amount of skill, especially when it comes to flipping the omelette. But you don’t have to worry about it, as Inma will prepare a perfect Spanish tortilla especially for you! With or without onion? Up to you to find out!
Gambas al ajillo
Garlic Prawns, normally served in small cazuelas de barro to keep the dish warm, are one of the tastiest Spanish dishes that you may commonly find as a tapa or portions to share. Fresh prawns are quickly sautéed in olive oil with generous amounts of sliced fresh garlic and a touch of chilli pepper for a hint of heat. The result is a simple yet incredibly flavourful dish that’s perfect for at any moment, occasion and time of the year.
Back to Alfredo & Mariángeles, we suggest that if you happen to be in Barcelona, don’t forget to try their fantastic garlic prawns, part of a delicious menu that they will prepare for you at their house. We are sure you will be captivated.
Arroz negro
Black Rice is a variation of the iconic seafood paella but it stands out with its distinct dark hue, which comes from squid ink. Although of Valencian origin, the black rice is cooked all over Spain. Each region and each cook can create their own variation, but in general, the essential ingredients are rice, squid, squid ink and saffron. And quite often too, a hint of onion and garlic, mussels and shrimps.
Normally served with some alioli, this dish will satisfy the most demanding palates. Simply a treat, like the one that Vanessa will cook for you in her house in Huelva. Are you going to miss it?
Rabo de toro
This hearty delight from Andalusia is another irresistible must-try Spanish dish. Few dishes can compare to Rabo de Toro, a succulent oxtail stew which always surprises all those who taste it. Slow-cooked, the result is a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy, a flavorful meat, tender and delicious. The oxtail is braised in a rich sauce made with red wine, tomatoes, onions, and a few aromatic spices.
The oxtail stew is traditionally served with a side of potatoes, roasted, fried in thin slices or even in a creamy mash. Bread is a must, so that you sop up every drop of sauce. Carmen & Carmen, mother and daughter, cook this recipe in a way you won’t be able to resist. Will you give them a try?
Carrillada de cerdo
The last of our mouthwatering Spanish dishes for today is a tender treat from the Iberian pig. The pig cheek stew. As you know, Spanish cuisine celebrates every part of the pig. Thus, the carrillada, or pig cheek, is a clear example of how Spanish local cooks can turn humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces.
Cooked almost with the same ingredients and in a very similar way to the oxtail stew, pig cheeks have a depth of flavour that’s truly unforgettable. The main difference with the previous dish is the meat flavour and texture. Beef meat results in a gelatinous texture due to the collagen present in the tail’s connective tissues. Meanwhile, cheek meat is tender and has a unique, mild pork flavour. Also, the oxtail needs a longer cooking time than the cheeks. Anyway, if you wish to discover the differences among these two delicacies by yourself, don’t miss the carrilladas de cerdo that Miriam is ready to prepare for you at her house in Malaga.
Will you be able to choose among these mouthwatering Spanish dishes?
Well, actually you don’t need to.
Join Sazón and discover the Spanish traditional cuisine directly in our mothers’ and grandmothers’ houses!
