There is a famous phrase that says that “dessert must be spectacular because it arrives when the gourmet is no longer hungry”. At Sazón we couldn’t agree more since we are one of those who always leaves a little space in their stomach for dessert… Do you also belong to the sweet tooth club? Spanish gastronomy has a great number of nuances due to its rich mix of cultures. And we have seen it in numerous dishes and regions. But in today’s article we are going to focus on exploring the sweet side: the wide world of traditional Spanish desserts.
In the diverse universe of Spanish culinary tradition, desserts occupy a special place. And there is no house or restaurant in Spain that does not finish its delicious meals with a dessert. From classic fruit ones to the most sophisticated creations of haute pastries, traditional Spanish desserts offer an unparalleled delight for sweet lovers.
Grandma’s recipes are a must-have sweet treat
If there is something that characterises Spanish cuisine, it is the transmission of recipes in the family environment. From parents to children or from grandparents to grandchildren, culinary secrets are passed down from generation to generation. Curiously, the recipes for traditional Spanish desserts are one of those things that cannot be learned on the Internet… But rather the skills are acquired by observing how grandmothers used to make the preparations and cooked with all the love and patience in the world.
Mari Pepa and Raquel, mother and daughter, have mastered the art of pastry making thanks to their love of their mother’s and grandmother’s cooking respectively. They open the doors of their home to us to savour a delicious traditional Spanish dessert that has long been a favourite in our homes: flan (the American meaning of the term is closer to this traditional Spanish dessert). This creamy and delicate dessert is prepared with eggs, sugar and milk, and cooked in a bain-marie to achieve a smooth and silky texture that melts in the mouth. It is decorated with a golden caramel that adds a touch of additional sweetness, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a classic but refined experience.
Rice pudding, one of the most traditional Spanish desserts
Another traditional Spanish dessert that always triumphs on all tables is the sweet arroz con leche. In every Spanish house there is a different recipe for this delicious and simple dessert. Each region has its unique twist, with some variations including lemon zest, vanilla or even almonds. Served hot or cold, this dessert evokes memories of home and tradition, being the protagonist on family tables during celebrations and special events.
To enjoy this dessert that fuses simplicity with delight, both Marcos & Aurora from his country house in Malaga (*featured image). And Ana from her cosy apartment on Madrid’s Golden Mile finish their menus with this basic recipe. A delicious rice pudding (kind of) that consists of slow-cooked rice in milk with sugar and cinnamon, creating an irresistible creamy and comforting mixture.
Gastronomic diversity
As we have mentioned before, Spain is a country with very diverse regions. And this is also reflected in its traditional desserts. In each place there is a typical dish that can only be tasted there. This is the case of the two desserts suggested by our hosts Inma from Cádiz and Francisco from Barcelona.
Inma prepares a dessert that is considered a true gastronomic treasure in Andalusia: tocino de cielo. Its main ingredients are egg yolks and sugar, mixed in perfect proportions to create a dense and smooth base. The magic happens when this smoothie is simmered to a firm, delicate consistency. The result is a dessert that melts in your mouth, leaving behind an unforgettable experience.
For his part, Francisco prepares us the traditional Catalan dessert: Crema catalana. This sweet is composed of a rich egg and milk cream infused with citrus, cinnamon and vanilla. Then the top surface is caramelised with sugar, creating a crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the cream. This dessert is highly appreciated by sweet lovers around the world.
History and tradition
We cannot end our sweet journey through traditional Spanish desserts without referring to the famous torrijas. This sweet is only cooked in Spain during Holy Week. Although in the past it was a recipe of modest people to use stale bread left over from other days. The preparation is simple: slices of bread dipped in milk, egg and sugar before frying, and drizzled with honey or sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon for the finishing touch. This dessert is an explosion of flavours and textures. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!
To invite her diners to try this delicious traditional Spanish dessert, Delia from Granada concludes her delicate menu with this sweet treat flavoured with aromas of cinnamon and vanilla.
In summary, traditional Spanish desserts tell a unique story. They reflect the diversity of Spanish gastronomic culture. As well as provide a culinary experience that goes beyond the simple pleasure of the palate.
ººº
