Andalusia is well known for its rich culinary tradition, full of influences of a variety of cultures along history. Though the most present, not only in its gastronomy, is probably the Moorish one. Fresh and savoury, with typical Mediterranean ingredients, vibrant flavours and an endless list of delicious dishes, deciding what to eat in Andalucia can be a bit difficult with so many delicacies to choose from. Would you like to know some of the most typical dishes of Andalusia? At Sazón The Folk Cook we’ll show you!
Fresh soups like Gazpacho and Salmorejo
Ideal for hot sunny days and a perfect starter for a summer lunch, both gazpacho and salmorejo are universally known for being so tasty and so simple at the same time. The main ingredient (the one that should never be missing) is tomato; the redder and the ripper, the better for our recipes. While gazpacho is a dish to drink rather than to eat (even if it is a cold soup), salmorejo is a thicker soup much closer to a cold cream, let’s say. There are a few more variations depending on where you are in Andalusia, as for example, the porra antequerana. It is worth trying them all!
Pipirrana
If we continue exploring what to eat in Andalusia, we cannot miss another deliciously refreshing dish, the pipirrana. Once more, tomato is the main ingredient in the recipe. But now we are faced with an exquisite original salad that can be eaten either with a fork or served as a tapa on top of a slice of bread. Fresh onion, tuna or olive, plus the classic salad dressing consisting of olive oil, salt and vinegar. Delightful!
Cod and orange salad
Another salad widely spread in southern Spain is the one with oranges and cod. In the whole country, salted cod is very common and cooked in many different ways. This recipe, also known as remojón andaluz, consists of desalted and crumbled cod, diced oranges, sliced onion, black olives and olive oil. If you try to cook it, remember not to put any salt, as the cod, even desalted, will be enough.
Tortillitas de camarón
A fishy dish, and a good option if you don’t know what to eat in Andalusia. More a starter than a main course, with this exquisite snack, tasty and crunchy, you will instantly capture the essence of Andalusian gastronomy. Although not all of it, of course, because the culinary richness of this country and this region is immense. One curious fact: despite being called “tortillitas” (little omelettes), there are no eggs in its recipe.
Pescaíto frito
Fried fish, a good-sized tray of assorted ones, is just something that has a different and heavenly flavour in Andalusia. It is even said that the fried fish was invented in Cádiz. But the truth is that no matter in which region of Andalusia you eat it, you will be delighted!
Iberian ham
Iberian ham is more than famous all over the world. The whole of Spain has a strong tradition related to it, and there are several places where the quality of the ham is more appreciated than the rest. One of these places is in Andalusia, specifically in Jabugo, Huelva. The Jamón de Jabugo has its own protected designation of origin (PDO) and it is one of most highly valued culinary products in Spanish gastronomy. Don’t miss out on a good dish of assorted cured meats and an exquisite Iberian ham!
Carrillada de cerdo
Still not sure what to eat in Andalusia? What about meat? As you’ve probably heard more than once, pork meat is highly appreciated in Spain. And all of it can be used for cooking. Pork cheeks, for instance, is one of the most delicious meat dishes you can enjoy in Andalusia. Normally accompanied with creamy savoury sauces, it melts in your mouth.
Piononos or Pestiños
One of the most typical Andalusian desserts are the piononos, a soft cake soaked in syrup, custard and egg yolk. You can also find delicious sugary cakes such as the pestiños, a sweet specialty of Easter, as well as torrijas.
