Wanderlusting Mama’s top ten eats (and drinks) in Spain

As you may have deduced, we did a lot of eating when we went to Spain. I have written about all of them in previous blogs. Here is a summary of food and drinks that I highly recommend you try:

1. Jamón Ibérico—enjoy these thinly sliced on their own, with bread and cheese or with olives. These are also good with some honeydew melons.

Jamon Iberico

2. Tapas—try different kinds. I love gambas al ajilo (garlic shrimp), champignones (mushrooms), cordero (lamb), and many more! As these are small servings, you can try many different kinds. Each order will cost anywhere from €3 to €6 depending on where you are

Tapas

3. Paella—as I had mentioned, this is my absolute favourite Spanish dish. Cooked in a paellera, the orange colour of the tender rice comes from the fresh tomatoes and saffron. I particulary like the marinera version as I love seafood. However, I will eat any kind of paella-- Valenciana (with meat) and mixta (mixed).

Paella

4. Arroz Negro—this is like a black paella, literally meaning black rice. It is rice cooked in squid ink and usually served with squid and shrimps. It doesn’t look too appetizing but it is delicious!

Arroz Negro

5. Pesquaditos fritos—a traditional dish from Southern Spain, and literally meaning fried small fish, it is a delightful crunchy snack.

6. Chopitos—fried, baby cuttlefish, which are fresh, very lightly battered, and quick-fried. It is nice to eat even on the go!

Pesquaditos Fritos and Chopitos

7. Pimientos de Padrón (or Roasted Galician peppers)—these small green peppers are served roasted with a dash of salt and brushed with oil. They are not too spicy and only had the slightest kick. Once you pop one of these into your mouth, it is pretty hard to stop.

Pimientos de Padron

8. Churros con chocolate—this fried pastry dough is best eaten freshly cooked. Some eat it plain with just a dusting of sugar but I prefer dipping it in some rich hot chocolate. I can eat this anytime!

Churros con Chocolate

And to drink
9. Sangria—this fruit punch comes in many varieties. Commonly, it contains red wine, some chopped fruit, soda and juice. It is perfect for summer and can surely be appreciated even by non-wine lovers.

Sangria

10. Horchata de chufa—this white, milky drink (made from tubers of the nut sedge plant) is best taken ice cold. As I have recounted in my previous blog (Valencia), the taste was like a cross between soy milk and some sort of yam smoothie. It is another refreshing and popular summer drink, a good alternative to frozen lemonade.

Horchata de Chufa

I hope I haven’t made you too hungry. These may not be readily available where you live, but there are restaurants which would have some version of these. Some of these are also pretty easy to do at home as well where you can have your own rendition of these Spanish delights. Recipes are all over the internet—believe me, I checked already!

If you are fond of pastries, I highly recommend mazapan. And for those who love to cook, don't forget to get some olive oil and also saffron from La Mancha!

¡Buen provecho!