On a long weekend, trying out different cuisines from around the world would be a welcome change from the mundane regular meals that we normally eat. So, what are you trying this weekend? Why can’t it be mouthwatering Spanish Cuisine? When we say Spanish Cuisine the very first vote goes to seafood unanimously as Spain is famous for its seafood recipes which are unique and indeed beneficial for health in terms of the fresh ingredients that are used.
Trying out Spanish Cuisine this weekend would never leave you unsatisfied -rather it will tap your zest for healthy food with the perfect Mediterranean diet. Hold on, before you embark on your culinary adventure, it is important to know a little more about the ingredients that go into making Spanish cuisine delicious. These range from olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, and so on. Twelve such ingredients essential for Spanish Cuisine to tickle your taste buds are:
1. Olive Oil
As history suggests, Spain used to send Olive Oil to Rome to instill the taste of Spanish Cuisine into Roman Cuisine. One of the very most important ingredients, Olive Oil is used in almost all the dishes especially the fried ones as it is the main characteristic of all Mediterranean Cuisine. Olive Oil in Spanish Cuisine is used mainly for frying. While choosing, go on par with the grades; for example, it is believed that Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best oil used in Spanish Cuisine.
2. Garlic
A fresh piece of garlic added to any non-vegetarian dish gives a surreal taste which leaves our taste-buds asking for more. Mainly known for it’s seafood, Spanish Cuisine without Garlic is not imaginable. Always stock up the vegetable tub with Garlic especially if you are trying out a special Spanish dish, notably non-vegetarian. Garlic is also useful for adding flavor to sauces, soups and tapas along with a variety of appetizers in Spanish Cuisine.
3. Peppers
With the best combination of onion and garlic, Peppers are stuffed to give a spicy taste to Spanish Cuisine. Sometimes, they are used in roasted dishes and are eaten raw in salads too.
4. Eggs
The most common dish one can find in almost all the restaurants throughout Spain is Tortilla Espanloa, popularly known as the Spanish Omelet which suggests the basic requirement of Eggs in Spanish Cuisine. At any point of time, keep a handful of eggs to prepare an easy Spanish dish.
5. Spanish Paprika
Spanish Chorizo is one of the most admired dishes all around the world to give you the best possible example of how important Spanish Paprika is for Spanish Cuisine. One of the most handy ingredients in almost all the Spanish cooking methods, Spanish Paprika is used in sausages, fried eggs, etc.
6. Tomatoes
Spain being one of the high rated distributors of tomatoes throughout the world (especially after the colonization of Americas) Spanish cuisine without Tomatoes is incomplete. From sausages to salads to an add up on breads, tomatoes are being used in regular Spanish Cuisine in many ways.
7. Potatoes
Have you heard about a Potato Omelet? Well, it is extremely popular in the Spanish region for it’s rich taste clubbed with eggs and all the spices. Apart from Tortilla de Potata, Potatoes are used in various kinds of Spanish Cuisine like soups, casseroles and also some side dishes.
8. Pomegranates
Deeply rooted in Spanish Cuisine since ancient times, Pomegranate is one ingredient which is very common, in fact an essential fruit used while cooking some of the tasty Spanish recipes like jellies, jams, desserts etc.
9. Spanish Saffron
Though the Iranian Saffron is more highly rated than the Spanish Saffron, the varieties of the latter like Spanish Superior and Creme are known for their flavour and aroma. Also known as Azafran, Spanish Saffron is used as a spicy ingredient in almost all Spanish dishes. Apart from Saffron, Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano are also used to spice up Spanish Cuisine.
10. Onions
Spanish Onion, usually yellow in color is a bit sweeter and milder than the commonly available onion. It is used for preparing good omelets, stir-fries and salsas. Besides being used in omelets and all the side dishes, Onions are popularly eaten in Spain and included in almost all the main dishes too.
11. Milk
Spain is famous for the usage of goat’s Milk in all the dishes, Milk (not necessarily goat’s milk) plays a vital role in preparing Spanish desserts such as Flan. Milk is extensively used in Spanish Cuisine for preparing a wide range of cheese.
12. French Bread
Being an iconic ingredient in Hispanic Cuisine, French Bread or the traditional Spanish pan can be found in all the bakeries in Spain. As Spanish people are known for their bread baking since 750 years ago, nothing could give you a better taste than the French Baguette in Spanish Cuisine.