Introduction To The Spanish Gastronomy

By Author: Erik Sulivan
Total Articles: 43
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In this country where food has always been in focus, there is truly a lot to discover and admire. Food-wise, of course.

Regionally Diverse

The most fascinating thing about the food culture in Spain is that it is almost extremely diverse. Every region in the country has their own approach to cooking as well as on their own unique ingredients and recipes. This variety among the Spanish regions roots from the fact that they are divided by mountains that once inhibited the Spaniards to communicate with people from another region. This lack of exchange has clearly allowed the individual areas to develop their own original cuisine, resulting now in Spain's assorted fusions of flavors.

Eventually, in the turn of the 20th century, these regions became more connected and the once individual cuisines blended into a wonderful national gastronomy. Today, you can have regional specialties anywhere in Spain, be it at Madrid hotels or at Campanile hotel in Malaga and restaurants. Of course, nothing can beat the experience of having regional delicacies from the place where they originated.

An ...
... Abundance of Ingredients

It will be difficult to pinpoint the primary and most used ingredients in Spanish cuisine because of the mentioned regional diversity. Two components that are always part of the dishes, though, are garlic and olive oil. These two ingredients sound basic, but they are actually the only common ground of the many national and regional dishes in the country.

Other than this two, ham is also a beloved ingredient in Spain. In fact, the country has several museums dedicated to hams. They call these places museo de jamon and here, you can both revel on the display of hams and purchase some and let your taste buds do the celebration. Spain is also teeming with seafood as it is surrounded by different bodies of water in three of its sides. Except for a variety of fish like mackerel and flatfish, they are also fond of using shrimps, octopus, prawns, and spider crabs in their everyday dishes.

The Classic Dishes

Many of the traditional dishes created and developed in Spain remain valuable treasures of their respective regions and the country as a whole. But some of them have become very popular throughout the world and are now served everywhere. What were once confined in local restaurants and in a hotel Campanile in Madrid has are now staples in various locations in the world.

One such Spanish delicacy is paella, a rice dish cooked with choice meat and vegetables and seasoned with saffron. This dish comes with different types, depending on the meat chosen. Another traditional dish that has a variety of flavors and forms are tapas. This Spanish favorite can be served as breakfast, snack, finger food, or anything that you might desire. They also come in various flavors—they can be sweet, spicy, or with a seafood tang. There are also churros, fried pastries that are available everywhere in Spain. Churros are sweet and are best served with hot chocolate on the side.

The Spanish cuisine is famous for its sheer diversity. Because of its geography and rich history, each region boasts of their individual prized recipes. Today, though, these specialties have all come together to represent the Spanish cuisine. Everyone can now enjoy these dishes from Madrid hotels and even in malaga hotels and restaurants. Some famous dishes are also now available throughout the world and not just in any hotel Madrid and the whole country has. More information: www.campanile.com/en