While each region of Spain has its own twist on Spanish food, there are certain cuisine elements that are common across the country. Olive oil, potatoes, soup, garlic, seafood and shellfish are all common in Spanish cuisine, as are pork, sausages and cheeses. Wine is a popular accompaniment to an evening meal.
Spanish Food Essentials
Spanish food in general has a number of characteristics that, when taken together in a banquet, differentiates the food of Spain from those of its neighbors. Cold cuts are an important part of a formal Spanish meal. This is not surprising because Spain has a long history of animal slaughtering. Spanish cold cuts are available in different varieties: cured, semi-dry, dry, smoked or cooked. Dairy products are another cornerstone of Spanish cuisine. Goat and sheep milk produce are widely used. Olive oil is considered the "chief" of the Spanish kitchen. It is used not only to cook Spanish food, but also to preserve food ingredients, to make food more nutritious, and to make candies and sweets.http://www.spanishfoodfinder.com/spanishfood.html
Common Spanish Dishes
- Tapas, much like meze in Middle Eastern cuisine or dim sum in Chinese cuisine, is the catchall term for small plates of foods. There are usually a wide variety of dishes served, and there are hundreds of different tapas dishes. A venue that specializes in tapas is called a tapas bar in the United States and a tasca in Spain.
- Paella is a rice dish flavored with saffron that includes an assortment of vegetables, as well as seafood and/or meat.
- Cocido is a slow-cooked meat, vegetable and chickpea stew. Though paella is more famous, cocido is widely considered the national dish of Spain.
Spanish Food: Tapas
In this video, a North American chef specializing in Spanish food gives a quick yet fairly thorough overview of the category of Spanish foods collectively known as tapas. He first provides a short history of the traditional snacks and then gives three examples of common Spanish dishes that can be served as tapas.
Where To Go For Spanish Food
- Restaurant Directory: Yelp
- Chowhound: Best downtown Manhattan Spanish restaurant?
- Jaleo Phone (202) 628-7949 Google Map
- Fodor's Choice
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Cuisine varies by region.
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Fact:
Spanish food has received influences from North African and Jewish cuisine
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Fact:
Olive oil is "chief" of the Spanish kitchen.
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Fact:
Cold cuts are a cornerstone of Spanish food.
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Fact:
Goat and sheep milk products are commonly used in the preparation of Spanish food.
