Presunto,
Here are a few basics of Catalan Cuisine. Definitely not conclusive however, I am travelling so, this is a general introduction.
The long coastline from Tarragona all the way to the border of France, have veered its population to a pescatarian influence and the fish and shellfish seasonal catch of the day, is our main staple.
THE MOST IMPORTANT CATALAN SAUCE: Romesco: prepared with Evoo, garlic, day old bread crumbs, 2 capsicum dried red horn shaped Basque chili peppers, tomato, almonds, hazelnuts & fresh parsley and they are mashed into a thick paste, almost similar to the preparation of a Genovese Pesto. This is a typical dip or salsa eaten with prawns, or squid or finned fish.
2) ZARZUELA denotes a Spanish Opera, howver, the dish called Zarzuela de Pescado is a fish stew prepared in earthenware is extraordinarily popular at quayside bars and restaurants … It is based on the seasonal catch.
3) ALIOLI: Evoo 250ml., 1 egg yolk, salt and a tiny drizzle of lemon and garlic to taste, combined with a whisk creates a thick type of mayonnaise and is served with fish, squid and / or “fried potatoes” (wedge chunks) …
4) FIDEUÀ: This is a paella however, it is prepared with Vermecelli or Fideos (tiny pasta noodles) verses Rices.
5) MATO = this is a historic dessert from Northern Giorna, Cadaqués. It is prepared with goat milk or sheep milk Ricotta, honey and rasberries. It was Salvador Dali´s fave dessert and Ferràn & AlbertAdrià prepared a vanguard versión of the historic dessert.
Pam amt tomaquet is a breakfast ( toast with crushed de-seeded and peeled tomato
marmalade and a drizzle of Evoo ) and a pinch of salt.
Girona and Tarragona produce amazingly lovely Green Evoo verses gold which is used for salads.
To answer your question:
I love Spain, it is my home and my country.
2ndly, Italy … Both my husband and I love, Italy and its sensational authentic regional cuisine and the people.
Then, I can say all my trips have been amazingly extraordinary in one way or another.
Other wonderful trips have included:
The Nordic Countries
Translyvania, Romania
Budapest, Hungary
Ámsterdam
Provençe, Paris, Nice,
Switzerland
Greece, The Aegean and The Ionian Islands
Manhattan & Boston
Portugal
South America
Japan
Best wishes for a lovely summer.
