what is the best food in spain

what is the best food in spain

Spanish cuisine has become increasingly popular in recent years. Regional specialties are not to be missed when traveling around the country. Located in southwestern Europe, this Iberian nation is situated along the Mediterranean Sea. Spaniards in the coastal region tend to use fresh seafood in their dishes, while the fertile soil in the south of Spain is perfect for growing juicy tomatoes and olives. Foods like gazpacho and paella are fairly well known, but other dishes fly under the radar. The following is a list of Spanish foods perfect for a four-course meal. You've got your soup, tapas, main entree and dessert.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is essentially a cold tomato soup. This food was originally made popular in Andalusia, the southern region of Spain. It makes a refreshing entree in the warmer summer months. Chefs combine diced tomatoes, chopped peppers, crushed garlic cloves, oil, vinegar and bread crumbs. To finish the soup, salt and vinegar are added to taste. Gazpacho is usually served with a side of croutons or bread rolls.

Tortilla de Patatas

One of the most common foods in Spain is la Tortilla de Patatas. This is basically a Spanish omelet. Made with diced potatoes, chopped onions and beaten eggs, this dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Many Spanish families will serve the Tortilla de Patatas for any given meal throughout the day. The ingredients are fried and mixed in a pan with olive oil and salt. Once the omelet starts to solidify, the heat it turned up and the chef gives it a disc-like form, similar to a Frisbee. You will find slices of this tortilla at just about every tapas bar in Spain.

Paella

No trip to Spain would be complete without a taste of Paella. This traditional Spanish rice dish originated in Valencia, a city along the Mediterranean Coast. Yellow rice is seasoned with saffron and a wide variety of meat and seafood is added. Most recipes include shrimp, calamari, clams and chicken drumsticks. Other variations use rabbit and pork. These ingredients are cooked in olive oil in a large metal saucepan over an open fire. The result is a delicious smoky taste.

Flan de Huevos

Wrap up your meal with some Spanish dessert. Flan de Huevos is a caramel custard. Eggs, milk, lemon rind and caramelized sugar are combined to make a sweet dessert food. The ingredients are cooked until they become golden brown, forming a caramelized custard. This custard is then covered and refrigerated until it is ready to be served with a dash of cinnamon on top for aesthetic appeal