Cod preserved in thick layers of salt, providing a unique flavour and texture. Traditionally done as a way to store fish - though much of it now comes from Norway and Iceland - the dish remains popular all over Spain but especially in the Basque Country and Catalonia. In the latter region bunyola de bacalla are popular: salt cod fritters usually sprinkled with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, eaten with an ice cold beer as an appetizer or main course. … [Read more...] about Bacalao
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Pa amb oli / tomàquet
Bread with olive oil (pa amb oli) or bread with tomato (pa amb tomàquet)? Actually, the two dishes are usually the same - rustic bread rubbed with olive oil and tomato and seasoned with garlic and salt, perhaps topped with a slice of jamón or manchego cheese. The difference lies in the name: the former is what it is called in the Balearic Islands, the latter in Catalonia - a source of great controversy for such a simple dish. … [Read more...] about Pa amb oli / tomàquet
Paella
The iconic dish of Spain. The food version of flamenco. And, like flamenco, there are as many styles as there are people to make it. Home-cooked, anyone will tell you is always the best, though exactly what should go in and what should stay out is the source of dinner-table discussions everywhere. The main variety is familiar to nearly everyone - and a few fast-food versions have been put on restaurant menus in recent years, to the disgust of true aficionados - though there are several notable variations on the theme, including: Paella Negra: blackened with squid ink for effect and flavour. Paella Fideus: No rice, but small curly pasta (fideus) used in its place. Paella Ciega (Blind … [Read more...] about Paella
Snails
Certainly chowing down on the little brown gastropods is not to everybody's liking, though across Spain they can easily be found on restaurant and café menus and there are even a number of well-patronized snail fiestas. The molluscan delicacies are either farmed or gathered - hunted? - from the wild: the latter are usually collected in autumn after a good downpour, purged on grit for two to three weeks and then gorged on herbs before finally being cooked in a caldo (stock) - anything from garlic, ham off-cuts and herbs to simple tomato sauce. It's not fast food for sure, but it's not unusual to see the odd snail sandwich being handed to the kids. … [Read more...] about Snails
Tapas
There are now fancy tapas bars in the stylish parts of almost every city worldwide. But in Spain tapas run the gamut, from elegantly decorated prawns in honey and basil sauce to potato chips with a splodge of potato salad plonked on top. The name tapa (literally, cover) is said to originate from a small plate that was traditionally placed on top of a glass of drink. ln many bars tapas are automatically part of your drinks order – it's a surprise included in the price. It may be just a slice of bread with olive oil, a few slivers of chorizo, fuet or salchichón sausage, it might be calamares, or patatas bravas - chunky french fries in spicy tomato sauce - it could be pickled fish... you get … [Read more...] about Tapas
Xabi Alonso
The coolest man in La Liga. Alonso was one of the first Spanish players to make an impact in England’s premiership, wowing Liverpool supporters for five seasons before arriving at Real Madrid as part of Florentino Pérez’s neo-galáctico project. Less flashy than the likes of Ronaldo or Özil, the man from Tolosa is nonetheless one of the first names José Mourinho puts on the teamsheet due to his tactical nous and passing range. Not only does Alonso pick up trophies like a kleptomaniac, he also knows how to wear a suit. … [Read more...] about Xabi Alonso
Raúl González
Slower than a snoozing turtle. Too bossy by half. A training ground grump. Yes, yes, all of that may be true, but love him or hate him, Raúl is a legend: 323 goals for Real Madrid over 16 years. This striker never had any deadly weapon in particular other than unshakeable self-belief, which might explain why he is now enjoying a fruitful semi-retirement at Germany’s Shalke 04. … [Read more...] about Raúl González
Jesús Navas
Not so long ago, Navas was known as much for the panic attacks he suffered on being away from his family as his sprite-like runs down Sevilla’s wing. But having overcome his travel phobia through some sympathetic treatment with the national squad during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it’s the opposition defenders who now do the panicking when they see Navas galloping towards them with the ball. … [Read more...] about Jesús Navas
Sergio Ballesteros
Not many teams beat Real Madrid these days and not many defenders outsprint Cristiano Ronaldo. But Levante and their club captain Ballesteros have managed both this season. Weighing in at 90 kilos (200 pounds), the 36-year-old not only still has his legs, but has also led his ageing teammates on an incredible run, defying pre-season predictions that his team were relegation fodder and topping La Liga for a few heady weeks. And they manage all this on a diet of pizza, beer and paella. Old school, in every way. … [Read more...] about Sergio Ballesteros
Gérard Piqué
Barcelona’s Piqué started life as a centre-forward, which might explain his ease on the ball, even when under pressure from La Liga’s most fearsome strikers. And for a 24-year-old, he’s seen a bit of the world, having served an apprenticeship at Manchester United and caught the attention of Colombian songstress Shakira. Despite his many distractions, the Mango-attired, pop star-dating Piqué remains Europe’s most cultured central defender. … [Read more...] about Gérard Piqué