Food Varieties of Spain
Spanish food is known for being earthy and typically uncomplicated. Most of the Spanish dishes are made using locally grown products. Different regions of Spain have distinguished specialty dishes. Having food gives an opportunity to Spanish people where friends and family gather in order to socialize. The Mediterranean water that surrounds the country provides Spain with abundant seafood.
Though the Spanish people use only a few spices but garlic is a common ingredient in the food. Dinner eating hours are between 11 PM to midnight.
Garlic and olive oil are the two main ingredients that are used in most of the Spanish dishes. Saffron is another ingredient that is used to flavor dishes.
Spanish Food Staples
Although Spanish food varies according to regions but basic staple food items include bread dipped in traditional Spanish olive oil, Cured Ham etc.
Spanish Breakfast
People of Spain enjoy traditional but simple breakfast. Breakfast is generally the tiniest meal of the day. Spaniards also like to indulge in continental break that includes bread rolls with butter or jam, bread, cupcake of various flavors, sweet rolls etc. These common breakfast items are served with tea, strong espresso coffee or hot chocolate
Midday Meal or Lunch
Lunch is the most important and the main meal for Spaniards and it contains various courses. Lunch begins typically with soup or stew followed by an appetizer and the main course. Most of the Spaniards have lunch along with wine. The lunch ends with a desert.
Tapas
Tapas are appetizers or snacks that you are supposed to eat with your fingers. Tapas often make up for evening meals with Spanish people belittling different restaurants, gnawing on assorted snacks. Tapas are generally served in a petite bowl, along with cheeses, hams and olives. Other well-liked tapas item contains toasted garlic bread that is dipped in meatballs, olive oil, seafood, garlic mushrooms, shrimp and vegetables.
Paella is a conventional rice dish that is eaten on fiestas or on Sundays. This dish is generally a part of the midday meal. Pella is cooked with different ingredients in different parts of Spain but most of the people prefer to have it with chicken. The main ingredient in paella is saffron.
El Gazpacho
El Gazpacho is a cold vegetable soup that has Arabic or Roman roots. El Gazpacho is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
Serrano is the favorite Ham of the country and finds its place in a number of Spanish Dishes.
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