Traditional Spanish food is very similar to other Mediterranean countries as they share similar spices, herbs and a fresh supply of fish from the Mediterranean sea.
Olives and vineyards abound and are a major source of income for most Mediterranean countries.
Fruits and salads are plentiful, delicious and fresh and olive oil is one of the most important ingredients of Spanish food.
Spain was occupied by the Moors for many years so the food of Spain also uses the various spices and herbs related to this type of cooking.
In most rural areas markets are oveflowing with the freshest of vegetables and fruit and in cities such as Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona there are large covered markets.
They have the most amazing array of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs such as parsley, garlic and saffron. A large variety of Spanish cheese, olives, olive oil, serrano ham, fish and seafoods. The city of Valencia is famous for Mercado Central and Barcelona for La Boqueria market.
Breakfast - El DesayunoThis is not a heavy meal and usually consists of fresh coffee, toast or croissants. Chocolate (hot or cold) is also a popular drink and the delicous magdalena cakes are eaten by just about everyone either for breakfast, snacks or for merrienda (afternoon snack/tea).
Lunch - La ComidaThe Spanish are well know for their afternoon siesta and although many people just make do with a snack (those in the city), many people still enjoy a large lunch followed by an afternoon nap and return to work at 5.00pm.
The meal normally begins with soup and bread followed by a meat or fish dish with plenty of fresh salad. Spanish desserts normally consist of a variety of fruits or the quintessential flan (creme caramel).
Many shops and offices in cities have stopped having a break for siesta so people take their lunch break at one of the local tapas bars and enjoy tapas and paella, Spanish Tortilla (Spanish omelette) or bocadillas (crusty bread filled with cheese, serrano ham and other tasty fillings).
Sunday is the best day for lunch as the entire family joins in! Many people enjoy a traditional Spanish paella cooked outside in the garden.
Spanish Foods - Merrienda (Afternoon Tea/Snack)Merrienda occurs between lunch and dinner when the traditional Spanish food loved by children is enjoyed. Slices of bread covered with thick chocolate (sometimes magdelanas) washed down with a cold milk chocolate drink is the snack all Spanish children enjoy after school. Many adults also enjoy this afternoon snack with any of the above or chocolate and churros (similar to doughnuts) at a local cafe.
Dinner - La CenarThe meal is often very light as it is eaten quite late in the evening. Many people eat out at local tapas bars and the Spanish tortilla and pasta dishes accompanied with salad are the norm.
Olives and vineyards abound and are a major source of income for most Mediterranean countries.
Fruits and salads are plentiful, delicious and fresh and olive oil is one of the most important ingredients of Spanish food.
Spain was occupied by the Moors for many years so the food of Spain also uses the various spices and herbs related to this type of cooking.
In most rural areas markets are oveflowing with the freshest of vegetables and fruit and in cities such as Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona there are large covered markets.
They have the most amazing array of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs such as parsley, garlic and saffron. A large variety of Spanish cheese, olives, olive oil, serrano ham, fish and seafoods. The city of Valencia is famous for Mercado Central and Barcelona for La Boqueria market.
Breakfast - El DesayunoThis is not a heavy meal and usually consists of fresh coffee, toast or croissants. Chocolate (hot or cold) is also a popular drink and the delicous magdalena cakes are eaten by just about everyone either for breakfast, snacks or for merrienda (afternoon snack/tea).
Lunch - La ComidaThe Spanish are well know for their afternoon siesta and although many people just make do with a snack (those in the city), many people still enjoy a large lunch followed by an afternoon nap and return to work at 5.00pm.
The meal normally begins with soup and bread followed by a meat or fish dish with plenty of fresh salad. Spanish desserts normally consist of a variety of fruits or the quintessential flan (creme caramel).
Many shops and offices in cities have stopped having a break for siesta so people take their lunch break at one of the local tapas bars and enjoy tapas and paella, Spanish Tortilla (Spanish omelette) or bocadillas (crusty bread filled with cheese, serrano ham and other tasty fillings).
Sunday is the best day for lunch as the entire family joins in! Many people enjoy a traditional Spanish paella cooked outside in the garden.
Spanish Foods - Merrienda (Afternoon Tea/Snack)Merrienda occurs between lunch and dinner when the traditional Spanish food loved by children is enjoyed. Slices of bread covered with thick chocolate (sometimes magdelanas) washed down with a cold milk chocolate drink is the snack all Spanish children enjoy after school. Many adults also enjoy this afternoon snack with any of the above or chocolate and churros (similar to doughnuts) at a local cafe.
Dinner - La CenarThe meal is often very light as it is eaten quite late in the evening. Many people eat out at local tapas bars and the Spanish tortilla and pasta dishes accompanied with salad are the norm.
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