SPAIN
Spices & Cuisine
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Do you smell this? It’s now time to set your kitchen and do the magic…
Spanish Flavours
A stroll through the streets of any town in Spain is perfumed by the aromas of garlic, saffron, and paprika. These three essential ingredients form the basis of so many famed Spanish dishes and point to what this cuisine is all about – bold, bright flavour and rich, vibrant colour. Much like the Greeks, olive oil is everything to the Spanish and no dish can be cooked without it. Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world. Spanish food is all about sharing and plenty of small bites to have with glasses of local wine and icy-cold sangria.
History & Influences
The first recorded Spanish recipes date back to the fourteenth century, when food was greatly influenced by the Moors, Arabs, Sephardic Jews, French, and Italians. As a gateway between Africa, Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain has been fought over throughout history. Between the Greeks, Celts, Romans, and Moors, Spain has been occupied under many differing reigns. However, the benefits are the abundance of produce these cultures brought to this corner of Europe. Olives, olive oil, and wine are said to have been introduced by the Romans and Greeks, whilst meat, fish, and pies were seen as delicacies by the Celts, and the use of honey, almonds, citrus fruits, and spices such as cumin and saffron was brought in by Moorish influence.
What is Spanish cuisine?
These small bites are referred to as tapas. Tapas are generally served at the bar and can include anything from a simple sardine or Jamon (cured ham) crostini to garlic prawns, a wedge of manchego cheese with quince paste, or a bowl of marinated olives. Everything is strong in flavour and is sure to liven up the taste buds. Much like many of Europe’s oldest nations, Spain is made up of many micro cuisines, each dominated by different cultural influences instilled over the centuries. The mountainous middle of Spain has a cuisine more like the northern African Moors than the Mediterranean diet we are familiar with from the coastal regions.
Recipes
Iconic Spanish Dishes
Spanish food is big, bold, and made to be shared. From the iconic spiced Paella, with thousands of different versions ladened with everything fresh seafood on the coast, to chickpeas in central Spain, every household has its own secret recipe. From the delicious yet straightforward potato tortilla and plates of tapas served with loads of crusty bread, Spanish food is all about enjoying with friends and family over glasses of sangria. Fluffy, hot churros dipped in hot chocolate, or creamy rice pudding is the perfect finisher to any meal, quite often late into the night.
Spanish spices
Spain’s Mediterranean climate and sweeping terrain have made it an ideal spot for spice growing and production. Common spice and herb varieties found and used throughout Spain include paprika, saffron, bay leaves, parsley, and chillies. Paprika, called Pimenton in Spain, is referred to as ‘red gold’ and is one of the most used and cherished spices.
Spanish Paella
A dish encompassing the Spanish way of life, Paella is a flavourful rice-based dish of seafood, meat, punchy spices, and fresh lemon all made to be shared. Combining, saffron, sweet and smoky paprikas, clove, garlic and sundried tomato, this blend forms the basis of so many renowned Spanish dishes and is indicative of what life in Spain is all about– bold, bright flavour..
Flavours of the world
Comprising 6 regions, 12 countries (and counting) and 48+ delicious accompanying recipes, Flavours of the World opens the doors to the world’s spice route and allows everyone to explore the countries and cuisines that have shaped our culinary world today. Sugar-free, filler-free, and preservative-free, our blends make cooking wholesome, authentic meals from around the globe simple and affordable; offering step-by-step instructions and a catalogue of free online recipes to suit all diets.
Wholesale
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