Feb 28 2008
History of Spanish Food – Some Typical Food Items
The history of Spanish food goes all the way back to settlers of the Spanish coastline such as the Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Carthaginians. These groups of settlers were followed by other major contributors to the history of Spanish food, especially the Romans and the Moors. Varieties of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, various types of beans, different styles of peppers, zucchini as well as vanilla and chocolate were imported from the New World.
Olive groves were introduced by the Romans, and citric fruit was introduced to Spain by The Moors. Garlic has an important place in the history of Spanish food and is still popular today, while cured ham is also very popular in some regions of Spain. Saffron has been an important spice in Spanish food in years past and is still widely used in Spanish cuisine.
Galicia And Asturias
While reviewing the history of Spanish food in the Galicia region, located in the northwestern portion of Spain, you discover the region is well known for blending the foods of the Celtics with Spanish cuisine. Pies made of meat and fish are very prominent in the region as well as scallops. Asturias, situated on the coast, is known for serving its very popular fabada bean dish.
Menu items featuring fish, especially fish soups and dried cod dishes have been an important part of the history of Spanish food in the Basque region. While visiting Basque, you can still find squid and baby eels served with plenty of garlic. Valencia, due to its tidal flatlands has a long history of producing rice, which is still a major component of Valencia cuisine. If you are looking for paella, you can easily find it in Valencia.
Spanish Dessert Items
Over the years foods from a variety of settlers has been combined with food concepts of the local Spaniards. Items such items as tapas, olive oil and chorizo are major contributors in Spanish meals. When reviewing the history of Spanish food it becomes apparent that numerous dessert items have been influenced by the Arabs as well as the Moors and their inclinations of using egg yolks, almonds, lemon zest, oranges and honey can still be found in desserts created in Spain.
The Moors were responsible for introducing spices such as cinnamon, cumin, saffron and mint to the dishes prepared in Spain. Food experts suggest that Spanish cuisine is comparable to foods prepared in the Provencal region of France and Italy.
Holiday Menus
(NC)—Try making this delicious Homegrown Ontario Pulled Pork simple slow cooker recipe this holiday season and see the difference a little planning makes. Great as an appetizer served on a crostini, this savoury morsel will save you time in the kitchen while impressing your guests. More delicious appetizer recipes can be found online at [...]
(NC)—Adding new flavour to traditional foods can be fun and be a great way to get family members to try new foods. Indian flavoured products are becoming widely available and provide a great opportunity to create mouthwatering recipes for the whole family. This shrimp korma recipe is a quick and easy one for the entire [...]
(NC)—Mulligatawny soup originally became popular with the British stationed in India (employees of the East India Company) during Colonial Times. When they returned home, they brought the recipe back with them to England, and to other members of the Commonwealth. In fact Mulligatawny is the Anglicized name of two words for “pepper water,” molegoo (pepper) [...]
(NC)—Here are two easy ways to bring some excitement to your next children’s party – Wacky Waikiki or Purple Razzle Dazzle Shakes. For dozens more delicious treats to thrill your child, visit www.homebasics.ca.
Wacky Waikiki Shake
2 large ripe bananas, peeled and quartered
1 can frozen pineapple or pineapple-orange juice concentrate, thawed (6 oz)
1/2 cup milk
4 scoops Breyers [...]
Savor the Flavor Every Day, Every Way
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(ARA) – Long overlooked, mushrooms are nature’s hidden treasure for helping those focusing on living a healthful life. To promote the nutritional benefits of fresh produce this back-to-school season, Weight Watchers continues Pick of the Season, a public health initiative spotlighting seasonal fruit and vegetables, with recipes this quarter [...]
Skyrocketing gas prices and escalating grocery costs have put getting more for a dollar top-of-mind for many consumers. Many Americans are tailoring their grocery shopping lists to ensure they get more bang for their buck. That means purchasing items that provide the best nutritional punch for their value.
Luxury items like prepackaged or single serve meals [...]
Blueberries are most abundant and least expensive in the summer, making it an ideal time to get your fill of these little blue gems. Stock the fridge and freezer with blueberries to make meals, snacks and desserts that are easy on the cook. Blueberries never need to be peeled, pitted, stemmed or chopped –just a [...]