Famous food and drink of Spain

When someone says “typical food of Spain”, most minds get immediately drawn to classic paella.It originated in the region of Valencia, but today you’ll find a host of local variations scattered throughout the country. These variations will no doubt differ from place to place, but in its simplest form, paella is rice cooked with saffron in a large, heavy-bottomed pan (giving it its distinctive yellow colour), before meat such as rabbit and chicken or seafood are added to the mix.

Murcia’s answer to paella is arroz caldero, which dates all the way back to the 19th century. It often uses the area’s locally grown Bomba or Calasparra rice grains, cooking them slowly in the cauldron-style pot that gives the dish its name.

When the sun shines as it does in Spain, you can taste it in the produce. From plump red tomatoes and peppers to enormous oranges and lemons, fruit and veg are in a league of their own here. And that means the simplest of dishes can become a real showstopper. Flavour-packed salads, refreshing soups, juicy fresh fruit – let’s just say getting your five a day is not going to be a problem.

Nicknamed the ‘vegetable garden of Europe’, Murcia offers up veg-packed dishes by the bucketful. We love pisto Murciano, a colourful plate of tomatoes, aubergine and peppers, topped with spicy chorizo, a fried egg and a drizzle of olive oil. And don’t miss the chance to try gazpacho, a cold soup created with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic and olive oil that might sound a little strange to begin with but will soon have you coming back for more! It’s the perfect lunch on a hot day.

From the wild Atlantic coast to the calm Mediterranean waves, the Spanish coastline provides some of the best seafood in the world. If you love the fruits of the sea, you’re in for a sensational treat!

Try pulpo á feira for an indulgent taste of lobster, paprika and garlic, or gambos al ajillo, possibly the nation’s favourite seafood dish of prawns cooked in dry sherry with lemon, parsley and garlic. Or for a Murcian speciality, order dorada a la sal, a traditional dish of salt-baked sea bream.

We can’t talk about Spanish food without mentioning tapas. Our favourite tapas dishes for you to try include:

• Patatas bravas – fiery fried potatoes served with a tomato sauce.
• Entierro – a Murcian classic of anchovies and olives.
• Marineras – another local speciality of a type of breadstickloaded with creamy potato salad and topped with an anchovy.
• Croquetas – crispy, cheesy deep-fried bites of joy.
• Caballitos – dangerously moreish fried prawns on skewers.
• Tortilla Española – a thick omelette with potatoes and onions, served cold. Try one in a sandwich for the ultimate carb fest!
• Cured meat – Iberico pork and chorizo top the list but you’ll find heaps of local variations to sample.

Spain is a country in which people know how to enjoy themselves, so don’t think your sweet tooth will get left out during your holiday. You can’t leave without trying the sugary magic that is churros. They’re long, crispy snacks that have a similar texture to doughnuts. Sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and dipped in hot chocolate sauce, they’re sweet treat heaven.

For a traditional Murcian take on dessert, order paparajotes – lemon leaves coated in a sweet batter, dusted with cinnamon and sugar and accompanied by a small glass of sweet wine. Eat them like a local and simply nibble the batter, without eating the leaves themselves.

You’ll already know about the great concoction that is sangria – a heady mix of red wine, brandy and orange juice that always gets the party started. For a less boozy alternative, try tinto de verano instead - a refreshing mix of red wine, lemon and soda water.

But that’s not all, Spain also serves up fantastic local beer, wine, sherry and cava. So whether you’re tucking into tapas over beers or fresh seafood with a glass of bubbly, discovering the food and drink of Spain is one hell of a tasty journey.