One of the annual ceremonies celebrated in the city of Granada is that called the Moors and Christians. It marks the time when the city was invaded and the Moors were driven from Granada.
The restaurants locally all serve a meal of the same name. Very popular in Andalucia and the first of a trio of recipes I will publish that owe much to the culinary influence of the Moors.
So many ingredients of Spanish cooking can be traced back to the time when the Moors ruled Spain.
YThe best soups I have tasted in Spain have been served to me in Galicia. Be they fish soups or, as is the case here, a traditional soup that mixes veggies with pork and hails from this glorious corner of Spain. Filling, warming and one to savour.
La Rioja is about much more than great wine. I love this part of Spain. Some great towns, splendid countryside, the best value red wine anywhere and tremendous tapas in the bars of locations such as Haro (as pictured above). If all you know about Rioja is the wine you pick up in your local supermarket, i urge you to take the time to tour this area and sample its delights. Including some great food. Here's a recipe for Pochas con Cordinices.
Here is a recipe from a part of Spain where they recognise the art of cooking. Food that van be enjoyed outside, as photographed here in Bilbao, or in the comfort of your own home. Perhaps it is the historical influence of nerby France, but there can be no doubt that Basque chefs know their onions.
In all but the high temperatures of summer, I love eating Spanish stews. Full of fresh vegetables, potatoes and/or meat. Stews are something of a speciality in Spain. The ingredients may vary, but the restorative powers of a good Spanish stew are undoubted. Here's a recipe from Navarra. Use generous portions of vegetables.
This is one way of using up the Christmas turkey and also any odd vegetables you may have. You can use this recipe any time of year using chicken instead of turkey.
