Since living in Spain I have become a huge fan of fennel. It's wonderful and I've added it to more meals in Spain than I ever did previously.
The perennial herb is at home on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Cabbage comes in different colours throughout Spain but, be it red, white or green; the largest are grown in Galicia. They are enormous. Cabbage can be used in a wide range of soups and in stews, as is the case with this recipe. It is for a traditional Galician stew.
As promised, here's the recipe for another little tapas you can prepare easily and serve to visiting friends and family. A not too filling snack before settling down for dinner. You'll not be wanting to spend too long over preparing these little toast based snacks, so why not use chickpeas from a jar or can? It saves having to soak dried ones overnight. There's hot, smoked paprika in here so be confident that your visitors can take the spice.
In the days after they won the Champions League, I saw that some Barcelona footballers were back home enjoying a meal that included the Catalan version of the classic Spanish tortilla. I understand why. I first sampled this variation on a theme when in the splendid city of Girona. You might think that an omelette is, well, an omelette. But not so in Spain. Many regions have their own unique take on the tortilla. I enjoy trying one wherever I find myself in Spain.
Appearances can be deceptive. Salt cod doesn't look all that appealing when you see it strung up at a Spanish market. It is the proverbial acquired taste. Spanish love their salt cod and they know how to get the best from it.
This recipe takes some planning and preparing but it's worth it.
Here is an excellent hotpot from the hot spot of Extremadura. It's filling, tasty and guaranteed to please at least six people. Chestnuts and chickpeas take the same amount of time to cook, so thrown them in the pot and relax in the knowledge that they will both be ready at the same time.
In Madrid this dish is called Callos a la Madrileña. You have to be tolerant to offal to truly enjoy this dish. In this case, tolerant to tripe. Many a butcher will provide you with the off-cuts of meat to use.
While the Spanish are trying to consume twelve grapes in time with the church bells ringing in the new year, I shall be enjoying an array of Spanish snacks with friends old and new. To be frank, I find New Year's Eve to be a bit of a non event in Spain. So what better way to see in another year in this fabulous country, than a culinary evening sampling favourite snacks and Spanish dishes. Happy New Year to you all.
