Spain in the Summer

As I travelled through Spain I wondered how I could best describe the gastronomic style of Spain in terms of ingredients and techniques. As far as the ingredients go, they are fresh and basic.  Most of the dishes had onions, garlic, olive oil and sometimes tomato.  To these a few herbs and spices are added - pimentos, saffron, parsley rosemary etc.

Spanish food is often oily.  Frying in olive oil is the primary cooking technique.  This is not surprising given the excellent extra olive oil available.  Along with frying the other techniques used are grilling and roasting.

Paella is the most famous Spanish dis.  This I discovered originated from Valencia and came in two varieties: Paella Valencia with rabbit and chicken and Seafood Paella.

Cured meats are also famous in Spain with ham topping the list.  As Spain is surrounded by the mediterranean sea and Atlantic Ocean, the local people consume a whopping quantity of fish and seafood.

Similar to Turkish 'mezzes', Spanish 'Tapas' is a category of dishes that are brought in small quantities to a meal off.  These are eaten with anything alcoholic.  Tapas are a sort of appetizers.    

Spain is also home to some of the finest cheeses, wine and of course the famous Gazpacho soup!  

Given the culture of 'siesta' in Spain, would you like to guess what is their average dinner time and what are the restaurant timings??

Make a guess which condiment is not available during breakfast in Spain ?

Image caption

Paella

Grilled Vegetables