Speak the Culture: Spain: Be Fluent in Spanish Life and Culture

i. Northern Spain

TheBasque Countryis usually considered the

custodian of Spain’s best cuisine.The seafood here,

from spider crabs to elvers, sea urchins (eaten raw) to

cod, is outstanding. Often it’s simply cooked, with salt,

garlic and chillies the only additions.The Basque version

of bouillabaisse,ttoro, is legendary. Inland, the steak is

prized while artichokes and asparagus hint at the wealth

of produce.Pintxosis the Basque version oftapas,

usually a piece of meat, fish or veg served on a small

hunk of bread.

The recipes ofCantabriareflect a close relationship

with the sea. Baked sardines stuffed with ham –

sardines al horno– and preserved anchovies with fresh

crusty bread are both popular dishes.The lush green

meadows and valleys ofAsturiasproduce the country’s

finest dairy products, notably cheese.There are 30

recorded types of cheese in the mountainous Picos de

Europa region alone and its most famous, Cabrales,

has been protected by DO classification since 1985.

Here you can dine onternera al Cabrales– veal fillet – or

fabada Asturiana, a bean and pork stew traditionally

served in a shallow earthenware dish.The region is also

famed for its market gardens and apple orchards. Over

250 apple varieties find their way to the dessert tables

or intosidra.You’ll find salmon, hake,chorizo, and yes,

even apples prepared using the local juice.

Galiciaenjoys one of the healthiest diets in Spain.

The sea rules again with a similar catch to neighbouring

regions.Percebes(goose barnacles), looking like

strange reptilian feet, are a speciality. Vegetables are

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   7. Food and drink 8. Living culture:
   the details of

Hot stuff

Although they’re only

about three inches long,

pimientos del piquillo

are packed with a sweet,

smoky flavour. The prized

Navarrese peppers are

traditionally grilled over

an open beech wood

fire and then skinned,

seeded and canned.

They can be stuffed with

bacalao(dried salt cod),

ground meat or

mushrooms.