Foods to Eat in Spain - Castille y León (Segovia) & Madrid

- El Cochinillo Asado -

El Cochinillo Asado, or roast suckling pig, is dish originally from Segovia, in Castille but is now popular in the neighbouring regions of Aragon and Madrid also. This dish was introduced to Spanish cuisine when the Roman's invaded and conquered vast swathes of Spain, however, it only really became popular in the 17th Century as it was no longer a dish reserved for the rich and royal.

El Cochinillo Asado is prepared by placing the suckling pig in an earthenware dish and is often decorated (with a apple placed in its mouth for example) before roasting it whole in a wood (often oak) burning oven. When I first saw this dish, it somewhat humorously reminded me of the feasts drawn in Asterix and Obelix (though that is set in modern day France, and not Spain).

Sweets in Spain - Madrid

- Caramelo de Violeta -

Caramelo de Violeta are small, flower shaped sweets flavoured with violet essence and is often associated with Madrid. The exact reasons as to why that is has been lost in time but what is interesting is that when one thinks of old Madrid, the image of a morning walk in the Parque de El Retiro with a bag of violeta's in hand comes to mind. However (perhaps sadly), nowadays, these are not nearly eaten as commonly or known nearly as well due to the emergence of imported/mass produced sweets.

Within Madrid, Caramelo de Violeta are further associated with the small confectioners and bakery located on the Plaza de Canalejas. They are (not surprisingly) best known for their namesake, violet sweets and were so well known that it is said that King Alfonso XIII purchased these violet sweets for both his wife and his lover.

Foods to Eat in Spain - Madrid

- Bocadillo de Calamares -

Sometimes the best things in life, are the simple things and there are few things more simple than Bocadillo de Calamares, succulent breaded squid rings sandwiched by a warm toasty baguette which goes especially well with a cold beer (or two). What is there not to like?

This sandwich is very popular in Madrid as it is cheap and easy to eat on the go and you will often smell its aroma when there a shops selling it, especially dotted around the Plaza Major, however, a word of warning is that to be careful of some of the restaurants directly on (facing) the concourse. While you certainly won't be unhappy with the taste of the food, the value for money isn't as good as the price is often much higher than normal (in some cases, double the amount) due to the abundance of tourists in the area coupled with higher rent. Therefore I would recommend you to instead go to Bar la Campana, which is just behind Plaza Major, tucked in one of the many side streets where one Bocadillo de Calamares only costs 2.70 euros (and is indeed the cost for any Bocadillo with your choice of meat filling).

Drinks in Spain - General

- Leche Merengada -

Leche Merengada is a very popular drink found all over Spain and is served in Heladerías (ice cream shops) and Horchaterías (the closest English equivalent would be a café where Horchata, another popular Spanish drink made from tiger nuts is sold). It is especially popular in the summer but is drunk throughout the year, however, certain shops only sell this in summer (as we found out the hard way....but more on that later).

Leche Merengada is a drink made using egg whites, milk and sugar with cinnamon often added to give extra flavour. It is served cold and the texture is somewhere between a milkshake and a granita (or akin to shaved ice drinks common to many Asian countries). While the above is the traditional recipe, nowadays, it is often adapted by adding additional flavours such as citrus or coffee, It is so popular that it is frequently sold as a flavour of ice cream in Spain.

Places to Eat at in Spain - Madrid

- Mercado de San Miguel- 

Mercado de San Miguel has been mentioned more than a few times in my posts and for good reason. It is located next to the Plaza Major and is one of the oldest markets in Madrid and is the only originally wrought-iron structured market that is still standing to the present day. Built in 1916 and then refurbished in 2009 resulting in its modern yet rustic architecture.

Whilst it is called a market, it is more so a gourmet food market than your traditional grocery/fresh produce market with over 30 stalls (31 to be exact) that serves as a centre of Spanish gastronomy, selling everything from Spanish staples such as Jamón (ham) and olives to more luxurious offerings such as oysters and caviar. There are even 5 stalls dedicated to (mostly alcoholic) drinks, selling everything from cocktails to the ever refreshing sangria. As well as food, there are often tastings, fairs and events so if you're lucky, you might stumble upon a sherry tasting or even a regional food fair.

Foods to Eat in Spain - Madrid

- Caracoles a la Madrileña -

When one mentions snails, your mind might first think of the garden pest that terrorises your pavements with slime, even upon a little bit of rain (so practically everyday in England). When you add the word 'delicacy', the French may now come to mind, however, snails are eaten in numerous countries and places across the world, one of which is Madrid. Caracoles a la Madrileña are snails that are cooked in beef broth with a little bit of chilli. They are traditionally cooked in earthenware dishes (as indeed many Spanish tapas style dishes are) and pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine.

Foods to Eat in Spain - Madrid

- Callos a la Madrileña -

Despite its fiery colour, it is not very spicy (if at all!)

Callos a la Madrileña is yet another popular dish in Madrid due to it's affordable and humble origins. This stews' main ingredient is beef tripe (which is inexpensive as it is parts of the cow that would normally be thrown away) and seasoned well with paprika, tomato's and garlic which gives it a inviting red colour.

This dish originated in the 15th century and was only in the past 100-200 years that it was no longer considered a 'poor-man's food' and is instead eaten by the rich and poor alike. This, along with Cocido madrileño are the two famous stew's of Madrid. However, Callos a la Madrileña perhaps has even humbler origins than Cocido madrileño.

Foods to Eat in Spain - Madrid

- Cocido Madrileño -

Cocido Madrileño is a hearty Madrilenian stew made using chickpeas, various vegetables (commonly potatoes), meats (traditionally pork) and garbanzo beans. The origins of this dish dates back to the 12th century and originally did not contain pork due to it's Jewish influence and were only added  in the 15th century. The dish grew in popularity in the 19th and 20th century as chickpeas were readily available, cheap and filling.

What is special about this stew is that instead of ladling it into bowls like you would with most stews, it is instead served as two 'courses'. The first of which is just the stew broth (sometimes with added noodles) served as a soup. The second course consists of the various meats and vegetables. This dish is a household staple, especially in winter and is a definite comfort food for most Madrileños.

Foods to Eat in Spain - Madrid

- Churros con Chocolate -

When one goes to Madrid, you must try Churros con Chocolate, which are deep-fried sticks of doughy goodness. These are thought to originate from China, with the Portuguese bringing them to Europe through their travels and trade with the Ming Dynasty.

Churros from Madrid vary from the (arguably) more well known Mexican variant, which is often dusted with cinnamon and sugar, instead, it is dipped in hot chocolate. However, this hot chocolate is probably not what you expect as it is so thick and decadent that it better resembles a chocolate fondue!