Now that the holiday season is just around the corner, many of us are eagerly anticipating the foods associated with such a festive time of the year. However, the current health situation might make meeting with friends and relatives slightly challenging. The good news is that you can still whip up some tasty treats from the comfort of your home. Let’s take a slightly more exotic approach and examine some tasty holiday foods associated with the Catalonian region of Spain. If you have been looking to add a bit of spice to your life, there is no doubt that the ideas highlighted below will come in handy.
Jamon Serrano
Anyone who has ever travelled to Spain has likely encountered large flanks of meat hanging on walls in order to cure. These are typically referred to as “jamon serrano” in Catalan (sliced ham). The meat is served in extremely thin slices and when cured properly, it is quite tasty. It is still wise to serve this dish with plenty of water, as jamon serrano is known for its relatively high salt content.
Carn d’Olla
Carn d’olla is essentially a stew consisting of fresh vegetables such as carrots and celery alongside specific meats. Meatballs tend to be the most common although you can choose any variety which suits your tastes. Sausages, pork and chicken are some other options to consider. Similar to a pot roast, this stew should be allowed hours to cook until the meat and vegetables are extremely soft. The broth can likewise be placed over other foods (such as the jamon serrano mentioned in the previous section).
Sopa de Galets
Sopa de galets can be roughly translated to “soup with shells” in English. As you might have already guessed, the most striking quality of this soup is the presence of pasta that has been moulded into the shape of tiny snail shells. The one major difference between this type of pasta and the more familiar western versions is that it tends to be slightly more chewy. Thus, it will not degrade when placed in a broth for longer periods of time. Cabbage and chick peas are two other ingredients associated with sopa de galets although once again, you can add different substances when desired.
Torros
What would a festive holiday be without an equally tasty dessert? Catalans are known for having quite a sweet tooth, so it should not be a surprise that their desserts are equally as delectable. “Torros” tend to be quite common throughout the holiday season. These consist of almonds, honey, eggs, and brown sugar. The Torros are then heated and shaped into rectangular-shaped bars. However, you can only mix in the whites of the eggs if you are looking for a dessert that is slightly less filling.
Although there is nothing wrong with a typical Sunday roast during the upcoming holiday season? Why not instead choose to think outside of the box? There is no doubt that your guests will be grateful!
