This is how to stock your Spanish pantry
Diving into a new cuisine can be overwhelming. Recipes call for spices you don’t have at home, or combine ingredients in ways you’re not used to. Once you’ve got the perfect pantry in order, you’ll be whipping up new recipes with ease. FavorFlav is happy to help you get started with the basic ingredients for each cuisine; this time, Spain is up.
The Spanish cuisine is characterized by bold, sun-soaked flavors. From large pans of paella to refreshing escabeche, these are the ingredients you need.
Olive oil
In Spain, very little butter is used, while olive oil flows freely. Go for oil made from Arbequina olives for a fruity flavor that is perfect for salads and dipping bread. Picual olive oil is peppery and grassy in flavor. In any case, choose a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
Olives
The perfect snack, simply as is or stuffed with anchovies, chorizo, jamón or tuna. The best known is the Manzanilla, fruity with a perfect texture that is neither too soft nor too firm.
Sherry vinegar
Widely used in dressings and dips, it has a unique, nutty flavor. The longer it is aged, the richer and sweeter the flavor.
Pimentón
Also known as smoked paprika, this is the spice that defines Spanish cuisine. It is used to give dishes a smoky, almost meaty undertone.
Almonds
They are used in both savory and sweet dishes. In the famous romesco sauce, along with plenty of roasted peppers, a generous amount of almonds also goes in.
Rice
Calasparra rice, to be precise. Thanks to its short grain and low starch content, it is ideal for paella, but it is also used in other rice dishes.
Canned fish
The best known are boquerones, a type of anchovy preserved in vinegar and eaten as is. Sardines, tuna and even octopus are also available canned, often in high quality.
Saffron
Some of the best saffron in the world comes from La Mancha, near Madrid. It gives paella its beautiful yellow color and is also incredibly delicious.
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