Prior to coming to Spain, I didn’t know much about Spanish food beyond the basics of paella (a rice and protein dish similar to arroz con pollo, rice with beans) and tapas (little sharing plates). However, growing up with abuelas (grandmothers) and tias (aunts) who loved to make large meals for family gatherings, I’ve always loved food and the traditions that come with it. So, I was excited to learn all about the different foods and their accompanying traditions in Spain!
Because Galicia (the northernmost region of Spain) is mostly along the coast, the food here is much more seafood heavy than I realized. Here, lots of dishes incorporate various mariscos (seafood) ranging from oysters and scallops (my new favorite) to mussels and squid. The most traditional and loved Galician dish is pulpo, or octopus, that is boiled then dusted with Spanish paprika, a sweet chili powder. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of seafood before I moved here, I’ve learned to love and appreciate it!
Another tapa I’ve fallen in love with is pimientos de padrón: small Spanish green peppers that are scorched in a pan then tossed with olive oil and salt. I can eat a whole plate by myself!
