Our Top 5 Spanish Food Mission

On the Meet in the Middle Cigar Show, our friend asked for the ultimate “must-have” foods for anyone visiting Spain. We got a great conversation going and hit on some absolute classics. We covered the legendary Jamón, the iconic Paella, and the essential Tortilla.

Here’s that definitive list, adding two more bites that we didn’t get to mention but are absolutely essential for the full Spanish experience!

Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (Pata Negra) 🍖

As we discussed, this is the king. It’s not just ham; it’s an art form. From the special black-hoofed (Pata Negra) Iberian pigs that feast on acorns, this cured meat is nutty, sweet, and melts in your mouth. A plate of this with a glass of red wine is pure bliss.

Paella 🥘

The world-famous rice dish we had to mention! While many versions are packed with seafood, an authentic Valencian paella is often made with rabbit and chicken. The prize is the socarrat—the crispy, caramelized rice at the bottom of the pan. Don’t leave Spain without scraping the pan!

Tortilla Española 🍳

The third classic we covered is the Spanish Omelette, a national treasure. Made with just eggs, potatoes, and (usually) onions, this thick, comforting dish is found in every bar. You can have it hot or cold, as a tapa, or stuffed in a baguette. It’s the taste of pure comfort.

Patatas Bravas 🥔

Now for one we didn’t get to mention. You absolutely can’t miss Patatas Bravas! They are crispy chunks of fried potato served with two sauces: a smoky, spicy red “brava” sauce and a creamy garlic aioli. It’s the perfect, addictive tapa to share over a cold beer.

Croquetas

Finally, here’s another gem we didn’t mention on the show. Croquetas are little fried pockets of happiness! A creamy béchamel filling, most famously with bits of ham (jamón), is coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden. They’re crispy on the outside and gloriously gooey on the inside. You can’t have just one!

Paella “Go Big or Go Home” Pans

You can find these in every supermercado (supermarket) to enjoy your culinary adventure.

¡Buen provecho!

Mark

P.S. See you Sunday at 7:15pm Eastern on Oct 12: Lure Big Joe Toro

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