Do you live on the Costa del Sol? Or are you are visiting Marbella – Spain Costa del Sol for the first time? Whatever the case make sure you try at least some of these delicious Andalucian dishes and tapas.
Gambas Pil-Pil
Gambas pil-pil is a hot, sizzling spicy dish, with large prawns, chilli and garlic oil. Originally a Catalan dish, pil-pil is now a firm favourite in the coastal resorts, and in Madrid. Also popular with tourists in the coastal resorts, this dish is served bubbling hot to the table, with crusty break to mop up the delicious juices.
Andalusian Gazpacho
Gazpacho is delicious and refreshing served chilled. It consists of of tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, garlic and olive oil and served chilled.
Tortilla Espanola
Spanish omelette or ´tortilla española´is a much loved by locals and tourists alike, and is made with potatoes, garlic andonions . Depending where you are in Spain, this delicious local dish is sometimes made with peas, peppers or even served with cheese on top.
Paella
No trip to Andalusia is complete without a plate of paella, which consists of pork, chicken and/or fresh fish, squid and seafood, and of course rice and vegetables. Cooked and presented in a large heavy bottomed pan, paella is one of Spains’ signature dishes. Originally from Valencia, paella was once the staple diet of farmers and agricultural workers who used to boil up the rice with snails and vegetables while working in the fields.
Serrano Ham and chorizo
Cured Iberian ham is something of a delicacy in Spain, and it is much cherished by locals and visitors alike. The ´black foot´ ham, otherwise known as ´pata negra´ is the real jewel in the crown, and it takes years to cure. Eaten with crusty bread, jamon serranois delicious, and the ´black foot´ or ´de bellota´ version melts in the mouth. Chorizo is a spicy sausage served either hot or cold, and often cooked in wine or cider.
Manchego Cheese
This strong hard cheese from the Castilla-La Mancha region is a highlight of any tapas bar or café in Marbella. Made from sheep´s milk, the slightly salty but delicious cheese is often served with olive oil drizzled over it and a basket of crusty bread.
Patatas Bravas
Perfect if you like it spicy, patatas bravas are deep fried potatoes served with a piquant tomato sauce. Often served with garlic mayonnaise, known locally as ´ali-oli´, patatas bravas are served in tapas bars throughout southern Spain
If you are planning to visit Spain on holiday or relocate to Marbella, take your time to explore the tapas bars, the traditional cafés and the restaurants serving authentic Spanish food – you won´t be disappointed.
