Easy Guide to Food And Drinks

June 13, 2010

How To Find Spectacular Seafood Cuisine In Barcelona

Filed under: Main Course — Tags: , , , — CakeAuthor @ 4:22 am

Eating Seafood in Barcelona is one of the most popular food choices among many people. Each culture has its own way of preparing it. Not only are most seafood dishes high in omega-3 fatty acids, but they are a much healthier alternative to red meat and other proteins high in fat and cholesterol.

There are many different types of seafood, all of which can satisfy people who have a distinguished palette. Fish, from the ocean tend to have a less fishy flavor then do fresh water fish. This factor is what makes them appeal to many people. The most versatile types of food are shellfish, such as clams, oysters, lobster, crab and shrimp. Seafood cuisine is a very popular cuisine in the United States as well as throughout the world. It can make a great addition to any dish and can be prepared many different ways.

Seafood that is alternative to steak? There are even specific fish that appeal to people who don’t have a particular liking for seafood. Mahi-mahi found in major tropical and sub-tropical oceans can be prepared many ways. It has been stated by many people to satisfy their cravings for high fat, rich red meats like steak. It has a very dense texture, which can be filling. Yet it has much less fat and less saturated fat then steak. This makes it a very healthy alternative that is highly sustainable and an ideal choice for people who want a hearty meal.

A combination of the sweet and hot flavors gives their dishes a very unique flavoring that makes it a very delightful and interesting tasting experience.If you are more into a totally different flavor and texture, octopus, squid and mussels are also prepared in such a way that make them favorite dishes in Barcelona. Many Spanish dishes use salsa and paprika with these types of seafood which add flavor and just the right amount of spiciness.

Try Seafood, even if You are not a Big Fan: even if you are not the biggest fan of seafood, the cuisine in Spain is prepared in such a way that you should try at least one seafood dish. You can even order a small side dish or an appetizer if you are reluctant to order seafood as a main course. You might be surprised as to how delicious seafood can be when prepared different ways.

Another popular choice of seafood in Barcelona beach is tuna. But this is not the tuna that you are probably used to eating. This tuna is from the infamous blue fin tuna, which is served in Japanese cuisine. It is not only a higher quality of tuna, but it also has a different flavor then canned tuna.

There are even different brands of tuna that is canned. Therefore, not only is it extremely convenient, but it is an ideal snack or meal that can prepared in minutes. Most of the canned tuna is albacore, which is a white meat. It is not considered to be high end, like the blue fin tuna that is known for its dark meat and found in Japanese cuisine. Now that you know a little bit more about seafood and the different variations you can try many of the diverse seafood dishes available.

If you prefer preparing fresh seafood dishes at home by adding your own person seasonings this is a great food type to experiment with. When dining out at a restaurant, then by all means try seafood, which is an excellent alternative to red meat.

 

 

May 23, 2010

The Beloved Paella Dish In Barcelona

Filed under: Main Course — Tags: , , , — CakeAuthor @ 1:56 pm

 Many people talk about what paella is, and many people are misinformed about what it is. Many people state that paella is a dish that is made from a variety of leftovers that are thrown together. While this may have been true a number of centuries ago, it is not how paella is made in today’s day and age.

What is paella? The term Paella, derived from the Latin word “patella,” and the English word “pail, which refers to an iron cooking utensil. Paella therefore refers to the utensil used in preparing the food, which is a wide, flat iron pan that is shallow with handles on both sides. The dish paella, is known for its combination of rice, meat, seafood and spices that when combined provide a hearty meal that is aesthetically appealing with a fusion of flavors.

Paella is a Spanish dish that is very eclectic and versatile. It is primarily made with a few common ingredients. These ingredients are short grain rice, homemade stock, seafood, chicken, beef, vegetables, saffron, and a number of spices. Think of it as a Spanish version of stir fry.

Many Valencians claim to make the best authentic paella because they define the best paella as being al dente. People in southern part of Spain tend to favor paella that has more of a soup like texture.

An essential ingredient for authentic Barcelona paella  is saffron. This gives the paella its wonderful vibrant trademark golden color which it is known for. It also gives the paella a very distinct flavor that will have an aromatic appeal while it is being cooked. Homemade stock also adds to the authenticity of this dish and gives it added flavor. Frying the rice a few minutes before adding the homemade stock will also give it more flavors. What are the most common paellas? There are a variety of different paellas, but the ones that tend to be the most popular and well known are broken into three different categories. Below are the three different types of paellas

Different Versions of Paella: since paella has many different versions, anyone can enjoy this delightful Spanish dish. If you are not a fan of meat or chicken there are also vegetarian versions of paella. You can order one with fresh vegetables sauted to perfection. You can even ask for whole grain rice, which is great for those who are health conscious eaters.

There are also several elements that give paella its own texture and taste. You have the rice which gives the dish consistency and added flavor. The meat, chicken or seafood gives dimension and supplies a good amount of protein. You also have the vegetables which give a nice light yet healthful meal with their own undertones of flavor.

Health conscious people can order paella made strictly with fresh vegetables. They can also ask for whole grain rice as oppose to the short grain rice, which paella is known for.

Paella de Marisco-often referred to as paella mixta contains seafood and chicken, and is considered to be the most popular of paella dishes, especially for tourists.

Paella Vegetariana- is a favorite among avid vegetarians. It contains an array of different vegetables, such as artichokes, eggplant and peppers.

So the next time you travel to Spain try one of the many different versions of paellas. This is one dish that is appealing to both vegetarians and meat lovers. You will be sure to find at least one version of paella that will satisfy your cravings for authentic Spanish cuisine.

 

 

 

 

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