Taste of Iberia for the Holiday Season

Iberia

You are here

Last updated:
12.11.2015

The holiday season is just around the corner and we're determined to make our tradition of sharing traditional recipes from around the world last for at least on more year. Previously, we've told you about quirky Scandinavian dish Lutefisk.

Now it's time to taste your way around the Iberian peninsula with our local favorites, Spanish tortilla and francesinha from Portugal.

Making Spanish Tortilla Cake

Spanish Tortilla de Patatas made with potatoes and scrambled eggs is a popular notorious dish served both as a sandwich or a tapas. The Tortilla Cake was invented by a Basque general Tomás de Zumalacárregui during the siege of Bilbao. The delicious cake has a simple recipe, is quick to make (about 30 minutes), and can be a great treat at every dinner table.

tortilla de patatas

Step by Step:

  • Step 1: Wash and peel the potatoes and onion, then slice them in thin sheets. Add salt and pepper.
  • Step 2: Pour plenty of olive oil in a deep frying pan and add the potatoes, onion (and other optional ingredients). Cook them on a medium heat fire and remove from the frying pan when they get slightly brown.
  • Step 3: Whisk the eggs in a bowl until you get a slight foam and the eggs are well blended. Add the potatoes and onions to the bowl and let them soak in the eggs for 10 minutes.
  • Step 4: Put two tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick frying pan and spread it on the whole surface. Pour the mixture of the ingredients on the pan and cook it for 6-8 minutes until it starts to set.
  • Step 5: Place a large dish on top of the pan as a lid, with a quick movement invert the content of the pan into the plate, then slide the content back on the pan with the cooked side up. Your Spanish Tortilla Cake will be ready in 2-4 minutes and can be served both hot or cold.

¡Que aproveches! as the Spaniards would say, wishing you to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 pound of potatoes
  • 1 medium sized onion
  • Red peppers
  • Chorizo sausages (optional)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Unexpected Hamburger Alternative: Francesinha from Porto

Simple yet exquisite culinary delight, Francesinha sandwich was invented in Portugal in the 1960s as an adaptation of French classics - boiled ham and cheese sandwich. However, over time it became intrinsically Portuguese delicacy closely associated with its birthplace, the town of Porto.

Francesinha

Step by Step:

  • Step 1: Prepare toasts.
  • Step 2: Cover the first layer with ham, sausage slices, meat (pork, beef or even your Thanksgiving turkey will do) and cheese consequently.
  • Step 3: Put a toast on top.
  • Step 4: Cover it with couple more pieces of cheese.
  • Step 5: Put scrambled eggs on top.
  • Step 5: And one more piece of cheese.

Ingredients:

  • Ham
  • Cheese
  • Chorizo sausages
  • Meat
  • Eggs
  • Serve with french fries and cover with a secret beer sauce

Cooking the Beer Sauce

The sauce is Francesinha’s best-kept secret. There’s no classic way to cook it and every restaurant in Porto has its own variation of the recipe which is kept in secret from the public. But it always uses beer and tomatoes as the basis. Here’s one good example:

/sites/default/files/images/FT/Blog/sauce%20(1).jpg

Step by Step:

  • Step 1: Dissolve cornstarch into the milk and add all the ingredients.
  • Step 2: Blend the liquid mix on a food processor.
  • Step 3: Put it into a pan over low heat and add the bay leaves.
  • Step 4: Stir it until it starts to boil.
  • Step 5: It's ready - reserve.

Now the time is right to serve the sandwich on a plate and pour the boiling hot sauce over it (the cheese should melt, so the sauce has to be really hot). Voila, your francesinha is ready!

Ingredients:

  • 1 beer can (Bud will do just fine)
  • ¼ glass of Porto wine
  • Brandy or other liquor
  • 1 cube of chicken stock
  • 1 table spoon of butter
  • 2 table spoons of tomato paste
  • ¼ cup of milk
  • 1 table spoon of cornstarch
  • Chili pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Garlic & onion (if needed)

Exploring the Iberian peninsula is a must for any globetrotter. Colorful national cuisine is just one side of its abundant heritage. We will be more than happy to see you visiting Iberia with one of our package tours to Spain and unique Portugal vacation packages.