A cocido is basically a meat, vegetable and legume soup. There are numerous regional variants such as the Andalusian puchero, the Galician cocido or even the curious “rotten pot” (olla podrida) from Burgos, each with its own particular characteristics. Here all the secrets of the perhaps most emblematic dish of Madrid’s gastronomy, so that you can prepare it according to your taste and availability of ingredients.
Tag: mediterranean diet
Wild asparagus Spanish omelette
Spring is here and with it, the asparagus season. This recipe is one of my favorites to make the most of a good bunch of wild asparagus.
How to make Köfte (Turkish-style meatballs)
These meatballs are originally from Turkey. The secret of its flavor and consistency is not only in the spices or seasonings, but also in the fact that the meat is ground again. Thus, a perfect texture is achieved, without the need to add breadcrumbs or eggs.
Basque-Style Cod (bacalao a la vizcaína)
“Vizcaína” is one of the best-known sauces in Basque cuisine. Its main ingredient is the pulp of an elongated red pepper (called “choricero”) which gives it a distinctive and unique flavor. The versatility of this sauce allows it to accompany different meat and vegetable dishes, but it is probably together with cod where it achieves its greatest and well-deserved fame.
Grilled razor clams
Razor clams (also called sword razors) are delicious seafood and this is the easiest and most practical way to prepare them. You just have to be careful to clean them in the way indicated here. Have a glass of good white wine handy and take note of the recipe!
Bresaola and mascarpone rolls
The bresaola and mascarpone rolls or involtini are a delicious antipasto that can be prepared quickly and does not require cooking. Only two typically Italian ingredients are enough for a first course of quality and level.
Andalusian Easter soup (chickpea, spinach and cod soup)
Following the tradition, this is a meatless Easter soup. Its main ingredients are chickpeas, spinach, cod and hard-boiled egg. This recipe should be on our menu all year long, since in addition to being delicious, it is low in calories and satiating, as well as being an excellent source of protein.
How to make fresh cheese and ricotta at home
It seems incredible but with only 3 ingredients it is possible to make fresh homemade cheese and even ricotta. The procedure is very simple and only requires small precautions, which will be explained here.
How to choose a high quality extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is one of the fundamental pillars of the Mediterranean diet. It was already used by both the ancient Greeks and Romans, and 2,000 years later it is still considered “green gold”, both for its flavor and its nutritional properties.
Which foods are worth to bring from Greece?
This is a list with some of my favorite products and ingredients that I usually bring back from every trip to Greece. I have avoided those such as fresh cheeses, since you will not be able to take them on long trips without compromising their quality. Depending on where you live, you may find here some items which are easy to get in your region. But even so, I invite you to take note of these suggestions, probably more than one will surprise you!