Savouring Spain

From tortillas and gazpachos to paellas and great wines, there is a culinary treasure trove waiting to be discovered in Spain.

- BAYAR JAIN

THE DELECTABLE DISHES of Spain have been a key tourism draw. For Indians, culinary trips to the European nation bring back familiar flavours. Like saffron, for instance. While this spice originated in India, Spanish cooks have adopted its flavours in rice dishes, stews, meat, and even desserts. This spice is now also grown in parts of Spain, mainly Castilla-La Mancha.

Paprika, too, can be found in many traditional Spanish foods like chorizo, sobrasada, and other sausages. Garlic, tomatoes, and onions—the classic ingredients of sofrito—are also a common link between the nations. A quintessential Spanish dish, however, is paella valenciana, which originates in Valencia. This rice dish has such immense global appeal that a day has been set aside in its honour.