[I:http://www.naturmeds.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/RicardoPowell41.jpg] Spanish food is my absolute favorite Whether trying them at home, or eating in Spain, you are assured to experience something fantastic and enthralling. The subtleness of flavors and combinations are truly inspired. Many though limit themselves to the beach-side traveler attractions and feast on all the fatty food filled with garlic. The ideal way to experience Spain and it’s food is to learn its language, atleast some of it, and head into the town where you’ll find some true Spanish restaurants serving the real deal.
Eating out in Spain is relatively cheap and meals are usually substantial instead of gourmet. If you are looking to get a flavor of Spanish food then trying out Spanish snacks, particularly Tapas, might be a good idea and these are easily obtainable in many places. Tapas can be prepared using meat and vegetables and is widely sold in bars where they serve as a good dish to go with alcohol.
The breakfast is continental and is of traditional variety. Lunch is usually simple and light while the dinners are had quite late in the evening. Some of the traditional dishes are quite unique to Spain with each town having its own variation.
Spanish food also reflects the history of the country; its chaotic history, diverse geography and Mediterranean customs. The country was occupied for centuries by the Moors, who were the first to cultivate olives and oranges in Spain, and this had a huge impact of the Spanish diet, as did decades of extreme poverty suffered by millions under France’s repressive regime.
The Moor touch can be experienced in a vast variety of Spanish food flavored with cumin, saffron and other exotic spices. The stews and soups, sumptuous and tasty, were the staple food of peasant communities, existing on meat bones and vegetables that are home grown, stewed for several hours to draw out the last drop of flavor
An interesting way of exploring Spanish cuisines and wine is by way of culinary tours in Spain. Even tapas tours can be taken, and you could try out the vast range of wines. And if the wind takes you that way you could even opt for some cooking lessons in emblematic places.
For more details and video clips on the various spanish cuisines please click Spanish Food. You might also want to take a look at some of the famous Spanish Dessert Recipes