Cuisine of Northern Spain

The influence of the Moors is evident in much of Spain’s cuisine. Almonds, Nutmeg and spices such as Saffron and Cinnamon were all brought into the country by them; the roots of many of the flavours synonymous with Spanish cuisine of today can be traced back to the times of the Moorish occupation.

It is widely accepted that the cuisine of northern Spain is one of the best in Europe. The fact that the restaurants of San Sebastian have more Michelin stars than Paris is evidence of this, and here you will probably find rabbit on the menu rather than chicken.

Unlike some of the other regions of Spain, traditional food from the Basque Country avoids the use of spices where possible and uses mainly fresh ingredients with touches of olive oil garlic and salt. Basque chefs are experts at cooking their food to exactly its ‘peak of taste sensation’. As fresh produce is the staple part of Basque country cuisine, it is to be expected that food plays a major role in the way of life of the people and a vast array of fresh fruit and vegetables, exotic cheeses and Bayonne hams can be found on stalls of the many markets catering for the locals.

The waters of the Bay of Bisque provide many of the fish and shellfish ingredients commonly used in foods of the Basque country where crab, tuna. hake, mussels and oysters amongst others are just some of the delicacies which can found. Octopus (pulpo gallega) from the bays deeper waters is a particular favourite of the people from this region.

If the Basque Country is home to fish and seafood dishes then Asturias and Cantabria can be said to be known for their cheeses and apple dishes. Some of the best cheeses in the whole of Spain are made from the milk of these regions. The methods used are for production are as old as the humid caves in which the cheeses are stored (wrapped in chestnut leaves) as they are left to mature and form the light green-blue veins.

Tapas are appetisers found in bars and cafes all over Spain and the Basque Country is no exception although here they are more commonly known as ‘pintxos’. On offer you will find many small bite sized snacks including fish portions, fresh anchovies, grilled eggplant and tiny ham filled rolls amongst many others.