8. Spanish holidays
QUICK OVERVIEW OF SPAIN
¡Bienvenidos!
Spain is a beautiful country with a rich history, diverse culture, and delicious food.
Firstly, let’s talk about the geography of Spain. Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, bordered by Portugal to the west and France to the northeast. The country has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, with popular coastal cities such as Barcelona and Valencia.
Now, let’s move on to Spanish culture. Spain is known for its flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and siesta lifestyle. Spanish people enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle, with a focus on family and socializing. It’s also worth mentioning that Spain has a vibrant art scene, with famous museums such as the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Picasso Museum in Barcelona.
We’ll also talk about some other top sights to see in Spain such as the Sagrada Familia, the most popular landmark in Barcelona, a marvelous cathedral designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. The stunning palace and fortress complex of Alhambra. Another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí called Park Güell in Barcelona. La Mezquita, or the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. The Alcazar of Segovia – a fairytale-like castle that dates back to the 12th century, and some others attractions.
One of the most exciting things about Spain is its delicious food. Spanish cuisine is varied and flavorful, with famous dishes such as paella and tapas. Seafood is also a big part of the Spanish diet, due to the country’s coastal location. So, before running around Spain, let’s try some hearty original dish.
First, eat, then go!
Spanish cuisine
Some words about Spanish cuisine. Spain is known for its rich culinary traditions and diverse regional dishes. Get to know some iconic Spanish dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Vamos a empezar (Let’s begin)!
- Tapas Culture: Tapas are a significant part of Spanish cuisine. These small, flavorful dishes are often enjoyed with drinks. They can range from simple bites to more elaborate creations. Here are some popular tapas:
a. Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. b. Croquetas: Deep-fried croquettes filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, or seafood. c. Gambas al Ajillo: Garlic shrimp cooked in olive oil. d. Tortilla Española: A thick omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. e. Pimientos de Padrón: Fried green peppers sprinkled with sea salt.
- Paella: Paella is a famous Spanish rice dish that originated in the Valencia region. It is traditionally cooked in a large, shallow pan called a “paellera.” The key ingredients include rice, saffron, and a variety of proteins such as chicken, rabbit, seafood, or a combination of them. Vegetarian versions are also popular. Paella is known for its vibrant colors and rich flavors.
- Gazpacho: Gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup perfect for hot summer days. It originated in Andalusia and is made from ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and bread. The ingredients are blended until smooth and served chilled. Gazpacho showcases the use of fresh vegetables and Mediterranean flavors.
- Jamón Ibérico: Jamón Ibérico, or Iberian ham, is a prized Spanish delicacy. It is made from acorn-fed Iberian pigs and aged for an extended period. The result is a tender and flavorful ham with a unique nutty taste. It is often served thinly sliced and enjoyed on its own or as part of tapas.
- Sangria: Sangria is a popular Spanish beverage that combines red wine, chopped fruits (such as oranges, apples, and berries), a sweetener like sugar or honey, and a splash of brandy. It is a refreshing and fruity drink enjoyed during social gatherings and parties.
As you can see, Spanish cuisine offers a delightful array of flavors and culinary traditions. From tapas to paella, gazpacho to Jamón Ibérico, there is something for everyone to savor. I hope it has sparked your interest in exploring the vibrant world of Spanish food. Let’s learn some food vocabulary and ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)
Become a chef!
Practice some food vocabulary.
Just speak!
Answer the questions. Use the words from the lesson.
- Have you ever tried sushi? If so, what do you think about its taste and texture?
- Do you enjoy foods with a sour taste? What are some examples of sour dishes or ingredients you like?
- How do you feel about bitter flavors in food? Are there any bitter foods or beverages that you enjoy?
- Are you a fan of spicy food? What’s the spiciest dish you have ever tried?
- Do you prefer grilled food or food cooked in other ways? What are some of your favorite grilled dishes?
- Have you ever had food that was steamed? What did you like or dislike about it?
- Do you know how to sauté food? What are some ingredients you enjoy sautéing?
- What is your favorite food that requires boiling as a cooking method?
- Are you a fan of sweet flavors? What are some desserts or sweet dishes that you enjoy?
- How do you feel about salty foods? Are there any salty snacks or dishes that you particularly like?
- Have you ever made pizza from scratch? What toppings do you usually choose?
- Do you enjoy baking? What are some baked goods or pastries that you like to make?
Idioms are here!
Match the idioms with their explanations. Then make your own sentences with them.
- “The icing on the cake” – This idiom means something that makes a good situation even better or an additional benefit that enhances an already positive experience. Example: “Winning the lottery was great, but getting a promotion at work was the icing on the cake.”
- “A piece of cake” – This idiom refers to something that is very easy or effortless to accomplish. Example: “Don’t worry about the test; it’ll be a piece of cake for you.”
- “In a nutshell” – This idiom means to express something briefly or to summarize something concisely. Example: “Can you explain the movie plot in a nutshell?”
- “Spill the beans” – This idiom means to reveal a secret or to disclose confidential information. Example: “He couldn’t keep it to himself anymore and spilled the beans about their surprise party.”
- “Take something with a grain of salt” – This idiom advises someone to be skeptical or not completely believe something they hear or read. Example: “I heard a rumor about their breakup, but I’ll take it with a grain of salt until I get more information.”