It’s time to ditch the junk food you eat every time you feel sad. Turn your sorrows into a healthier mealtime by trying Spanish comfort food.
Spanish cuisine is known for being rustic and homemade that’s why you’ll feel that every dish comes with care. And during the times when you feel down, this kind of dish will surely help you recover.
At the same time, even if you’re feeling great, you can still treat yourself to your go-to Spanish dishes. So if ever visit Spanish restaurants, never be afraid to try something you haven’t tried before.
If you want to know some of your options, then you should check the list below!
1. Churros
Specialists say that eating something sweet when you’re feeling down will help you increase your dopamine or happy hormones. So, one thing you should try is the churros. If you want it to be special, you will also enjoy this delightful fried pastry dough when sprinkled with sugar or dipped in melted chocolate.
When you’re in Spain, it’s easy to find churros vendors on the street or in a local churrería. But if you’re not, you can have it in Spanish restaurants and bakeries. You can also try making your version at home when you have some extra time. Making it will also make you happy!
Traditionally, churros are served during breakfast or dinner, but if you’re feeling a bit sad during lunch, maybe it can be an exception.
2. Gazpacho
Want to try a cold soup instead? Then you should order gazpacho in any of the nearest Spanish restaurants in your area. Gazpacho is a tomato-based soup that originated in Andalusia. It’s served cold as it’s usually served during the Summer.
Aside from being a famous soup during the Summer season, it’s also served to people with flu, cold, and hangover. Additionally, it’s rich in vitamins but also a flavourful dish.
Back then, the tomatoes and other ingredients are crushed using a larger mortar and pestle. Since the tomatoes can be as many as the mortar can hold, there can be at least two people pounding the ingredients using individual pestles.
3. Albondigas
Have you ever had albondigas? It’s a Spanish soup made with meatballs and tomato broth, which is also translated as “small meatballs”. If you have tried tapas, then you might already have this before.
However, aside from being a drink companion, albondigas can also comfort you during hard times. Isn’t it great that you can have a dish that you can try whether you’re sad or happy?
Another good thing about this dish is that it can also be served as a main dish or an appetiser. So if you’re craving for it, you can have it sooner than you think.
4. Empanada
Carving for a rustic empanada? This Galician dish will make you ask for more. However, you should be careful because they always serve it hot. You can burn your tongue if you go for it right away.
The traditional way of making empanada is from a pan, that’s why it’s usually round or rectangular. It’s not similar to the empanada that you see in a crescent moon shape. When it comes to filling, the main ingredient can be pork, beef, or seafood.
When it comes to popularity way back then, food-lovers tend to travel to Galicia just to have some of the freshly made empanadas.
5. Paella
You should also never forget about the famous paella. It can be as comforting as a hug, especially when you taste the perfect bite and all ingredients are fresh. Paella Valenciana, the traditional version, includes rabbit or chicken as the main ingredient. Furthermore, it’s best cooked outdoor on an open fire if you’re planning to make your own.
However, you can also try the authentic version in Spanish restaurants or when you visit Spain. Just keep in mind that usually, paella is not the typical dish that the locals order in restaurants there. But you can go to Galicia if you want to try the original paella.
6. Patatas Bravas
Another tapas dish that can comfort your long and tiring day is the patatas bravas (which translates as brave potatoes). It’s originally made from potatoes, olive oil, and bravas sauce. The bravas sauce makes the dish intriguing as it can be as spicy as possible.
Although it says brave potatoes, the consumer should be the one who needs to be brave when having a bit of this dish. Fortunately, it can save you from being drunk with its spicy taste.
So whenever you go to Spanish restaurants or bars, it’s never too late to try patatas bravas and be brave!
7. Fabada
Imagine a long day at work, and you’re so tired that you just want to sit on the couch and watch TV. Of course, you still need to eat to regain the energy you’ve used for the day. One of the best options to eat is a bowl of fabada.
Fabada is a Spanish bean stew made with white fabe beans and a mixture of pork meats. Traditionally, it has chorizo, pork belly, and blood sausage. It’s perfect for cold weather, and even for the days you just want to eat stew.
Now that you know your other options when you want to replace your comfort food, then you should visit Spanish restaurants to help you decide. Don’t forget to share with us your favourite Spanish comfort food by leaving a comment below!
