Spanish Autumn Traditions and Food
2022-10-15
Here are some Spanish autumn traditions and some delightful dishes you can make to enjoy them!
Autumn is officially here. It's a season full of cosy, comforting meals, quality time with friends and family and celebrating cold weather traditions. Here are some Spanish autumn traditions and some delightful dishes you can make to enjoy them!
La Rioja Wine Harvest Festival
Spain is known worldwide for its delicious and high quality wine. Autumn is the season for grape harvest in Spain and the region of La Rioja is one of the best known for its exceptional wine produce. Because of this the city of Logroño hosts its annual Wine Harvest Festival. You can take part in the traditional wine making process of stomping and treading on grapes! Not to mention enjoy bullfights, as well as traditional Spanish music and flamenco dancing.
What to cook:
- Rioja-Style Potatoes
Potatoes are a fail-safe choice for kids and adults alike. This simple dish leaves the earthy and buttery flavour of potato to be the star of the show. By combining spicy chorizo and warming paprika it’s an energising and cosy dish perfect for cosy dark nights.
- Garlic Soup
One of Spain’s most famous and traditional dishes, Garlic Soup has many different varieties, depending on the region. Traditionally it’s a light broth served with oil, parsley and of course a generous amount of garlic. In Adalusian cuisine cauliflower is commonly added whereas the Aragonese include egg and add crunchy croutons to their soup.
Las Castañeras
Is there anything better than the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air on an Autumn day? When the weather becomes colder, chestnut stalls begin to open on the streets of Spain, with their inviting smoky and sweet aroma. Families and friends gather to enjoy the last of the mild weather and enjoy these delectable nutty treats. If you are looking for something more filling stay tuned for this awesome recipe!
What to Cook :
- Sopa De Castañas (Chestnut and Chorizo Soup)
A family favourite in most Spanish homes chestnut and chorizo soup guarantees you an authentic taste of Spain. Served with warm, crusty bread and olive oil for dipping, this soup infuses the smoky and peppery flavour of good chorizo with the delicate flavour of chestnuts for a dish that is comforting and has a real unique flavour.
- Spanish Sweet Potato Salad
Bring the flavours of the summer into the autumn kitchen! This bright and sunny salad features sweet caramelised sweet potato teamed up with juicy peppers and creamy butter beans to create a salad that’s a party in your mouth! Not to mention the additional fiery kick of paprika to really complete this yummy dish!
Wild Mushroom Foraging
Spanish soil is perfect for the wide range of mushrooms that grow there. Hunting for wild fungi is a very popular activity to take part in in the autumn in Spanish families. You’re likely to find black trumpets, yellow chanterelles and even porcini on your hike!
- Mushroom Croquettes
Gorge yourself on these rich and delicious morsels! The crispy, deep fried crumb on the outside with a creamy mushroom filling will have you returning for seconds and thirds! Serve with a fresh salad and a charcuterie board for an impressive tapas selection.
National Spain Day
Spain’s National Day or Hispanic Day is celebrated on October 12 with parades, brass bands and general fun and celebration across all of Spain.
What to Cook :
- Tortilla de Patata ( Spanish Omelette)
You can’t get a more authentic and traditional snapshot of Spain than the world-famous tortilla de patata. Not only is it an essential part of Spanish cuisine, this egg and potato omelette is simple,buttery and hearty and you’ll want to recreate this tapa as soon as you are able!
- Spanish Rice Pudding (Arroz Con Leche)
If rice pudding brings back memories of cold and lumpy school dinners, this recipe will change your mind! This warming and comforting dessert is creamy and delicious without being heavy. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and indulge in this smooth dessert.