In Spain, the binding power of food is unparalleled. It acts as a catalyst, bringing people together in harmony. Social interactions invariably revolve around delectable meals, with post-meal discussions often stretching into lengthy conversations around the table.
A typical Spanish lunch includes three courses: ‘entrantes’ or ‘primer plato’, ‘segundo plato’, and ‘postre’ (starter, main course and dessert).
Entrantes are typically light salads or soups.
Segundo plato are heavier meals, like fish or meat dishes.
El Postre (and if you have a sweet tooth like me, this is the best part of every meal!)
In Spain, lunch is generally referred to as ‘La Comida’, but in some regions, it is called ‘Almuerzo’ and is usually served between 2pm and 4pm. Here are some of the most typical lunch dishes you will find in the South of Spain. (Best not to be read on an empty stomach or it will shortly be growling at you!)
Paella
Paella reigns supreme as the epitome of Spanish gastronomy, mesmerizing all who lay eyes upon its magnificent pan. Resisting its irresistible allure is a futile endeavor, for the mere sight of this extraordinary creation can awaken the deepest hunger within. The radiant strands of rice, shimmering in an exquisite orange-gold hue, intertwine with the emerald strips of vegetables and succulent morsels of seafood or meat, presenting a visual manifestation of pure gustatory pleasure. If you would like to order a takeaway Paella in Alhaurín el Grande, we highly recommend Carnicería Y Charcutería Nova – they are delicious!!!
Melon con Jamón (Melon with Ham)
Combining the succulence of melon with the savory allure of ham, Melon con Jamón is a delightful fusion of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. The delectable Spanish Serrano Ham presents a delightful counterpoint to the succulent and honeyed essence of the melon, resulting in an exquisite taste experience.
Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish Omelette)
A delightful Spanish dish called Tortilla de Patatas, or alternatively known as Spanish Omelette or Tortilla de Papas, is effortlessly prepared using potatoes, onion, eggs, salt, and olive oil. There is always room for experimentation by incorporating additional ingredients such as green peppers or zucchinis.
Best Place to Eat Lunch in the Guadalhorce Valley #1 Restaurante Cortijo del Arte (Alhaurin el Grande)
If you're looking for a truly authentic Spanish lunch experience, be sure to visit Cortijo del Arte on Plaza del Obispo Málaga. It is rated as the best place for Lunch in Alhaurin el Grande (2023) on Tripadvisor!
Gazpacho
Gazpacho is essentially a chilled soup that incorporates a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onion, and garlic. These ingredients are expertly blended together to create a subtly textured soup. It boasts a relatively thin consistency, allowing it to be enjoyed either by sipping from a glass as a refreshing vegetable beverage or traditionally served as a comforting soup in a bowl.
Salmorejo
Contrarily, Salmorejo differs by focusing primarily on tomatoes and bread, resulting in a remarkably velvety texture. It owes its thickness to the inclusion of bread, while its vibrant orange hue distinguishes it from Gazpacho. Due to its rich consistency, Salmorejo is best enjoyed in a bowl rather than sipped, enhanced by the delightful accents of cured ham and hard-boiled egg.
Both soups share common lunch menu items, yet each possesses distinctive and delightful flavors that set them apart from one another.
Croquetas
Croquetas are a traditional Spanish delight, and the undisputed star variation among them is the Croquetas de Jamón, otherwise known as Ham Croquettes. Although ham is what sets these croquettes apart, the real magic lies in the luscious bechamel sauce filling. Every mouthful of these croquetas offers a velvety and smooth texture, making it an absolute culinary delight.
Best Place to Eat Breakfast in the Guadalhorce Valley #2
Restaurante Albocar is located in the Monda Castle and is an ideal lunch spot with great food, friendly service and breathtaking views.
Calamares (Squid Rings)
Squid Rings, known by the name Calamares in culinary circles, possesses a tender chewiness and a subtle flavor profile. These oceanic delights have gained immense popularity within the realms of Spanish cuisine. A beloved method of preparation involves coating the rings, arms, and tentacles in a light batter, before plunging them into a bubbling pool of hot oil for a perfectly crispy exterior. To truly savor their delectable taste, they are traditionally enjoyed by dipping them into the scrumptious Alioli sauce and accompanying them with lemon wedge and garnished with parsley. Moreover, Calamares often find their way into the bubbling cauldrons of Seafood Paellas, lending their unique essence to these succulent dishes.
Boquerones Fritos
Boquerones Fritos, a classic delicacy from Andalusia in Spain, showcases the region's love for fish. This delectable dish features crispy, deep-fried anchovies. Fresh anchovies are meticulously cleansed and seasoned with a pinch of salt. They are then enveloped in a light flour coating before taking a dip in bubbling, medium-high heated olive oil. The result is a mesmerizing golden exterior with a delightful crunch, making it a beloved choice for seafood lovers.
Espetos
Here's a quick Spanish tutorial: the action of 'espetar' indicates the act of threading food onto a skewer for cooking.
Ever wondered what the Spanish call those fish you see grilling on skewers over hot coals on the Costa del Sol's coastline? They're called Espetos and they're absolutely yummy. In English, Espetos are Grilled Sardines (or anchovies).
The delightful city of Malaga offers a culinary gem known as the Espeto. This luscious delight consists of a set of six succulent sardines (though alternative fish and meat choices can also be used) that are skewered and cooked over a blazing bed of coals. The sole seasoning required is a touch of olive oil and sea salt. The outcome? Pure gastronomic bliss! These delectable morsels are best savored by hand, ideally in close proximity to the sandy shores for added atmoeffect ;)
Best Place to Eat Breakfast in the Guadalhorce Valley #3 Coconut Café & Tapas con Arte
Coconut Café & Tapas con Arte is located just on the outskirts of Coin and offers a modern take on traditional Spanish dishes.
Ensaladilla Rusa (Russian Salad)
Ensaladilla Rusa, a renowned Spanish potato salad, stands as a timeless delight hailing from Spain. Bursting with an abundance of flavors, its creation is a breeze, taking merely 40 minutes. Whether served at room temperature or chilled, this remarkable dish epitomizes the ideal potato salad for every season.
Originating from Russia (surprisingly), this ensaladilla acquires its tastefulness from a medley of cooked vegetables that consists of diced potatoes, carrots, and peas. These ingredients are tossed together with a zesty mayonnaise dressing, resulting in a tangy deliciousness. The versatility of this dish allows for optional additions such as tuna, chopped hard boiled eggs, or alternative protein sources, transforming it into a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Puchero
Puchero, originating from the Andalusian region of Spain, is a delectable stew consisting of meat and chickpeas. This hearty dish involves a slow simmering process that merges pork, beef, and frequently chicken with an assortment of robust vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, turnip, and, of course, chickpeas.
In ancient times, Puchero emerged as a humble nourishment for peasants during the cold winter season, savored over an extended period. It began as a hearty combination with rice and later transformed into an equally delightful fusion with noodles. Today, the remnants of this delectable creation often find new life in the form of homemade 'croquetas,' skillfully crafted by many Spaniards.
Desserts
Here are some of the popular desserts you will find on a Spanish lunch menu.
Torrijas
During the Easter period in Spain, Torrijas are an undeniable indulgence that awaits you. Imagine a slice of bread steeped in milk, bathed in egg, then fried to perfection and sweetened just right. This delicacy is known as a Torrija, and it is the quintessential Easter delight!
Buñuelos
Buñuelos, a captivating masterpiece in Spanish cuisine, gain universal acclaim as they are transformed into a succulent delight. Spanning far beyond its original boundaries, these divine fritters enchant taste buds with their deep fry-coated exterior, gleaming in a gilded hue. The symphony of flavors within boasts a foundation of milk, eggs, butter, and flour sculpted meticulously into a dough, frequently taking the form of delightful spheres. Submerged into a cauldron of hot oil, they emerge transformed into irresistible treasures.
Flan
Flan, a delectable dessert hailing from Spain, holds the distinction of being one of the simplest yet tastiest desserts among the Spanish culinary repertoire. Crafting your own homemade flan can be a truly worthwhile endeavor, and I encourage you to embark upon this flavorful journey! Branded with alternative monikers such as Flan de huevo or Flan Casero, this divine delicacy takes the form of a mouthwatering egg-based custard.
Creating this flan is effortless yet never fails to impress. Its luscious texture, simultaneously indulgent and toothsome, guarantees complete satisfaction. This delectable treat is the ultimate dessert of choice.
The flan is a delectable treat brimming with the creamy essence of vanilla. Its foundation lies within a luscious bed of caramel sauce, embracing the mold's base. As the flan is inverted, a captivating spectacle unfolds as the caramel cascades, enveloping the entire dessert. Typically, this culinary masterpiece is accompanied by a dollop of velvety whipped cream, enhancing its already delightful allure.
Crema Catalana
Crema Catalana, a traditional dessert with a rich history, stands as one of Europe's most ancient treats. Catalonia's pride and joy, this burnt custard delight entices tastebuds with a harmonious infusion of orange, lemon, and a subtle touch of cinnamon. Its velvety smoothness and the delectable layer of caramelized sugar on the surface create an irresistible indulgence. Be prepared to dive into a thick vanilla custard, perfectly complemented by the luscious caramelized topping.
Natillas
Flan, a delectable dessert hailing from Spain, holds the distinction of being one of the simplest yet tastiest desserts among the Spanish culinary repertoire. Crafting your own homemade flan can be a truly worthwhile endeavor, and I encourage you to embark upon this flavorful journey! Branded with alternative monikers such as Flan de huevo or Flan Casero, this divine delicacy takes the form of a mouthwatering egg-based custard.
Creating this flan is effortless yet never fails to impress. Its luscious texture, simultaneously indulgent and toothsome, guarantees complete satisfaction. This delectable treat is the ultimate dessert of choice.
The flan is a delectable treat brimming with the creamy essence of vanilla. Its foundation lies within a luscious bed of caramel sauce, embracing the mold's base. As the flan is inverted, a captivating spectacle unfolds as the caramel cascades, enveloping the entire dessert. Typically, this culinary masterpiece is accompanied by a dollop of velvety whipped cream, enhancing its already delightful allure.
Coffee in Malaga
Would you like to know more about coffee in Málaga? If so, you're in luck! Check out this informative blog post that delves into the different types of coffee found in Málaga and the unique methods of ordering them. Click on the link to uncover all there is to know... Coffee in Malaga, Spain.
Daily Specials
The lunchtime experience in Spain offers an enticing array of choices, notably the renowned Menu del Día (Menu of the Day). A stroll through a bustling lunchtime district exposes a ubiquitous sight: restaurants adorned with eye-catching signs displaying the words Menu del Día, offering an assortment of tantalizing selections for appetizers, mains, desserts, and beverages.
For a truly unbeatable offer, simply choose a starter (primero), main course (segundo), dessert (postre), and beverage (bebida) from the tempting variety offered on the Menu of the Day. The locals have discovered that opting for the Menu del Día during lunch hour is the best way to enjoy a delicious and affordable meal, ranging from just 10€ to 15€.
