In summer, everything is twice as delicious if it’s served cold. These are the hottest months in Spain and that’s why refreshing dishes such as gazpacho, salads and ice creams feature so prominently at every meal. Here are just a few suggestions. Take note, and make a point of enjoying them while sitting at an outdoor café or restaurant. What could be better? Practically nothing!
A table in the shade, a refreshing drink and a meal before you. This might include, for example, one of the world’s most delicious cold soups: gazpacho. The main ingredient of this typical dish from Andalusia is tomato. A similar soup, also from Andalusia but served with slivers of Serrano ham, is salmorejo. We recommend you give them both a try.
Another refreshing option at meal times are the salads, which in Spain are dressed with olive oil and sherry vinegar, or with vinaigrette. You’ll find a whole range of different salads… everything from the traditional green salad made with lettuce, asparagus, onion… to others featuring potatoes or tomatoes. They are often served with tuna or anchovies. If you are in the south, order a picadillo (green pepper and tomato salad); in the north we recommend a salpicón, or seafood salad, with octopus for example.
A platter of typical “pescaíto” or fresh fried fish, marinated anchovies or shellfish are always welcome accompaniments to any meal. Another dish which is always a hit in summer is paella. This dish is typical of the Region of Valencia. Enjoying a paella while gazing out over the sea is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
And before we get to dessert, we recommend you try a recipe which offers a refreshing combination of sweet and salty: melon with cured ham. To round off the meal we suggest any of the typical summer fruit such as strawberries, particularly the ones from Huelva and Aranjuez, or watermelon… or a delicious ice cream (the most famous are from Alicante).
