Thanksgiving is a holiday that is widely celebrated in the United States, but did you know that it also has a presence in Spain? Although Thanksgiving is not a traditional Spanish holiday, it has gained popularity in recent years and is now celebrated by many Spanish families. However, the Spanish put their own unique twist on the holiday, incorporating traditional Spanish dishes into their Thanksgiving feasts.
While turkey is a staple of Thanksgiving in the United States, the Spanish often prefer to serve roasted suckling pig, known as “cochinillo” or “lechón”. This tender and juicy meat is seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs and is typically served with roasted potatoes and vegetables. The roasted suckling pig is a centerpiece of the Spanish Thanksgiving meal and is enjoyed by both young and old.
In addition to roasted suckling pig, the Spanish also enjoy a variety of other dishes on Thanksgiving. One popular dish is “bacalao a la vizcaína”, which is a cod fish stew made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic. Another favorite is “paella”, a traditional Spanish rice dish that is often made with saffron, vegetables, and a variety of proteins such as chicken, seafood, or rabbit.
Of course, no Spanish Thanksgiving feast would be complete without a selection of delicious desserts. One classic dessert that is commonly enjoyed on Thanksgiving is “tarta de Santiago”, a rich and moist almond cake that is topped with powdered sugar. Another popular dessert is “torrijas”, which are similar to French toast and are typically made by soaking bread in milk, frying it, and then sprinkling it with cinnamon and sugar.
While the Spanish may not celebrate Thanksgiving in the same way as Americans, they still embrace the spirit of gratitude and giving thanks. Whether it’s through sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying traditional Spanish dishes, Thanksgiving in Spain is a time to come together and appreciate all that we have.
Traditional Thanksgiving Foods in Spain
While Thanksgiving is not traditionally celebrated in Spain, there are still some traditional dishes that can be enjoyed during this time of year.
One of the most iconic Spanish dishes is paella. This traditional rice dish is often made with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, rabbit, seafood, and vegetables. Paella is a beloved dish in Spain and is often prepared for special occasions and gatherings.
Another popular dish in Spain during this time of year is roasted suckling pig, known as cochinillo asado. This tender and flavorful meat is usually seasoned with garlic, salt, and paprika, and then slow-roasted until it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Spanish tortilla is another dish that can be enjoyed during Thanksgiving. This classic dish is made with eggs, potatoes, and onions, and is often served as a tapa or a main course. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is loved by many.
In addition to these dishes, Spain also has a wide variety of delicious desserts that can be enjoyed during Thanksgiving. One traditional dessert is tarta de Santiago, a moist almond cake that is often dusted with powdered sugar and decorated with the cross of Saint James.
Overall, while Thanksgiving may not be a traditional holiday in Spain, there are still many delicious and festive foods that can be enjoyed during this time of year.
Roasted Turkey
Roasted turkey is a traditional dish that is commonly enjoyed by Spanish people on Thanksgiving. The turkey is usually prepared by marinating it with a blend of spices, herbs, and olive oil. It is then roasted in the oven until it turns a beautiful golden brown color.
To ensure that the meat is tender and juicy, the turkey is basted with its own drippings throughout the cooking process. This helps to enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist. Additionally, some people like to stuff the turkey with a mixture of breadcrumbs, vegetables, and herbs, which adds extra flavor to the dish.
Roasted turkey is typically served alongside a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables. It is considered the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal and is enjoyed by family and friends who gather together to celebrate this special occasion.
To prepare a delicious roasted turkey, it is important to choose a high-quality bird and carefully follow a recipe that suits your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it with traditional accompaniments or add your own personal twist, roasted turkey is a beloved dish in Spanish Thanksgiving celebrations.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| – 1 whole turkey | 1. Preheat the oven to the desired temperature. |
| – Spices (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme) | 2. In a small bowl, mix the spices together. |
| – Olive oil | 3. Rub the turkey with olive oil. |
| – Breadcrumbs, vegetables, and herbs (optional for stuffing) | 4. If desired, prepare the stuffing mixture and stuff the turkey. |
| – Mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables (for serving) | 5. Cook the turkey in the preheated oven according to the recommended time per pound. |
Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Valencia region. It is considered one of Spain’s most famous and beloved dishes. Paella is typically made by simmering rice with a combination of meat, seafood, and vegetables using saffron as a key ingredient.
The traditional paella recipe includes ingredients such as chicken, rabbit, snails, green beans, and tomatoes. However, there are also variations of paella that incorporate seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, and squid, giving it a vibrant and rich flavor.
One of the distinguishing features of paella is the special type of rice used, known as bomba rice. This rice is short-grain and absorbs flavors well while maintaining its firm texture. The rice is cooked in a large, shallow pan called a paellera, and it is customary to let the rice form a crispy bottom layer known as socarrat.
Paella is often enjoyed as a communal dish, with friends and family gathering around the paellera to share the meal. It is commonly cooked outdoors over an open fire, although it can also be prepared indoors.
Paella is not typically associated with Thanksgiving in Spain, as it is more of a traditional dish enjoyed year-round. However, its delicious flavors and vibrant presentation make it a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions.
Whether you enjoy it on Thanksgiving or any other day, paella is sure to delight your taste buds with its rich flavors and unique blend of ingredients.
Jamon Iberico
Jamon Iberico is a quintessential Spanish food that is often enjoyed during Thanksgiving. It is a type of cured ham made from the Iberian black pig, which is native to Spain. The pigs are raised in specific regions of Spain, where they are allowed to roam freely and feed on acorns, giving the meat a distinct and rich flavor.
The production process of Jamon Iberico is quite extensive and takes several years. The legs of the pigs are first salted and then hung to dry for around two weeks. After this initial curing process, the legs are moved to cellars, where they continue to dry for up to three years.
Jamon Iberico is often served thinly sliced and is a popular addition to charcuterie plates or tapas. It is best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop. The meat has a silky texture and a nutty, slightly sweet taste that is truly unique.
In Spain, Jamon Iberico holds a special place in the cuisine and culture. It is often considered a luxury item and is cherished for its exceptional quality. During Thanksgiving, many Spanish families incorporate Jamon Iberico into their holiday meals, either as a main course or as a complement to other traditional dishes.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with other Spanish delicacies, Jamon Iberico is a delicious and indulgent treat that adds a touch of elegance to any Thanksgiving feast.
Turrón
Turrón is a traditional Spanish dessert that is commonly enjoyed during the holiday season, including Thanksgiving. It is a type of nougat made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted almonds or other nuts. Turrón can come in two main varieties: hard and soft.
The hard variety, known as turrón duro, is made by cooking the ingredients until they harden into a crunchy nougat. It is often topped with a wafer and is sometimes coated in chocolate. Turrón duro has a sweet, nutty flavor and a firm texture that can be quite satisfying to bite into.
The soft variety, known as turrón blando or turrón de Jijona, is made by grinding the almonds or nuts into a fine paste and mixing it with honey. This mixture is then cooked until it thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency. Turrón blando has a rich, sweet taste and a soft, almost fudge-like texture.
Turrón is typically served in rectangular or round bars, which are then sliced into smaller pieces for individual servings. It is often enjoyed as a dessert or as a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
During Thanksgiving, turrón can be a popular addition to the dessert spread, offering a taste of Spain to the traditional American feast. Its unique flavor and texture make it a delightful treat that is sure to please both locals and visitors alike.
| Turrón Duro | Turrón Blando |
|---|---|
|
Ingredients:
Texture: Hard and crunchy Flavor: Sweet and nutty |
Ingredients:
Texture: Soft and creamy Flavor: Rich and sweet |
Pumpkin Flan
In addition to the traditional turkey and stuffing, many Spanish households also enjoy a sweet treat called pumpkin flan during Thanksgiving. This classic dessert combines the creamy texture of flan with the delicious flavors of pumpkin and warm spices.
To make pumpkin flan, a caramel sauce is first made by melting sugar in a saucepan until it turns into a rich amber color. The caramel is then poured into individual ramekins or a large baking dish and left to cool and harden.
The flan mixture is made by combining pumpkin puree, eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, and a combination of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mixture is then poured over the cooled caramel sauce.
The flan is then baked in a water bath, which helps to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. After baking, the flan is chilled in the refrigerator until set.
When it’s time to serve the pumpkin flan, it is carefully inverted onto a plate, revealing the beautiful caramel topping. The result is a silky-smooth custard with a hint of pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a sweet caramel sauce.
Pumpkin flan is a delicious and festive dessert that brings a taste of Spain to the Thanksgiving table. Its smooth texture and rich flavors make it the perfect ending to a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
