Basque gastronomy, one of the most recognized in Spain and the world
The community of the Basque Country has more Michelin stars than any other community and it should be noted that the restaurants of Arzak, Berasategi and Subijana (Akelarre) have been awarded the highest possible recognition by this guide with 3 Michelin stars each. But none of this would have happened if the Basque community did not have outstanding schools dedicated to the hotel and catering industry. Schools such as Gamarra, Leioa or Aiala are some of the centers where the best chefs are trained and some of their students already have Michelin stars.
Arzak, Berasategi and Subijana
The Basque Country has a series of components that make this region a gastronomic paradise and the visitor can enjoy a wide range of products, smells and flavors. The unique climate, thanks to the sea and the mountains, helps to grow a wide variety of products with excellent quality, without forgetting that the sea gives it an ideal location as far as fish is concerned. From here have come dishes as well known as cod Biscayan style (or pilpil), marmitaco, txangurro, huge tuna and bonito and the much coveted elvers, among many other fish. On the other hand, in the mountains we can find the so acclaimed mushrooms that give any dish that unique aroma and flavor.
Codfish in pilpil sauce
We must not forget that in recent years the Basque Country has seen a boom in organic production and this has brought a great leap in quality. The beans from Tolosa or the peppers from Gernika are a great example of the level of quality enjoyed by Basque products. Progress has been made in the cultivation of plants respecting the environment and improving the care of the land, but there has also been a commitment to improving livestock farming according to ecological principles and respect for animals. All this has contributed to the Basque gastronomy with high quality products that help to maintain the Basque cuisine at a high level. A tip for the visitor to enjoy these products in a quick way and without a great disbursement, is to try the different pintxos that the tourist can find in the restaurants and bars in the towns and cities of Euskadi.
Organic products
Another of the delicacies offered by Basque gastronomy are the cheeses of Basque origin. Normally made from sheep’s milk, this gastronomy has a wide range of cheeses, although if one must highlight one among all the others, the more than known Idiazábal should be that cheese, valued as one of the best cheeses in the world.
As for Basque beverages, the wonderful wines of the Rioja Alavesa, the sagardo (cider) from Guipuzcoa, pacharan, txakoli and even kalimotxo have their origin in Basque territory and within these drinks you can find a great variety of them in their cellars and sagardotegis (cider bars).
Sagardo
Finally, Basque confectionery has its traditional dishes, such as goxua, itxaursaltsa, pantxineta or Basque cake.
Here is a video about Basque gastronomy and an article about 3 popular dishes.
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