Eating Like the Spanish

The ecstatic and exotic world of Spanish cuisine is open to your taste buds. It is something that almost every good cook wants to try out. If you're looking to learn something new, and Spanish cuisine is something you're a stranger to, let me give you a few insights.

You see, there is something interesting about the way the Spanish cook. The Spanish pay keen attention and give much elaboration to the preparation of their meals. This is what makes the results as tasty as you will see.

Pop quiz: do you know that the Spanish love eggs? They do. The Spanish eat lots of eggs, but almost never boiled as Americans do. How do the Spanish prepare eggs then? Well traditionally, the eggs are scrambled and fried. For these purposes, allow me to introduce the delicious tortilla of potatoes and onions.

The tortilla of potatoes and onions recipe is as follows:

1/2 pound red potatoes--unpeeled, and cooked but still firm, and sliced.

1 medium onion-'sliced.

2 garlic cloves chopped.

3 tablespoons olive oil.

6 eggs.

Freshly-ground black pepper--to taste.

Salt--to taste.

Heat a 10-inch non-stick frying pan and sauté the potatoes, onion and garlic in the oil.

Beat the eggs with a bit of salt and pepper and pour over the vegetables.

Using a wooden spatula, raise the edge of the omelet so the uncooked top can flow under the omelet.

Cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat.

Place a plate over the top of the pan and invert both plate and pan so the omelet comes out upside down.

Slide it back into the hot pan to cook the second side.

Cook for about 2 minutes more.

Comments: In Spain a tortilla is an omelet, turned once in the pan, then served in wedges like a pie.

Any number of fillings can be used once you master the trick of turning the tortilla.

Another popular dish from Spain is known as the "Paella". Basically, you're throwing everything from your fridge that could go together into your frying pan...that's the paella. The base for the paella is usually obtained from boiled chicken legs or wings with added vegetables as desired. Olive oil is known to give a more superb taste. Feel free to add fruits into the pan after everything is done...if you so desire. About a minute before turning off the fire, pour an assorted natural juice or liquer into the pan.

Spanish deserts, as magnificent as they are, are considered somewhat difficult to prepare and usually contain lots of calories. Most Spanish dishes take a considerable time to complete and the average Spanish meal may require 3 or 4 dishes to serve. If you really have time to spend in the kitchen, and enjoy doing so, you should certainly try your hands at Spanish cooking.

An alternative to taking all the time and trouble to cook like the Spanish is going to a Spanish restaurant and simply eat like the Spanish. A word of caution: You'll have to watch your weight when indulging in Spanish foods since they are addictive and contain high amounts of calories.