Andalusian Tomato and Pepper Salad

Andalusian Tomato and Pepper Salad

This delightful recipe originates from Cádiz, where the freshest vine-ripened tomatoes and sweet green and red frying peppers shine. To preserve the vegetables’ natural flavors, this recipe emphasizes the use of fruity extra-virgin olive oil.
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Ingredients

Serves 6 / Preparation: At least 2 hours in advance

  • 1 pound medium ripe tomatoes seeds removed and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 pound green frying Italian peppers, cores and seeds removed, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced (approximately 1/3 cup)
  • 2 ounces canned or jarred white or light meat tuna drained and separated into chunks
  • 1/4 cup fruity extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, green peppers, sliced onion, and chunks of tuna.
  • This medley of fresh ingredients forms the base of the salad.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fruity extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar), and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • The dressing adds a layer of rich, fruity flavor to the salad.
  • Gently fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Refrigerate the Andalusian Tomato and Pepper Salad for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and develop.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve it chilled for a refreshing dish.
Enjoy your Andalusian Tomato and Pepper Salad, a taste of Cádiz’s vibrant flavors and freshness!
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Course; Salad
Cuisine; European / Spain

Andalusian Tomato and Tuna Salad

Andalusian Tomato and Tuna Salad

This salad hails from the province of Jaen, known for producing Spain’s finest olive oil. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. This makes for a delightful light dinner, especially during the summer.
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Ingredients

Serves 4 / Preparation: At least 2 hours in advance

Instructions

  • Begin by separating the egg whites from the yolks.
  • Finely chop the egg whites and set them aside.
  • In a small bowl, mash the egg yolks.
  • Place the egg yolks, minced garlic, olive oil, and the soaked, squeezed-dry bread in a blender or food processor.
  • Blend until you achieve a smooth mixture.
  • Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red wine vinegar to the mixture and blend until fully incorporated.
  • In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely chopped green bell pepper, reserved egg whites, salt, freshly ground black pepper, flaked tuna, and strips of Serrano ham.
  • Gently fold in the dressing created in step 1.
  • Refrigerate the Andalusian Tomato and Tuna Salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • The chilling enhances the flavors and makes it a refreshing dish.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy your Andalusian Tomato and Tuna Salad, a visually appealing and flavor-packed delight for a light dinner!
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Course; Fish / Salad
Cuisine; European / Spain

Spanish Pimiento and Tomato Salad

Spanish Pimiento and Tomato Salad

This light and refreshing salad is effortlessly prepared and pairs perfectly with heartier main courses. While I recommend making your own pimientos, they are also readily available in jars for convenience.
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Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6 / Preparation: At least 2 hours in advance

Instructions

  • Arrange the pimiento strips in layers in a shallow, flat-bottom serving bowl.
  • Place the onion rings evenly over the pimientos.
  • Create an attractive design by arranging the tomato wedges on top of the onions.
  • Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and finely chopped anchovies.
  • This delightful vinaigrette adds a unique flavor to the salad.
  • Drizzle it evenly over the salad.
  • Sprinkle the Spanish Pimiento and Tomato Salad with finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
  • Decorate the salad with 12 or more black olives, preferably Spanish, for an authentic touch.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • Chilling enhances the flavors and makes it a delightful, cold dish.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy your Spanish Pimiento and Tomato Salad – a simple and refreshing addition to any meal!
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Course; Salad
Cuisine; European / Spain

Tangy Tomato and Egg Salad

Tangy Tomato and Egg Salad

This delightful recipe comes from the personal cookbook of my inventive mother-in-law. What sets this tomato and egg salad apart is its unique twist – it skips the use of oil and lets the vinegar shine, complemented by a hint of sugar for balance.
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Ingredients

Serves 4 / Preparation: At least 2 hours in advance

Instructions

  • In a salad bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, sugar, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • The balance of vinegar and a touch of sugar adds a tangy and sweet depth to the salad.
  • Gently fold in the hard-boiled egg wedges, tomato wedges, and thinly sliced onion.
  • The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious and flavorful salad.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
  • The chilling also enhances the refreshing quality of the salad.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle the Tangy Tomato and Egg Salad with finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.
  • This adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy your Tangy Tomato and Egg Salad – a unique and refreshing variation of this classic salad!
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Course; Eggs / Salad
Cuisine; European / Spain

Honey-Rosemary Cucumber Salad

Honey-Rosemary Cucumber Salad

This recipe is incredibly simple and can be prepared in no time at all. The addition of honey imparts a delightful sweetness to the refreshing and crisp cucumbers.
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Ingredients

Serves 4

Instructions

  • Begin by preparing the cucumbers.
  • Trim off the ends, and using a vegetable peeler, partially peel them, leaving alternating strips of dark and light green.
  • Cut each cucumber lengthwise into 4 wedges.
  • Drizzle the cucumber wedges with honey, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • The honey will provide a pleasant sweetness to the dish.
  • Garnish the cucumber salad with finely chopped fresh rosemary.
  • The rosemary adds a fragrant and savory note that complements the sweetness of the honey.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve the Honey-Rosemary Cucumber Salad at room temperature for a delightful and refreshing side dish. It’s the perfect accompaniment to many meals.
Enjoy your Honey-Rosemary Cucumber Salad!
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Course; Salad
Cuisine; European / Spain

Chorizo and Bacon Stuffed Bread Rolls

Chorizo and Bacon Stuffed Bread Rolls

This unique twist on sausage-filled bread rolls, known as Chorizo and Bacon Stuffed Bread Rolls, will satisfy your taste buds. These delectable buns are made using a simple bread dough, creating a perfect blend of flavors.
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Ingredients

Yields 8 Delicious Rolls

  • 1/2 portion of Basic Long Loaf dough
  • 8 pieces of chorizo sausage approximately 3 inches in length
  • 8 slices of thick bacon each cut into 3-inch pieces
  • Cornmeal or bread crumbs for dusting
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten, for egg wash

Instructions

  • Start by preparing the bread dough, following the instructions in steps 1 and 2 of the original recipe.
  • Once the dough has risen as instructed, punch it down and knead it for about 5 minutes or until it’s well combined.
  • Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls.
  • Roll each ball out into a 5 x 3-inch rectangle.
  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • In the center of each dough rectangle, place one piece of chorizo sausage and top it with a slice of bacon.
  • Fold up the sides and ends of the dough to encase the sausage and bacon, pinching the seams to seal them tightly.
  • Sprinkle some cornmeal or bread crumbs on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  • Place the stuffed rolls on the sheet with the pinched side facing down.
  • Allow them to rest in a warm spot, such as an oven turned off, for 30 minutes.
  • Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg.
  • Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
  • Serve the Chorizo and Bacon Stuffed Bread Rolls hot or at room temperature for a delightful treat.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy your Chorizo and Bacon Stuffed Bread Rolls!
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Course; Bacon / Pastry / Pie / Pork
Cuisine; European / Spain

Pepitos de Ternera

Pepitos de Ternera

Veal Sandwiches
Breaded veal cutlets are beloved by both Spanish children and adults. When these cutlets are transformed into sandwiches, they are known as "pepitos" and are a popular choice for lunch. The most delicious version of this sandwich can be found at the bar of the Parador Nacional de Nerja, a magnificent parador with a garden-like atmosphere and a spectacular view of the coastline.
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Ingredients

Makes: 6 servings (12 sandwiches)

  • 1 recipe dough from Basic Long Loaf
  • Cornmeal or bread crumbs for sprinkling
  • 1½ pounds veal cutlet sliced into ¼-inch pieces
  • Kosher or sea salt
  • At least 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • Dijon mustard

Instructions

  • Prepare the bread dough and let it rise as instructed in steps 1 and 2 of the recipe.
  • Punch down the dough and knead for 5 minutes.
  • Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape them into balls.
  • Roll out each ball into a 6½ x 5½-inch oval.
  • Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough up tightly, jellyroll fashion, and pinch the ends to seal it well.
  • Taper the ends.
  • Sprinkle a baking sheet with cornmeal and place the rolls seam side down on the sheet.
  • Make 2 or 3 diagonal slits in the top of each roll.
  • Allow them to rise in a warm place (such as an oven turned off) for 1 more hour or until they double in size.
  • Bake the rolls as instructed in step 4 of the bread recipe.
  • Let them cool.
  • While the rolls are cooling, or if you prefer, in advance, season the veal with salt.
  • Heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the veal and cook, turning once, until it’s lightly browned on each side.
  • Transfer the veal to a warm platter and reserve the oil.
  • Slice open the rolls, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  • Heat the reserved oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Pierce the crust of one roll with a fork and place the soft side of the bread on the hot oil’s surface.
  • Cook until it’s lightly browned, which should take less than a minute.
  • Repeat this for the rest of the rolls, adding more oil to the pan if necessary.
  • Place the cooked veal on the rolls and pour any remaining meat juices from the platter inside the rolls.
  • Serve the veal sandwiches hot or at room temperature with Dijon mustard.
  • Enjoy!
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Course; Sandwiches / Veal
Cuisine; European / Spain

Pastel Murciano

Pastel Murciano

Veal Pie of Murcia
This delectable pastel from Murcia, situated along the southeastern coast of Spain, harnesses the region's top-quality, fresh vegetables, particularly their sun-ripened tomatoes and peppers. This special empanada combines these vegetables with flavorful veal, and the result is simply outstanding.
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Ingredients

Makes: 6 individual pies

Dough

Filling

Instructions

  • Prepare the puff pastry if necessary.
  • To make the dough, in a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  • Stir in the salad oil and water.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until it comes together.
  • Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the finely chopped onions and green bell peppers and cook, stirring, until they become tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Transfer the cooked vegetables to a small bowl and set them aside.
  • In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat.
  • Add the chorizo, ham, and veal, and cook, stirring, until the veal loses its pink color.
  • Reduce the heat to low, add the pepper and onion mixture, the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and simmer until the ingredients are well blended, approximately 10 minutes more.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped hard-boiled egg.
  • Unwrap the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured work surface into a rectangle.
  • Fold it lengthwise into thirds, like a business letter.
  • Roll it out again to the previous size, then fold and roll it twice more (for a total of four times).
  • Roll it out to a thickness of â…› inch.
  • Cut the dough into 6 (6-inch) rounds.
  • Divide the filling and place it in the center of each round, spreading it just to the edges.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Roll out the pastry to a thickness of â…› inch.
  • Cut it into 1-inch strips and also cut 6 (2-inch) rounds.
  • Arrange a strip (piecing if necessary) in a circle around the edge of the filling and pinch the ends of the puff pastry to seal.
  • Repeat with a second strip in a slightly overlapping concentric circle.
  • Seal the center of each pie with one of the pastry rounds, slightly overlapping the edge of the strip.
  • Fold up the sides of the bottom dough and pinch it to attach it securely to the puff pastry.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden.
  • Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving.
  • You can enjoy these veal pies of Murcia either hot or at room temperature.
  • Bon appétit!
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Course; Pie / Veal
Cuisine; European / Spain

Empanada Mallorquina

Empanada Mallorquina

Mallorcan Lamb and Sobrasada Pie Sobrasada, the well-seasoned sausage typical of Mallorca, similar in taste to chorizo but softer and more spreadable, combines with lamb, onions, and a touch of saffron to create a sensational empanada. The dough commonly used in Mallorca is unique, made with lard, olive oil, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
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Ingredients

Serves: 6 as a main course or 8 as an appetizer

Mallorcan Empanada Dough

Filling

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound lean lamb from the leg or shoulder, cut into ½-inch pieces
  • Kosher or sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 medium onions such as Vidalia or other sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • Scant â…› teaspoon saffron threads crumbled
  • ¼ pound sobrasada or soft cooking chorizo skinned and finely chopped
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten, for brushing

Instructions

Prepare the filling:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke.
  • Add the lamb and cook, stirring, until it’s browned on all sides.
  • Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  • Transfer the browned lamb to a warm platter.
  • Add the sliced onions and chopped garlic (and a little more oil if necessary) to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the onion becomes wilted and transparent, which takes about 2 minutes more.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for an additional 20 minutes.
  • Add the browned lamb back to the skillet and stir in the white wine and crumbled saffron.
  • Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by half.
  • Stir in the sobrasada (or chorizo) and cook for about 2 minutes more.
  • Allow the mixture to cool.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
  • Roll each portion between sheets of wax paper into a 13-inch round.
  • Place one of the rounds on an ungreased cookie sheet and spread the meat mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  • Cover with the second dough round.
  • Roll up the edges and press them to seal well.
  • Create a small hole in the center of the dough with a knife.
  • Brush the top with the beaten egg.
  • Bake for about 30 minutes or until it turns a delightful golden brown.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve the Mallorcan Lamb and Sobrasada Pie either hot or at room temperature, savoring the flavors of Mallorca. Enjoy!
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Course; Lamb / Pie
Cuisine; European / Spain

Empanada Gallega de Raxó

Empanada Gallega de Raxó

Galician Pork and Pepper Pie
Galician empanadas, with their Celtic heritage, remind us of the savory pies still cherished in Ireland and Great Britain. In this recipe, "raxó" signifies "pork," and it brings you the flavors of the Galician region.
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Ingredients

Serves: 4 as a main course or 8 to 10 as an appetizer / Preparation Time: At least 5 hours in advance

  • 1 portion of Empanada Dough
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1½ teaspoons of finely chopped fresh oregano or ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1½ teaspoons of finely chopped fresh thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • A pinch of crumbled saffron threads
  • ¼ cup of olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons of dry white wine
  • ¾ pound of boneless pork loin thinly sliced into ½-inch strips
  • 1 large onion such as Vidalia or Spanish, thinly slivered
  • ¾ pound of green frying peppers padróns, cored, seeded, and thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons of ground sweet paprika such as Spanish smoked
  • ¼ pound of medium tomatoes peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup of finely chopped Serrano Spanish cured mountain ham or prosciutto (about 2 ounces)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 large hard-boiled egg sliced
  • 1 pimiento thinly sliced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon of water

Instructions

  • Begin by preparing the empanada dough.
  • In a mortar or mini-processor, mash the garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme, and saffron.
  • Mix in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the wine.
  • Transfer this mixture to a medium bowl, add the thinly sliced pork, and stir to coat it thoroughly.
  • Cover and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  • Drain the pork, but be sure to reserve the marinade.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the pork and cook, stirring, until it loses its pink color.
  • Transfer the cooked pork to the reserved marinade.
  • In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the slivered onion and thinly sliced peppers and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low, stir, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the paprika and increase the heat to medium.
  • Add the chopped tomato and cook, stirring, until the mixture slightly thickens, which should take about 5 more minutes.
  • Finally, stir in the pork with its marinade, the chopped ham, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Continue to cook and stir until the pork is heated through, and the sauce is well blended.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Roll the empanada dough into a 28 x 14-inch rectangle.
  • Cut it in half crosswise to make two 14-inch squares, then trim the corners to create two 14-inch rounds.
  • Place one round on a cookie sheet and spread the pork mixture evenly, leaving a 1-inch border.
  • Arrange the sliced hard-boiled egg over the pork and top it with the thinly sliced pimiento.
  • Cover with the second dough round.
  • Roll up the edges and press them to seal tightly.
  • Create several slits in the top crust.
  • In a small bowl, lightly beat the large egg with the water and brush this egg wash over the dough.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the pie is beautifully browned.
  • Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy this Galician Pork and Pepper Pie either hot or at room temperature, savoring the flavors of Galicia.
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Course; Pie / Pork
Cuisine; European / Spain