Something that characterises the arrival of the cold weather and that is so missed during the long summer days are the spoon dishes of winter. Something so much our own that we have found a way to make a legume into a delicious and comforting dish.
What are spoon dishes?
When we talk about “spoon dishes”, or traditionally called clay or copper cooking because of the utensils used in their preparation, we mean those stews in which the heat is transmitted so gently and slowly that they can be cooked for long periods of time, concentrating their flavours with greater intensity.
Contrary to what we may think, not all spoon dishes are made with pulses, but all pulses are used for spoon dishes. There are plenty of stews whose ingredients do not include pulses that are just as delicious and satisfying in cold weather.
Spain has a different spoon dish in each geographical area, each one using the most important products of the area according to the climate. This offers us a wide variety of stews that allow us to enjoy regional gastronomy like in no other country.
What foods should be eaten in cold weather?
With the arrival of cold weather our immune system weakens and one way to strengthen it, and avoid colds and viruses, is to prepare our body through food.
Among the foods we can include in our diet are, in this order: vegetables, pulses and broth (among others).
These three ingredients should be an active part of our diet in the colder months, and they are the basis of our spoon dishes, which are an ideal way of consuming everything our immune system needs to keep us strong throughout the winter.
Spain's best typical winter spoon dishes
Among the winter spoon dishes that can be found in Spain, there are some that resonate and that we have all heard of, and if we have been lucky, even tasted.
Cocido Madrileño
We start at home with cocido madrileño, or cocido de 3 vuelcos. So called because of the way it is eaten: first the soup is served, then the vegetables and pulses, and finally the meat. A delight for those who try it.
Fabada Asturiana
Heading north, we find the “fabada asturiana” (Asturian bean stew). This stew is made with white beans or "fabes" and pork, and is sometimes even served with seafood. A great traditional stew that leaves no one indifferent.
Galician stew
Following our route through the North, we have the Galician stew. A gathering of the meat and vegetable treasures of this autonomous community. In it we find a stew of potatoes, beans and veal in which the pork shoulder and turnip greens are indispensable.
Castilian Lentils
Close behind us are Castilian lentils. It is characterised by the use of pardina lentils, which are smaller and darker, and have a higher concentration of iron, making them perfect for strengthening our defences. They have an intense flavour and are always accompanied by chorizo and black pudding.
Other
Breaking with the line of legumes, we can also opt for potato stews such as lobster and potato suquet, or fish or meat broths with a great flavour and restorative power. One example is the Andalusian stew, which is served flavoured with a fresh mint leaf and drunk straight away. You've got hungry, haven't you?
Come to Casino Alcalá to eat the best spoon dishes in Madrid.
At Casino Alcalá we greatly value good food and traditional dishes, which is why, in order to face the cold weather in Madrid, we never fail to include the following in our menu daily menu a pout.
Among the selection of first courses, every week you can try a type of spoon dish that will take you on a journey through our gastronomy and its regional treasures: chickpeas madrileña style, fabada with its compango, lentils with chorizo and black pudding or broths, such as a good seafood soup.
As well as comforting the soul, you will enjoy these stews in a unique atmosphere where you never imagined you would enjoy a spoon dish so much.
The Casino Alcalá restaurant offers seasonal home cooking, prepared with local produce. A gastronomic proposal that includes very recognisable recipes with a national accent that sometimes accepts touches of daring.
Enjoy a simple and fresh proposal to eat in Alcalá de Henares that does not lose sight of the traditional flavours. Book your table, we are waiting for you!