A Night of Delicious Flavors: Highlights and Recipes from Tuesday's Taste of Spain Event

Tuesday night's "Taste of Spain" was an unforgettable evening packed with vibrant flavors, laughter, and a strong sense of community. As the sun set, we transformed our gathering into a culinary journey, showcasing the heart of Spain right in our cozy neighborhood. Attendees enjoyed delightful dishes, met with warm smiles and joyful cheers, making the event not just a fundraiser but a true celebration of sharing and caring.

Thank you to everyone who attended! Your presence and generosity form the backbone of our fundraising efforts to assist those in need in and around our neighborhood. It is heartwarming to see a community unite for a shared cause, and every contribution truly made a difference.

To keep the festive spirit alive, we are excited to share the delightful recipes from the evening's event! Whether you missed the event or wish to relive the flavors, these recipes will help you recreate the magic of our “Taste of Spain” in your own kitchen.

Salmorejo

Course 1: Salmorejo

Ingredients:

• 6 ripe tomatoes

• 1/4 cup of olive oil

• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar

• 1 clove of garlic

• 1 cup of day-old bread, crusts removed and cubed

• Salt to taste

• Chopped hard-boiled eggs and jamón ibérico for garnish

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and bread.

2. Blend until smooth, adding water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

3. Season with salt to taste and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

4. Serve chilled, garnished with chopped hard-boiled eggs and jamón ibérico.

   
   

Enjoy the richness of flavors in each spoonful of this refreshing dish! For instance, did you know that salmorejo is a thicker version of gazpacho, originating from Andalusia? It has about 120 calories per serving, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.

Gambas Al Ajillo

Course 2: Gambas al Ajillo

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup of olive oil

• 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Fresh parsley & scallions for garnish

• Salt to taste

• quartered lemons

  
  

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, & smoked paprika sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Add the shrimp and season with salt. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.

4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, scallions & lemons before serving.

   
   

This dish captures the essence of Spanish cuisine, perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. In Spain, approximately 60,000 tons of shrimp are consumed annually, showcasing their popularity in Spanish diets.

Ensalada Mixta

Course 3: Ensalada Mixta

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, etc.)

• 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained

• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup of olives

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• Hard boiled eggs, quartered

• Sliced cucumbers

• Olive oil and vinegar for dressing

• 1 shredded carrot

• canned corn (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Finish with your favorite vinaigrette

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, artichoke hearts, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, shredded carrots, hard boiled eggs, canned corn, and red onion.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Toss gently and serve immediately.

4. Finish with your favorite vinaigrette

   
   

This colorful salad adds a fresh and vibrant element to any meal. Interestingly, a typical Spanish diet includes approximately 3 to 4 servings of vegetables each day, reflecting its nutritional importance.

Paella con Chorizo y Pollo

Course 4: Paella con Chorizo y Pollo

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of chicken, cut into pieces

• 1/2 pound of chorizo, sliced

• 2 cups of Bomba or Arborio rice seasoned with Saffron and Turmeric

• 4 cups of chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

• 1 cup of peas & carrots

• 1 red bell pepper & onion, chopped

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

• Fresh lemon for garnish

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large paella pan (or a wide skillet), heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken and chorizo, cooking until browned.

3. Stir in the rice and smoked paprika, allowing it to toast for about 1 minute.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, adding salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook without stirring for 15 minutes.

5. Add peas and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until rice is tender.

6. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving with fresh lemon.

   
   

The rich flavors from the chorizo and chicken combined with saffron rice make this dish a true masterpiece! It is no surprise that paella comes from Valencia, where about 10 million paellas are cooked each year.

Almond Cake with homemade Turron Ice Cream

Course 5: Almond Cake with Homemade Turrón Ice Cream

Ingredients for Almond Cake:

• 1 cup of almond flour

• 1 cup of sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup of butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon of baking powder

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

  
  

Instructions for Almond Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sugar, and baking powder.

3. In another bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Allow the cake to cool before serving.

   
   

Ingredients for Turrón Ice Cream:

• 1 cup of turrón (Spanish nougat), chopped

• 2 cups of heavy cream

• 1 cup of condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

  
  

Instructions for Turrón Ice Cream:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, condensed milk, and vanilla. Mix until well blended.

2. Fold in the chopped turrón.

3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Transfer to a container and freeze until solid.

   
   

Serve a slice of almond cake alongside a scoop of the luscious Turrón ice cream for a sweet finale! Traditionally, turrón is enjoyed during the Christmas season in Spain, with nearly 20 million kilograms consumed annually.

Reflecting on a Memorable Evening

As we look back on Tuesday night's culinary adventure, we must highlight the spirit of togetherness that made it all possible. Every dish represented a piece of Spain's vibrant culture, and every participant played a role in supporting a cause close to our hearts.

We hope these recipes inspire you to bring a taste of Spain into your own kitchen, nurturing connections and creating cherished memories with family and friends. Thank you once again to all who made the event a success. Your enthusiasm and support inspire us to continue uplifting those in need. Until next time, feliz cocina y buen provecho!

By bringing the taste of Spain into your home, you are not just cooking; you are building community and creating lasting memories, one meal at a time.