The real taste of Catalunya

If you would like a taste of real Catalan culture during your stay, then experiencing a ´Calçotada´ is a must. Calçots look very similar to leeks but, in fact they are onions that have been left in the darkness to sprout, re-planted and covered in soil for several months to keep the long stalks white. It is a long growing process, so when they are finally harvested they are consumed in copious amounts at Calçotadas- big, messy onion eating parties!

The Calçots are cooked on large roof tiles that are spread out on an open fire, until the outer layer is blackened. The resulting sweet, white inner section is dipped in the traditional garlic and nutty Romesco sauce and then, if you want to keep with tradition, you tip back your head and lower it into you mouth whole! It has to be said it is not an elegant tradition but it is delicious.

If you can make the trip to Valls, said to be the home of Calçotadas, you may also catch one of the calçot eating competitions or the famous Castellers (human towers).

In fact a Calçotada is a meal with wine throughout and starts with a tile of Calçots and plenty of romesco sauce.  Some care needs to be taken not too eat too many Calçots as this is only the `primero´ course.  Alongside your Calçots you are served with pan con tomate (bread with garlic rubbbed over and tomato).   A delightful selection of barbequed meats (often 5 or 6 types) follows, with judias (white beans in garlic).  Postre is a Crema Catalana, again a very traditional dish.  The meal is finished with plenty of the locally made Cava and often with coffee.

A Calçotada is a very jolly (but not drunken) affair.  Often a whole family will participate and a meal can easily take 4 hours.  To give some idea how important and popular this feast is, let us tell you about a masia on the outskirts of Barcelona.  A favourite with locals as well as with us, this masia serves 1,000 people every Saturday and Sunday during the height of the Calçots season (October - April).

Valls, about 100km from Barcelona is one of the best places you can experience this feast, although it is enjoyed all over the region, so you are sure to come across them this time of year and up until April. But if you want an authentic experience closer to Barcelona, just ask when you book your apartment and we will help you with your arrangements.

If you can’t make it to one of these spectacular feasts, why not try and recreate the flavour at home? Try out our recipe and see what a mess you can create!

Recipe for traditional calcots

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