Granada
Granada is a beautiful small city nestling beneath the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is probably most famous for its Moorish palace called the Alhambra. Its a must see when you visit Granada but you need to book in advance if you want to see inside.
The English translation for the Spanish word “Granada” is pomegranate. These amazing fruits are found all over the region but especially in the valleys and mountains between Granada city and the coast. I am always amazed how many seeds come out of each fruit, once you have stripped back the skin and removed all the seeds it seems impossible that they all came out of a single fruit. The pomegranate is shown in signs around the city and has been used in the local ceramics for years.
The great thing about Granada is that unlike most Spanish regions you get free tapas with a drink. Just go into any bar in town (and most of the province) and you will get a free snack with your drink. What you get for free will vary from a few olives and crisps to a delicious dish of roasted pork. The very best Tapas bars will give you a choice too. I have shown four of my favourites but there are so many to choose from, go and explore but note that many good tapas bars open at lunchtime (12-3pm)and then later at 8pm till around midnight. Have a siesta in between!
When wandering around Granada take a break at midday and visit the Mercado San Agustin. Located close to the cathedral its easy to find and a great place for a tapas lunch. Its a popular place for both locals and tourists and you will find market stalls selling meats, jamón, seafood, fruit, vegetables, cheese, olive oils and wine. There are also many stalls where you can eat and drink. If you like seafood you can choose from the stall and they will cook it for you there and then. Two tips for you… first always order your drinks first and wait to see what tapa you get given before you order something off the menu, also you don’t have to order a full plate (ración) you can usually order a half plate (media ración) even if its not shown on the menu. Lastly if you cant decide what type of food you would like, sit at one of the wine stalls on the edge or outside the market and just ask them to get you what you want.
Granada is especially famous for its tapas culture but it also has some regional food specialities .
Tortilla del Sacromonte is a distinctive omelette associated with the historic Romani area famous for its cave houses and flamenco dancing. Traditionally the omelette is made from eggs and offal but these days you are more likely to find it made with potatoes, ham and peppers.
Habas con jamón this local speciality is made with young broad beans and ham (jamón). The beans are lightly cooked with olive oil, panceta, onion, garlic, white wine and then the serrano ham is added. It is sometimes served with a fried egg on top.
Remojón Granadino is a traditional salad made with salt cod ,oranges, onions and extra virgin olive oil. Oranges are grown in the Lecrin valley about half an hour south of Granada.
