Must-try dishes on the Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol, the Spanish coast on the Mediterranean Sea, is a popular destination for tourists and foodies alike. It boasts a wealth of delicious and traditional dishes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. The cuisine of the Costa del Sol is diverse and flavorful, ranging from coastal Mediterranean cooking to produce and dishes from inland towns. Here are some must-try dishes on the Costa del Sol:
Gazpacho
Gazpacho, the traditional cold Spanish soup that is one of the summer’s favourite dishes on the Costa del Sol. In the hot and sunny weather of Costa de Sol, Andalucians really appreciate this cold soup. It is made with a blend of tomatoes, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, and olive oil. The soup is usually served chilled with a garnish of diced tomatoes and cucumbers. This must try dish is really popular on the Costa del Sol, it even has its very own festival!
Jamón ibérico
Iberian ham is popular not only on the Costa del Sol, but also throughout Portugal. Jamon Iberico is a cured leg of pork produced in Spain and Portugal that contains more fat than other Spanish hams such as jamón serrano. It is typically served as an appetiser and is best enjoyed with a glass of wine. It is one of the most accessible must-try dishes on the Costa del Sol, and you can find it anywhere in this region. There are many specialist Iberian ham bars all over the Costa del Sol, but La Casa del Jamón Marbella is highly recommended.
Ajoblanco
Ajoblanco (also spelled ajo blanco), literally translated as white garlic, is a popular Spanish cold soup from Málaga and Andalusia. Bread, crushed almonds, garlic, water, olive oil, salt, and vinegar are the main ingredients of this must-try Costa del Sol dish. It is typically served with grapes or melon slices. Similarly to other dishes, this delicious starter is also very popular and appreciated among Andalucians. On the 2nd September in the town of Almáchar, Málaga, they celebrate the Día de Ajoblanco.
Seafood dishes
Due to the proximity of Costa del Sol to the coast, it’s no surprise that fish and seafood dominate the menus of Costa del Sol’s restaurants. Grilled sardines or sardine skewers, seafood stew, and Pescaito frito (deep fried fish) are just a few of the Costa del Sol’s most popular seafoods. So don’t leave Malaga without trying one of these fresh-off-the-boat fish over an open fire.
Gambas al Pil-Pil
Prawns served with a spicy sauce are what the people of Costa del Sol know and love as gambas al pil-pil. The history of Gambas Pil Pil is a little unclear, but it originates in either the Basque Country, Andalusia or Galicia. We know for sure that this dish has been around for centuries and is still just as popular today as it was back then all around the Costa del Sol. ‘Pil pil’ is a word used in Spanish cuisine that describes a sauce made with garlic and chilli infused in hot olive oil. This combination is delicious for all taste buds, so don’t leave the Costa del Sol without trying this must-try dish.
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