One of the most renowned Catalan traditions is a gastronomic phenomenon in the region surrounding Barcelona. No calçotada is complete without the typical sweet char-grilled spring onions known as ‘calçots,’ and mountains of grilled meat and sausages. Add some red wine to help wash it all down and you have understood the basics of the Catalan way of life in the coldest months of the year. From January until April, the region surrounding Barcelona hosts this winter food festival. Find the best spots to participate in the Catalan onion craze, or learn how to throw your own calçot gig.
If there is one thing you should know about the Catalan idea of a successful calçotada, it is that it often involves a certain degree of fun (and inebriation). One of the biggest stereotypes surrounding the Catalan people is the idea that they can be quite highly-strung and not as relaxed as some of their Southern counter-parts. Clearly, their critics have never been to any of the local festivals. The atmosphere at a calçotada goes a long way to reveal the warm, fun-loving nature of the Catalans.
Recipe for a successful (nut-free) Calçotada...
Calçots are a foodie favorite in Catalonia. Not only are these green onions delicious, healthy, and traditional, but they’re also the centerpiece of a beloved ritual that takes place across Catalonia during the early months of the year. From January to March it's quite a tradition to celebrate a Calçotada, when the long green onions are grilled over t he open fire, wrapped up in newspaper and served to you on terra cotta tiles. After peeling the calçots with your bare hands you can start dipping them one by one into a delicious salvitxada (sal-bit-shada) sauce. Unfortunately, for me most of these sauces are off limits as they contain hazel or pine nuts! Hence, I went on a little gastronomic adventure to find a nut-free recipe which anyone can enjoy down below...
How to make your nut-free Calçots Sauce in your own kitchen... -> Click here
When planning the perfect calçotada one of the first things you need to know is that without a grill you won’t get very far. Whenever possible, the preferred method, and most traditional one, is for the calçots to be grilled over an open fire fueled with sarmientos de viñedo. These grapevine clippings give an extra special flavor to the calçots and the accompanying meat and vegetables. If sarmientos are not available, organic charcoal will also do perfectly fine.
When the grill is ready, it’s time to cook the calçots until they are nicely charred and just starting to turn black on the outside. Once they’re cooked, they are wrapped in newspaper, just like Fish & Chips, and then kept in a box and left to rest for about 40 minutes. This leaves just enough time to grill the artichokes, which are typically served alongside the calçots as the first course of the meal. ¡Bon Profit!
The next round follows, it’s time for typical grilled meats. This round includes beef, pork chops, lamb chops, but also butifarra, the most delicious of classic Catalan sausages. Don’t forget to keep hydrated during this indulgent meal! Tradition tells us to favor wine, drunk from a porrón, a glass bottle which resembles a small watering can (and can in some instances serve a similar purpose!). To use the porrón, simply pour it straight into your mouth, replacing the need for a glass. Beginners start with the spout quite close to their mouth, and as their technical skill progresses, the distance gets bigger. As the meal progresses, you may find yourself speaking a more fluid kind of Catalan. Don’t miss this great opportunity to find out for yourself what great sense of humor Catalans have.
Expat Insight: Try one of the legendary places in the rural parts of Catalonia right in front of the gates of Barcelona.
Secret tips are Masia Can Cabus or Can Rubiales ! Both are located near the lovely town of Badalona with its beautiful and warm beaches.
Have a lovely time exploring Barcelona!
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Norman Kuhlmann
"Life is too short to speak one language and stay in one place." In 2020, this philosophy took him from familiar London to sunny Barcelona. Usually enjoying trips to great places & beaches, cooking Mediterranean food or attempting to dance salsa. For more insights about Life in Barcelona and delicious Tapas follow his blog on
Barcelona-expat.com
