If you haven't heard of calçots yet, you're missing out on the latest food trend that's taking the world by storm. Calçots are a type of green onion that originated in the Catalonia region of Spain.
They are known for their long, slender shape and mild, sweet flavor.
Recently, calçots have gained popularity not only for their delicious taste but also for their unique cooking method. Traditionally, calçots are grilled over an open flame until they are charred on the outside and tender on the inside. They are then served with a romesco sauce, a rich and flavorful sauce made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, almonds, and garlic.
Salvador Dalí, a self-proclaimed food enthusiast and social media influencer, was the first to recognize the potential of calçots as a viral food trend. With his creative recipes and captivating food photography, Dalí quickly gained a following of food lovers who were eager to try the latest culinary sensation.
Through his Instagram account, Dalí shared his journey of discovering calçots and experimenting with different ways to prepare and serve them. His posts were filled with vibrant images of grilled calçots, mouthwatering romesco sauce, and satisfied diners enjoying this unique dining experience.
Now, you might be wondering how you can become the next calçota influencer in your area and join the ranks of Salvador Dalí. Well, it's easier than you think!
First, you'll need to get your hands on some fresh calçots. Check your local farmers' market or specialty grocery stores to see if they carry this trendy vegetable. If not, you can always order them online from reputable suppliers.
Next, you'll need to perfect your grilling technique. The key to achieving that perfect char on the outside while keeping the inside tender is to cook the calçots over a high flame for a short amount of time. Don't be afraid to experiment with different grilling times and temperatures to find what works best for you.
Finally, you'll want to create your own signature romesco sauce. While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, adding your own twist can make your calçots stand out from the rest. Consider adding ingredients like smoked paprika, roasted garlic, or even a hint of spice to give your sauce a unique flavor profile.
If you're passionate about food and love sharing your culinary adventures with others, why not join our affiliate program? As a member, you'll have access to exclusive discounts on calçots and other gourmet ingredients, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with other food influencers.
By becoming a calçotaire major, you'll not only be able to enjoy the deliciousness of calçots but also inspire others to try this incredible food trend. So, what are you waiting for? Start grilling, start snapping, and start sharing your love for calçots with the world!
]]>Now, let me take you back in time. I was a curious 10-year-old when my parents decided to embark on a 2-hour journey to the enchanting town of Valls, all in the pursuit of experiencing my very first Calçotada. At first, I couldn't fathom why we were travelling so far to eat onions. Onions, of all things! But little did I know, I was in for an unforgettable surprise.
As we arrived in Valls and I stepped into the vibrant atmosphere of the Calçotada, I was instantly captivated. The air was filled with the harmonious blend of laughter, music, and the irresistible aroma of grilling goodness. At that very moment, I realised that this Calçotada had so much more to offer than a simple onion feast.
It was an epic feast. I couldn't help but be mesmerised by the infectious energy that enveloped the place. Families and friends gathered together in celebration, united by their love for good food. It was a moment of pure magic, where eating transformed into an exhilarating experience.
Alright, my fellow food enthusiasts, let's dive deeper into the heart of the Calçotada experience – the star of the show, the calçots themselves! Now, you might wonder, "What on earth are calçots?" Buckle up because you're about to discover a culinary delight like no other.
Picture this: a bundle of slender green onions grown with love and care in the Catalan countryside. These aren't your ordinary onions, mind you. Calçots are special, my friends – they have a unique sweetness and tenderness that sets them apart from their pungent relatives. It's like they were born to be the life of the party!
As I took my first bite of a perfectly grilled calçot, my taste buds were transported to a world of pure bliss. The charred exterior gave way to a tender, caramelised centre that melted in my mouth, leaving a delightful explosion of flavours. It was a dance of smokiness, sweetness, and subtle earthiness that I couldn't get enough of.
Now, let me share a little secret with you. The technique of eating calçots might seem a tad messy at first, but trust me, it's all part of the fun. The traditional method involves:
It's a hands-on experience that connects you with the food in a way that a simple fork and knife never could.
Alright, my fellow food enthusiasts, get ready to unleash your inner meat lover because we're about to take
the Calçotada feast to a new level of indulgence! Picture this: succulent meats sizzling on the grill, sending tantalising aromas wafting through the air. Attention, meat lovers! This section is for you!
First, we've got sizzling sausages that will make your mouth water just at the mere mention. Picture sinking your teeth into smoky chorizo and delectable butifarra sausages, perfectly grilled to release their savoury aromas and unleash an explosion of flavours in every bite. It's a meat lover's paradise, my friends!
But that's not all, my friends. We've got another carnivorous delight in store for you – a luscious lamb. Picture tender, slow-cooked lamb marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, imparting an irresistible flavour that pairs beautifully with the sweet calçots. It's like a match made in meat heaven!
But remember the incredible side dish delights that complete this feasting extravaganza. Think pa amb tomàquet, that heavenly combination of crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil. Imagine indulging in "escalivada", a medley of roasted vegetables bursting with smoky goodness. And let's not overlook the crispy potatoes of patatas bravas, perfectly seasoned and served with a spicy sauce that adds a fiery kick to every bite.
And there you have it, my fellow food enthusiasts! Our Calçotada adventure has ended, leaving us with hearts full of culinary delight and taste buds that have danced with joy. We've explored the wonders of the Calçotada tradition, from the sweet and tender calçots to the carnivorous indulgence of grilled meats, all accompanied by a medley of delectable side dishes.
As I reflect on my first Calçotada experience, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the incredible journey it has taken me on. From the initial scepticism of a 10-year-old to the moment of revelation and pure enchantment, this feast has taught me the true power of food to bring people together, create lasting memories, and ignite a passion for culinary exploration.
Throughout our journey, we've peeled back the layers of the Calçotada tradition, embracing the messiness, revelling in the sweetness, and indulging in the carnivorous delights that make this feast unforgettable. We've discovered the art of grilling calçots to perfection, savoured the magic of romesco sauce, and explored the feast of grilled meats that leaves meat lovers like us in sheer awe.
But our culinary adventure is only complete with a touch of sweetness. Oh yes, my friends, Calçotada desserts are a grand finale that can't be missed. From the creamy delight of crema catalana to the flaky goodness of coca de recapture, these desserts are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Catalonia and a perfect ending to our gastronomic escapade.
As we bid farewell to the Calçotada feast, let's carry the spirit of togetherness, the joy of shared meals, and the appreciation for the flavours that connect us all. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just beginning your culinary exploration, Calçotada is an adventure that must be savoured at least once in a lifetime.
So, my friends, I encourage you to gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and embark on your own Calçotada journey. Let the
laughter, the aroma, and the taste transport you to a world of culinary enchantment. Trust me, this is one food adventure you'll never forget!
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. When participating in cultural events, please respect local traditions and customs and ensure the ingredients and preparation methods align with your dietary preferences and restrictions.
]]>La Calçotada goes one step beyond raising our sustainability standards. For the very first time, we offer a full vegetarian menu at our virgin event in Amsterdam, hosted by KAAP, on Sunday, 18th December.
We are so warmhearted with the new entirely vegetarian menu because it aligns perfectly with our aim: spreading happiness and Catalan tradition worldwide in the most conscientious way. We are very thankful for your support.
Fair trade has always been the core of our business, importing our products only directly from the farmers. However, aiming at more efficient logistics and focusing more on plant-based products has become our sustainable mission for the 2022/23 season.
We are excited to announce that our first Calçotada in Amsterdam will be entirely Vegetarian! And so pleased that amongst other vegetables, the Calçots are stealing our followers' hearts.
We cannot imagine a better host for the occasion, as the first Vegetarian Calçotada will take place in kaapamsterdam.nl. KAAP's culinary offering is already entirely vegetarian, with high-quality products lovely cooked by Kiki, the Chef.
You can try the new veggie option menu on Sunday, 18th December, from 13:00 to 16:00.
The feast will start, as always, with the kings of the show: Calçots with Romesco sauce.
For the second dish, we would like to present inspired by the Barcelona region recipe Cassoleta of Faves a la Catalana and Escalivada.
Escalivada is a typical calçotada side dish consisting of charred red peppers, eggplant, and onions, all dressed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. We re-created this iconic Catalan stew of fava beans adding a roasted tofu and secret 3-Iberico Spice Mix. All bathed in a tomato, garlic, and onion juicy sauté. A few mint leaves give a fresh finishing touch to the dish. The Cassoleta will fill you with 100% vegetable-origin protein for the day!
Last but not least, Crema Catalana for a desert. The silky texture and citric flavours will fill your mouth with the recipe of Grani Carmen. It has not yet been possible to transform this recipe from our founder Julià Delos' grandmother to a vegan option. So far, we couldn't replace animal proteins with plant-based ones in a way that Grani Carmen is happy. However, we keep our ears open to you. DM us if you have a vegan crema Catalan recipe!
We would love to hear your feedback after the event from those who bought the tickets already. If you still need a ticket, please hurry up and get the tickets soon to try out our new menu.
There are only 25 table places left. The Calçots are stealing the show! Are you going to miss it?
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La Calçotada es la tradición gastronómica más popular de Barcelona durante la primera parte del año. En Barcelona y en toda la región circundante de Catalunya, ese nuevo comienzo de año se celebra con una La Calçotada. Un festín al aire libre alegre y desordenado de cebollas verdes dulces a la parrilla llamadas calçots, bañadas en una salsa romesco espesa y de nuez con una patada y regadas con vino tinto directamente a la boca desde una jarra de porrón en alto en el aire.
Esta tradición ha llegado a los Países Bajos desde 2014 gracias al Dr. Julià Delos, ex investigador de Philips, que la trajo a Eindhoven. Lo que empezó con la idea de compartirlo con cinco amigos se convirtió en un festival de 100 personas en Ketelhuisplein, en el antiguo barrio de Phillips Strijp-s. El popular evento continuó hasta el año 2020 que tuvo que ser cancelado por la pandemia de COVID. El evento acogió a unas 500 personas al año e importó más de 30.000 Calçots de Cataluña.
Delos se dio cuenta de que los Calçots son Las cebollas más felices de la tierra. Traen alegría y positividad a las personas que celebran esta tradición. Julià Delos fundó una startup holandesa La Calçotada para internacionalizar la alegre experiencia de la Calçotada y compartir el amor y la felicidad con la cebolla.
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