Calçotada

Onions are kind of a big deal here. But not just any onions. Specifically, calçots. Calçots are a unique type of onion, grown only in the region of Catalunya. The traditional Catalan method of cooking the calçots is to grill them over a flaming barbecue, and then wrap them in newspaper, which makes them tender. They are served on a terra cotta roof tile so they stay warm. To eat them, you peel away the charcoal layer, and then tip the tender white onion in a sauce made of almonds, tomatoes, garlic, peppers, vinegar and oil.

It is typical to go to a rural house in the countryside to take part in a whole event surrounding around calçots. A group of friends and us rented a bus to drive to the region of Tarragona. We stayed at a rural house, which hosts events, and during this season, specializes in calçotadas.

We first were ushered into the cave underground for the first portion: the calçots. As you can see in the pictures, you must wear a bib when eating, because they are quite messy! The calçots just keep coming, so there is no limit on how many you can eat!

After the calçots, you move into the dining room for your three course meal. Ours included potatoes, spiced beans, pork for the carnivores, and escalivada for the vegetarians.

The rest of the evening, we wandered around the premises and walked through the vineyards before dinner was served. Although no one was really hungry, we gathered for yet another meal. We picked at our food, trying to muster up an appetite, but it was hard after such a huge lunch!

It was a beautiful weekend to escape the city, be surrounding by rolling hills, and be full of good food.