The Cuisine…

The cuisine of the Costa Calida region, located in southeastern Spain, is a delicious blend of traditional Mediterranean and Spanish influences, with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The region is known for its seafood, rice dishes, and olive oil, as well as its delicious wines.

One of the most iconic dishes of the Costa Calida is the caldero, a hearty rice dish typically made with fish or seafood. The dish is named after the pot, or caldero, in which it is cooked, and is traditionally served with allioli, a garlicky mayonnaise sauce. Other popular rice dishes in the region include arroz con conejo, a rabbit and rice stew, and arroz al horno, a baked rice dish with pork and sausages.

Seafood is also a staple of the Costa Calida’s cuisine, with fresh fish and shellfish caught daily in the Mediterranean Sea. Some popular seafood dishes in the region include grilled sardines, fried anchovies, and paella de marisco, a seafood paella made with a variety of shellfish and fish.

In addition to seafood and rice dishes, the cuisine of the Costa Calida features a variety of meats, including pork, lamb, and beef. One popular dish is the migas, a hearty dish made with fried bread crumbs, garlic, and meat. Another popular meat dish is the chuleton, a large grilled steak typically served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

The Costa Calida region is also known for its delicious wines, which are produced in the nearby Jumilla and Yecla wine regions. Some popular local varieties include Monastrell and Tempranillo, which are often paired with meat dishes.

For dessert, the Costa Calida offers a variety of sweet treats, including the paparajotes, a traditional Murcian dessert made with lemon leaves, egg, flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Other popular desserts include the tocino de cielo, a rich custard dessert made with egg yolks and sugar, and the arroz con leche, a creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and lemon.

Overall, the cuisine of the Costa Calida is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Spanish flavors, with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, rice dishes, or grilled meats, the Costa Calida has something to offer every palate.