Tastes of the Canaries: A Culinary Journey Through the Archipelago

The Canary Islands, an archipelago off the coast of North Africa, are not only renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture but also for a unique culinary scene that blends traditional Spanish recipes with African and Latin American influences. This culinary journey through the Canaries will introduce you to some of the most distinctive and delicious tastes the islands have to offer.

Where to Stay

Finding the ideal hotel is essential while discovering the Canary Islands' cuisine. The Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel in Gran Canaria, immerses visitors in the islands' rich culture. Since 1890, this 5-star hotel has hosted Maria Callas, Ava Gardner, and Agatha Christie in Gran Canaria's social scene. It still hosts major cultural events. The hotel's historical grandeur and contemporary conveniences make it perfect for discovering the local culture and unwinding after a day of dining. You can familiarise yourself with the hotel and book your room here: barcelo.com/en-gb/santa-catalina-a-royal-hideaway-hotel/.

The Staple Ingredients

Canarian cuisine relies heavily on fresh, locally available products, such as seafood, potatoes, and tropical fruits. Mojo sauces with garlic, peppers, cumin, and other spices are poured on most dishes: they flavor food deliciously. Gofio-a type of toasted cereal flour-is another prominent feature of the Canarian kitchen that expresses the pre-Hispanic history of these islands.

Signature Dishes

One of these dishes, which you'll find everywhere in the Archipelago, is "Papas arrugadas". Those are small potatoes salted and boiled in their skin; they are usually consumed with red and green mojo sauce. The seafood specialists will appreciate "Caldo de Pescado", a kind of fish broth done with the catch of the day, which will tell you a lot about the peculiarities of the cuisine of the islands, deeply marked by the proximity of the Sea.

Another dish to try is "Conejo en salmorejo": rabbit marinated in a sauce of garlic, peppers, and herbs, then fried or stewed. Among the examples of the archipelago's ability to mix apparently simple elements with elaborate flavors.

Sweet Treats

For dessert, the "Bienmesabe," based on almonds, egg yolk, and honey, will end any meal sweetly. The local banana, aside from its smaller size, has a sweeter taste than represented by this fruit from South America and is used in desserts or instead simply with a sprinkle of lime juice.

Cheese and Wine

The Canary Islands produce some fine cheeses, and the "Queso fresco" is a cornerstone of this range. Fresh cheese can be enjoyed without additives or with the island's natural flower-made, treacle-like honey drizzled over it. Last but not least, these islands are famous for their unusual wines, thanks to the volcanic soils, which give the wine its intense mineral flavor. "Malvasia" is one of the most noble wines and was favored in all of Europe's courts in times past.

The culinary landscape of the Canary Islands is as diverse and captivating as its volcanoes, beaches, and forests. From rustic, hearty meals to exquisite gastronomic delights, the flavors of the Canaries are sure to enchant and inspire. Whether you're sampling the local cheeses, sipping on a glass of volcanic wine, or enjoying the ocean's bounty, each meal paints a picture of this archipelago's rich cultural heritage and bountiful natural resources.