Gastronomy of the Costa Blanca
Owing to its diverse historical background, the gastronomy of Alicante provides visitors to the Costa Blanca more than just the typical paella on the menu.
Gastronomic History
The history of the Costa Blanca, which included the Romans, the Greeks, the Moors and the Spanish civil war, has had a profound effect on the gastronomy of the area, resulting in dishes like paella, gazpacho, salazones and olla.
This long and rich history has combined with the many natural foods available in the region to create a list of traditional dishes that can vary from village to village.
Local Products
The people who live in the Costa Blanca tend to enjoy consuming locally derived goods, and so it is that most of the dishes that you will find prepared in the villages of this region are made from locally grown, fished, farmed or hunted products.
The result of this is not only an authentic "home grown" meal, but it allows the gastronomic traditions of the area to be preserved as well. Believe me, try adding something new or different to a local gazpacho recipe will get you some funny looks from the locals!
The Rice Dishes
While there is a diverse collection of meals to be found throughout the province of Alicante, one will notice that the rice dishes tend to dominate the scene.
From the traditional paella to stews and oven baked dishes that date back to the 16th century, the Alicantinos love their rice.
Paella - More Than Just a Dish
Paella is perhaps the most famous dish from the Alicante area and the greater Valencian Community. Traditionally made from rice and either rabbit or chicken (or both), along with shellfish and vegetables (typically garlic and a red pepper), the ingredients of the paella can vary considerably.
What doesn't vary, however, is the experience of eating a paella. You seem you don't simply prepare and eat a paella. Tradition outlines hunted game cooked by men in the paella dish over an open fire.
These days this can still be found, as can a family getting together and cooking a paella around a natural gas paella cooker. The meal usually begins with a hefty load of tapas (usually enough food to make you too full for the paella), and then the irresistable paella is served.