Arroz Negro, Black Rice with Squid, Mama Ía blog

January 31, 2019

Arroz Negro, Black Rice with Squid, a Showstopper

Natacha Sanz Caballero Rice, Grains and Pasta, Fish calamares, cocina valenciana, grains, mediterranean diet, Valencian cuisine

I know, I know, two posts in a row with recipes for fish. Not only fish, but mollusks, so popular where I come from, Spain’s Mediterranean coast, but not so where I live, Indiana. There’s an explanation, I’m still on detoxification mode from sweets after Christmas, and hard on the Mediterranean diet, the tried and true. But don’t fret: Valentines is around the corner, then a number of family birthdays, and soon after, Easter. Lots and lots of opportunities for sweets. So tag along with me, follow the Mediterranean diet, and your heart (and your waist) will thank you.

(more…)

January 15, 2019

Octopus with Potatoes, the Unexpected Guest at our Christmas Table

Natacha Sanz Caballero Vegetables, Fish, Tapas cocina española, mediterranean diet, Navidad, pulpo, seafood, Spanish cuisine

The anticipation of Christmas break is always special, no matter what one’s age. As a child, it was a magical time in every sense —the miracle of the birth, the visit of the Three Magi, loaded with toys, and the school vacation! As an adult, the excitement doesn’t wane, but new layers are added: this year was the first one we had two of our children away at college, and therefore back home for Christmas. What better opportunity than to celebrate with special dishes they don’t usually eat?

(more…)

Roasted red pepper, eggplant, cod salad, Mama ía blog

May 24, 2017

Roasted Red Pepper, Eggplant and Cod —or Esgarraet

Natacha Sanz Caballero Salads, Fish, Tapas mediterranean diet, montaditos, roasted vegetables, salt cod, tapas, Valencian cuisine

I don’t know in which category exactly to place esgarraet, salads or appetizers/tapas. Esgarraet is a dish typical of the Valencian community, and very often it is served as a tapa, on top of a slice of crusty bread, or grilled or toasted bread. It consists of roasted red peppers, salt cod, garlic and olive oil, and in some areas of (more…)