Valls, the main city of Alt Camp in Catalonia (Spain) owns numerous attractions to be proud: romanic and gothic buildings, wild and impressive mountain surroundings, typical and fascinating traditions such "collas castelleras" (acrobatic and dangerous human towers up to 6,7 and 8 levels), sun, sea and beaches a few kilometres.
At the end of January starts the season of "calçots", a white and sweet long onion that brings together family, friends and relatives around big tables.
At the end of January starts the season of "calçots", a white and sweet long onion that brings together family, friends and relatives around big tables.
This ancient tradition has become a "must" between the addicted to the "slow food" and from 1982 there is a big celebration that involve all the city and neighborhoods.
We were lucky to experience a "calçotada" in a warm ambient of dialogue, friendship and happiness in a cottage outside of Valls, with the mountains of Miramar as backdrop.
This popular food is cooked in high flame, and after the burned exterior part is peeled away, the calçot is dipped in "salvitxada" sauce, made with almonds, hazelnuts, olive oil, garlic,tomato and vinegar, accompanied with red wine, laughs and jokes. The use to wear a bib to prevent staining, encourages the joyful atmosphere.
The use to wear a bib to prevent staining, encourages the joyful atmosphere.
Finally some glasses of "cava" the typical sparkling wine produced in Catalonia put an end to the great and unforgettable day.
And now, we started the countdown to the next year to enjoy again a calçotada with friends.
Que vagi de gust! (Bon appetite!)
Roberto Marin, is an operative emergency DUI and a very special person and a good friend.
His work often take him far from home, but when he is back he enoy to share with friends the armony and happines of his family.
#food #tradition #calçots #Valls #Catalonia #Catalunya #slowfood #Spain #Tarragona
