My time in Spain has officially come to an end. If someone were to ask me what I loved most about Spain, it would be the food. My life has definitely changed for the better after trying so many Spanish dishes, even though I have probably put on 10 pounds from eating so much of it. Here are seven foods, many of them served as tapas, that you need to try ASAP.
1. Croquetas con jamón
WARNING: these things are dangerous. My new definition of happiness is a beautiful combination of potatoes, ham and cheese in a breadcrumb fried roll. Although it probably has no nutritional value to it, you should eat it anyway. Oh, and I should also mention that I got this photo from my new favorite website, jamonlovers.es.
2. Jamón Ibérico
"Isn't is just ham?" No, it is not JUST ham. It is cured ham from pigs who were only fed acorns. This Spanish delicacy is considered the best ham in the world, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I considered buying an entire leg of jamón ibérico to bring back to the United States.
3. Berenjenas fritas con miel
I am not joking when I say that this tastes exactly like french toast. It is fried eggplant with a delicious honey glaze, and after trying one you will probably eat 20 more.
4. Tortilla Española
Tortilla Española is a very simple, but delicious dish. It is a combination of two popular breakfast foods -- eggs and potatoes -- and will never EVER disappoint.
5. Churros con Chocolate
What is better than fried dough and chocolate for breakfast (or mid-afternoon snack)? Nothing, nothing at all.
6. Chorizo
This is a type of pork sausage that can basically be added to any Spanish dish to spice it up. You can have it plain, with cheese or even cooked into your scrambled eggs. The variations are endless.
7. Paella
To be completely honest, this was the only Spanish food I knew of before going abroad to Spain. It is one of the most popular and most common dishes in Spain and is served all over the country. The base of it is rice, and can be made with seafood, chicken or any other type of meat that you want.
I hope these pictures made you as hungry as they made me. I'll miss you, Spain.
