Spain has a long culinary tradition that combines influences from very distinct regions. The Mediterranean section offers an excellent environment for growing grapes and olives, both of which are prominent in Spanish cuisine. The cuisine of Spain also has some influences from Greece and Italy. There's also some Celtic influence mostly evident in pies and other red meat dishes.
Meals
Breakfast in Spain tends to be on the light side such as a cup of coffee with milk, sometimes with a piece of pastry like a croissant. Lunch and dinner are on the big side, with lunch being slightly heavier. Meals are eaten later than in the U.S. Lunch can be as late as 4 pm, while dinner is served around 9 or 10pm.
Dishes
The center of each meal is usually a meat dish. This could include beef, chicken or fish. This is often accompanied by a soup or salad and followed by a light dessert. Olive oil, cheeses and nuts are commonly used in the preparation of many dishes. A popular Spanish dish is the paella, a dish that usually contains a mix of meats and vegetables, including sausage, shellfish, chicken, rice, tomatoes, onion and sweet red peppers. Saffron adds a touch of exotic flavor to the dish.
Tapas
Tapas is the Spanish equivalent to snacks. In Spain, tapas is often served during the siesta, the period right after lunchtime, when many shops close and people go home for a couple of hours. Before going back to work, some people have a quick snack or tapas, which can be things like battered fried squid, olives, cheese with anchovies or sausage pieces. Tapas are also served with beer at bars or at home with tea or coffee, when guests visit.
Traditional Diet
The old-style, traditional Spanish diet is Mediterranean. This means few fried foods, lots of healthy grilled fish and vegetables, good fats like olive oil and whole grains. According to a 2008 article on WorldsofFlavorofSpain.com, the modern Spanish diet is not as healthy as it once was. Red meat and beer have become standard staples in Spain. Processed foods have gained terrain and young people are eating more sugar and fast food and fewer home-cooked meals than ever before. Smaller regions outside the main cities are more likely to stick to a traditional Mediterranean diet. Big cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more cosmopolitan and are likely to have easier, less-nutritional foods available.
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