One of the best ways of approaching a new country or a new culture is through its cuisine. Today you will discover that the Canarian gastronomy is a pleasure for the senses; for the eyes but also for the palate. Its cuisine is full of contrasts, with well-seasoned dishes and fresh and healthy ingredients. The result of a mild climate and a volcanic soil that gives them their characteristic flavor.

In addition, the Canary Islands can boast one of the most special gastronomies in Spain, with influences of all kinds: African, Tropical… The typical food is of great quality, and we would like to prove it to you. Also, you can taste it in our hotels.

“Papas arrugadas” with “Mojo”

One of the most famous dishes of their local cuisine is the “wrinkled” potatoes. A simple and very rich dish consisting of small potatoes cooked with salt and lemon. Without removing their skin, they are served cold to dip in a very traditional sauce called “mojo picón”. This sauce is made with cumin, garlic, paprika, oil and vinegar (depending on the mojo we are making). The typical mojo is usually “picón” or green, the first one more spicy than the second.

Here is the recipe for green mojo:

Ingredients (4 people):

• 1 garlic clove.
• 1 bunch of coriander or parsley.
• 1 glass of olive oil.
• 1 splash of white vinegar.
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• Sea salt.

Preparation:
In a mortar, mash the peeled garlic, salt, cumin and parsley (or coriander). Add the oil and vinegar little by little and continue to mix until the ingredients are well blended…  and…. The Mojo is Ready !

“Gofio”

This is a highly nutritious, toasted cereal flour, very typical of the Canarian gastronomy. Gofio is very rich in fibre and very low in fat. It is usually served as an accompaniment or it is mixed with fish stock to create a dip that is accompanied by sweet onion.

The taste is not one of the best known and the palate might need some time to adjust, however, you won’t stop trying it!

Rabbit in “Salmorejo”

Another typical dish of the Canarian gastronomy is rabbit in “salmorejo”. The secret is in macerating the rabbit meat for a day. It is mixed with wine, vinegar, garlic, picona pepper, oregano, thyme, cumin and bay leaf. The meat takes all the aromas and flavours. The meat is then fried and cooked with the marinade mixture to obtain a really tasty dish..

Roasted Cheese with “Mojo”

There are several cheeses with a qualified designation of origin so it is no surprise that many of the locals are cheese lovers. Enjoyed as a tapa or as a dessert, this dish is simply delicious and very easy to make. Soft or semi-cured Canarian cheese is roasted in the oven and covered with a green or red mojo according to taste. That’s it! You won’t stop licking your fingers.

Canarian Puchero (Stew)

In the world of cuisine there are stews and then there is the Canarian King of all stews! Very typical of rural areas, this traditional stew includes pork, beef, chicken, courgettes, squash, sausage, cabbage, potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, corn cobs, green beans, parsley and peppermint. If you like vegetables and meat you cannot leave the Canary Islands without trying one. Just don’t ask for any other dish or you will explode!

“Frangollo”

This dessert is very typical of Tenerife. The “Frangollo” is a kind of flan that is made with milk, lemon, eggs, sugar, butter, cinnamon and especially cornmeal. It is very typical at Christmas and during several other local festivities.

These are some of the many Canarian gastronomy dishes that you must try before flying back home. Let us know which dish has been your favourite, even if it is not on this list. It will be great feedback for us for future articles!

Bon Appetit!