To Lanzarote come every year thousands of tourist that want to discover it volcanic and arid landscapes, its beaches and attracted by the beauty that the magic of its volcanoes have. But Lanzarote is much more that its landscapes and good weather, Lanzarote is made of bit of tradition, its people, its culture and of course, its gastronomy. For that reason, with this article we want to give you a guide of the traditional cook of the island and discover the most typical dishes of Lanzarote.
Let’s start with breakfast. One of the main ingredients that has been in the kitchen of the inhabitants of the island is the “gofio” (toasted wheat or corn flour). The “millo” flour (typical word of Canary Islands which means “corn”), was practically accessible for all budgets. Gathering to toast the millo and then mill it, was very usual. With a bit of goat milk, water or oil, it was the perfect breakfast to resist the long days working in the fields.
Although it was also used (and continue using it) as accompaniment in lunch. Some some spoonful of gofio in the vegetable soup (potaje) will delight your palate. Today, the use of gofio in the Canarian kitchen is popular. We can find mousse or ice cream of gofio for dessert, or the typical “pella de gofio” (a ball of gofio with salt, oil, cheese and other things that you want to add, some people add banana, honey or raisins) or scalded gofio as an accompaniment to fish dishes.
If you like fish or shellfish there are some dishes that you must taste. A good grill of fish or shellfish is a great option, the shrimps of La Santa, “vieja a la espalda” (a white meat fish cooked on its back and on its own scales) otr tuna, this fish caught by rod in waters of the Canary Islands. Both fish are served with a dressing of oil, garlic and parsley and the typical Canarian potatoes with green “mojo”.
We recommend you the following option: as starter a limpet with mojo, the green sauce, and then a good “sancocho”, it is a salted wreckfish with potatoes, sweet potatoes and “pella de gofio, served with mojo. And if you include a delicious cheese it will be the icing on the cake. Lanzarote has some cheese factories that have been awarded in different competitions around the world. If it is difficult to choose one, ask for a dish with a variety of cheeses, so you could taste different ones. If you are a cheese lover, we will guarantee you that every day will ask for a different cheese.
If you prefer meat, we also have different options. One of the most popular dishes is the “compuesto de carne de cabra” a goat casserole or the frid kid with garlics. Although a good meat of pork fried accompanied with potatoes with mojo will be a great lunch. The rabbit is also a popular dish among the inhabitants of the island, the most popular way to cook it is fried. Everything, served with a good wine of the island will make your gastronomic experience in Lanzarote unforgettable. If you have the opportunity, we recommend you a visit to the different wineries and taste their wines. All of them have their own singularities, and the thing is that the volcanic land gives a taste that is not easy to find in other place.
But… Do not you like wine? Do not worry, from some years ago the production of artisan beer in the island has increased. Ask in the bar or restaurant for the local beer or visit one of the factories. They will surprise you.
As you see, Lanzarote has a great gastronomic offer for all tastes. If you have already visited the island and have tasted its food, tell us: what are you favourites dishes?
Photos:
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diariodeavisos.com
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natursan.net
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lapalmerarosa.com
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cookpad.com
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blog.musement.com
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