Final Photos of Gracia...

Below are many pics of mi barrio, Gracia. The best way to learn the city is to spend a few afternoons just walking around and getting lost.

Recetas de Barcelona

From the begining of my trip, I decided to try every food twice... and believe me when I say, I have not been dissapointed. I wasn´t surprised that my favorite food would be, Paella. So naturally, I had to learn to make it!! The recipe is below. I got these directions from watching my host dad cook it... so there were no real measurements. There are a ton of directions online, you could use this one as an outline.

Another important condiment here is alioli - garlic mayonnaise. Apparently we have this in the United States, but I had never tasted it until now. This is simple. Olive oil, minced garlic clove, and an egg. Mix till it becomes mayo. if it isnot thickening, add another egg. You can even add chopped parsley. This stuff goes on everything!!! Potatos, Meat, I´ve eaten a slice of bread with just alioli on it (not judgement)! Other than Paella, I would like to learn to make Tortilla de Patata... SOO GOOD!! I´ll practice in January while in Madrid. I also liked the dish, Arroz de Cubana, which is just cooked rice toppedwith tomate frito, an egg (boiled or fried) and sometimes shredded cheese or a banana. I have never had it wil a banana. but hey, I would try it! I have no idea why its called arroz de cubana when I hear its a traditional Catalan dish. 

Alioli

Paella

Tortilla de Patata

Arroz de cubana

Recipe for Paella (Chicken only)

• Chicken
• Green / Red Peppers (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Peas
• Olive oil
• Salt / Pepper
• Rice (Rondo)
• Chicken Broth
• Tomato
• White Wine
• Seasonings (Goya Seasoning for color and Bouillon cube: veggie)

Part 1:

1. Cook chicken pieces with oil and salt and pepper
1. remove from LARGE skillet
2. In same skillet - add White Wine (a good amount)
1. Prepare minced Garlic (3-5 cloves)
2. add to skillet and brown
3. Add Green and Red Peppers
1. This will make a “salsa” for our paella
3. Peel and cut tomato (1-1.5) into dices
1. add to “salsa” in the skillet
2. add more white wine (maybe .5-1 cup)
3. add dash of salt
4. add cup of water to create a soup
4. Add Peas (1-1.5 cup) frozen to “salsa” soup and cook for about 8 minutes
1. continue to stir
5. Add cooked chicken
1. add a cup of water
2. add bouillon cube
3. add color (goya packet)
4. Cook for a few minutes on low heat, stir.

Part 2:

1. Put chicken mixture in large pot
1. Add uncooked rice (Rounded)
2. Mix well and coat rice with
1. a bit of olive oil
2. a solid amount of broth
1. add a bit more broth if needed
3. add salt to taste
4. add a cup of water
5. add bouilon cube (crushed)
3. Cover and Boil then Done!