Andalusian cuisine

the word “alcoba” comes from the Arabic word al-qubbah which means dome. And it is because all the Arab houses have one of them in the room in which they keep the most important and sacred objects of the family.

Is the dome of the Royal Alcázar of Seville the most complex construction that a carpenter can make? And, in addition, there are only four other buildings in the world that have something similar.

the word meatball comes from the Arabic term al-búnduqah which means hazelnut? Making use of a figurative sense of the word, it also meant “little ball” and that is how this delicious dish known by all came to be named.

was it in the time of Al-Andalus when botanical gardens were created for the cultivation of herbs and spices? Initially for medical and pharmacological purposes, but quickly moved to gastronomy as a means of prevention.

were the use of spices and aromatic herbs synonymous with luxury? The Andalusians maintained that digestion and nutrition could not be totally healing if delight, pleasure, and appetite did not reign in the pleasurable act of eating.

were rice stews (ar-ruzz) popularized on the peninsula in the time of Al-Ándalus? Arguably they are the ancestors of the popular paella and responsible for all the houses that enjoy rice with milk and cinnamon.

did Andalusian culture abound in bars where Muslims and Christians drank wine together? In Al-Andalus, unlike other Islamic countries, wine was produced and allowed to be consumed.

was it the Andalusians who determined the order in which the dishes were served as we know them today? A first course with soups and broths, a second course with fish and meats, and, finally, desserts.

did Al-Andalus celebrate both the Feast of the Lamb (“Fiesta del Cordero”) and Christmas? The important thing was to celebrate, each person gave it the meaning they wanted and maybe that’s where that festive Andalusian character comes from.