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Chapter 2 Spain Portugal LM
Chapter 2 Spain Portugal LM
CHAPTER 2
Spain &
Portugal
OVERVIEW
International
People say the world is becoming smaller. Of course, the world is not shrinking, but more
accessible travel, familiarity with people from foreign lands, and efficient communication make
faraway destinations seem less remote.
This chapter was divided into five (5) sections: history, topography, cooking methods, regions,
and general characteristics of cuisine. The development and the evolution of the Spain and Portugal
cuisine become apparent through an understanding of the issues discussed in this sections.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Multiple Choice: Choose the correct answer and write your answer on a blank sheet of paper.
3. The following are the countries or lands where the Spaniards gained control EXCEPT ONE.
a. Asia c. Africa
b. Europe d. Italy
7. A dish that is literally translated to rotten pot in which every region has their own version.
a. Paella c. Churros
b. Empanada d. Olla Podrida
LEARNING MAP
TOPOGRAPHY
You may now start travelling to the country of Spain and Portugal. Enjoy while learning!
Chapter 2
SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
INTRODUCTION
Food is not only important from health point of view but also from its cultural point of view.
You might not be aware but you can find more about the particular culture of one country from the
type of food they were preparing and who influences them to have that kind of cuisine. Also, the
cooking traditions and practices that are associated with their culture. A cuisine is primarily influenced
by the ingredients that are locally available and through trade. Other factors like religion can greatly
influence the cuisine; hence, the importance of cuisine cannot be ignored.
In this chapter, you will learn about the following: (a) History – who invades the countries of
Spain and Portugal together with their culinary influences; (b) Topography – talks about the natural
and man-made features of the Iberian Peninsula, composes the countries of Spain and Portugal, to
show their relative positions and elevations; (c) Cooking methods – includes the way of cooking in
Spain and Portugal which may define their culture and cooking tradition. Moreover, it’s what makes
them unique and different from other countries. (d) Regions – shows what makes up the whole Spain
and Portugal. These are places/regions in Spain and Portugal that showcase the differences in the
food they produce; (e) Cuisine – includes various foods that are uniquely made by the people in
Spain and Portugal that exhibits the simplicity of the food and a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Food ingredients and culinary habits may be influenced by the invaders of Spain and Portugal.
Lesson 1: HISTORY
The Moors, who were Arabs from North Africa entered the south of Spain in 711 A.D.
Eventually, they conquered most of Spain and ruled the country for hundreds of years until the late
fifteenth century.
MOORS
Photo Source: visiontimes.com
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Reflecting the culinary world of northern Africa and various countries of the Middle East, the
Moors introduced the Spaniards to oranges, lemons, watermelon, pomegranate, grapes, artichokes,
spinach, eggplants, dates, almonds, marzipans, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and a variety of spices,
including nutmeg, saffron and pepper. The Spanish adopted combining sweet with savoury, as well as
the use of honey, from the Moors.
Pomegranates
Marzipan Artichoke
Photo Sources: familyspice.com; livescience.com; foodandnutrition.org; bbcgoodfood.com;
sugargeekshow.com
In addition to many new foods, the Arab acquainted the Spanish with cooking
techniques such as marinating and frying foods in olive oil. Strong Arab
influence is apparent the cooking, architecture and religion found in Andalusia,
a region in southern Spain.
NEW WORLD
EMPIRES
When all of the invaders were all gone at the end of the fifteenth century, Spain finally
became a unified country. At that time, Spain began to build its own empire. The Spaniards gained
control of lands in South America, North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. They ruled their extensive
empire for about 100 years, until the late sixteenth century.
SPANISH INQUISITION
Under the leadership of King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I, the Spanish established the
Spanish Inquisition in 1478. The purpose of this political action was to purge the country of Jewish,
International
Muslim, and Protestant people. Those who did not convert to Catholicism escaped or were killed.
Reports claim that 160,000 Jews left Spain or were killed there in 1492. In 1502, the Spanish expelled
most Muslims.
Lesson 2: TOPOGRAPHY
Containing mountains, coastlines, plateaus, hills, rivers and streams, Spain and Portugal’s
topography is characterized by great diversity. Spain makes up five-sixths of the Iberian Peninsula,
Portugal occupies the remaining one-sixth.
SPAIN
Meseta
Photo Source: shutterstock.com
The coastal area receive more rainfall than the interior, where dry conditions prevail. Also, the
north of Spain receives more precipitation than the south. Hot, sunny summers and cold winters
dominate Spain’s climate. The southern areas near the Mediterranean Sea enjoy a warmer climate,
and the mountainous regions are colder.
The south west of Spain consists of dry basin; however, any land in this area that is supplied
with water – whether by rivers, streams or irrigation- transforms into fertile farmland. The area along
the Mediterranean in the south contains fertile plains.
PORTUGAL
Ingredients & Foods Commonly Used throughout the Cuisines of Spain and Portugal
Seafood
Pork and lamb
Serrano ham and chorizo sausage
Blood sausage
Dried beans
Olive oil and olives
Garlic
Saffron and Spanish paprika
Parsley
Citrus fruits Honey
Honey Photo Source: seawayscafe.com
Almonds
During the Middle Ages, when shepherds and nomads roamed the
countryside, the Spanish began using the one-pot cookery. They cooked any
available ingredients in one pot over a fire. Because most of the flocks were
sheep, lamb was the most prevalent meat. As a result, braising remains a
common cooking method there.
One-pot cookery
International
Photo Source: bbcgoodfood.com
Actually Arabs from North Africa, the Moors used cooking methods that came from the
Arabians who traveling through the desert cooked over an open fire. They introduced grilling and
frying to the southern region of Andalusia, where they entered Spain. As the Moors extended their
rule throughout Spain, their cooking techniques permeated the cuisine of the country.
With the introduction of the olives by the Romans hundreds of years before the Moors entered
Spain, olive oil became a popular cooking fat. When the Moors popularized frying, olive oil became
the preferred cooking fat. Today Spain produces an enormous quantity of olive oil, and the export of
olive oil is a major industry for Spain.
Lesson 4: REGIONS
The various regions of Spain and Portugal exhibit huge diversity in topography, climate and
influences from their many invaders throughout history. Differences in the foods that grow the
selection of herbs and spices, and the cultural aspects of each area cause vast variations in the
regional cuisines found in these two countries. Although many of the same dishes are prepared in the
regions of Spain and Portugal, the recipes have pronounced regional adaptations.
GALICIA
Empanada
Photo Source: pinterest.com
BASQUE
Olla podrida
Photo Source: thespruceeats.com
VALENCIA
Spanish Paella
Photo Source: myrecipes.com
ANDALUSIA
Gazpacho
Photo Source: inmsol.com
EXTREMADURA
PORTUGAL
Lesson 5: CUISINE
Culinary similarities among the regions of Spain and Portugal include the simplicity of the food
and a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients. Although Spain was a trade center for spices in the
fifteenth century, Spanish cooking has remained very simple. Fresh parsley and garlic flavor many
recipes, but Iberian dishes do not contain an overabundance of spices. Contrary to what many
believe, the dishes served in Spain are not hot and spicy. Many people confuse the Iberian cuisines
with those found in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries.
SAFFRON
* As is true in many countries, people who live near the oceans, rivers, seas, and lakes
consume lots of seafood. Both Spain and Portugal have miles and miles of coastline where
International
fishing provides plenty of fine quality fish and shellfish. The many varieties of seafood form
the basis of the cuisine in all of the coastal areas. Cod, sardines, and tuna are particularly
popular in Portugal.
* Both fresh and dried (salted) cod are widely consumed in the North. Anchovies, cod, squid,
and many types of shellfish are among the fish that abound in Spain. In the central interior
regions, lambs, mutton, goat and pork prevail as the main source of protein.
Anchovies Squid
Photo Sources: thespruceeats.com; thefishsite.com
Goat Mutton
CHEESE
* Many high quality cheeses are made in Spain from cow, sheep, and goat milk or a
combination of all three. As in most countries that produce cheese, different regions
specialize in making certain types of cheeses. The governments of many European
countries, including Spain regulate production of some of the cheeses. There are currently
twelve Designation of Origin (DO) cheeses in Spain.
SPANISH DO CHEESES
Source: amazon.com
International
Source: tasteatlas.com
Mahon – made from cow’s milk; slightly acidic and salty taste,
soft firm texture; used for grating; from the island of Minorca in
the Mediterranean
Source: lunya.co.uk
Source: gourmetsleuth.com
Source: amazon.com
Source: stci-lb.com
Source: spain-recipes.com
Tetilla – made from cow’s milk; aged, mild flavor, soft creamy
texture; from Galicia
Source: tienda.com
Source: culturecheesemag.com
International
PORTUGAL
* Although Portugal produces excellent port, Spain is known for sherry, most of
which comes from a small, hot, flat area in Andalusia. Both sherry and ports are
fortified wines. Wines usually accompanies both afternoon and evening meals.
* Another popular drink, sangria consist of red wine with brandy, soda water, and
fresh fruits.
* Favorite non-alcoholic beverages include strong coffee and hot chocolate.
Sherry
Photo Source: sherrywine.com
P or
t
SELF-CHECK 2.1
A. MATCHING TYPE. Match Column A from Column B. Write your answer on the blank provided
before the number.
Column A Column B
ACTIVITY 2.1
Create a Venn diagram that shows the differences and similarities between the cuisines of
Spain and Portugal.
Note: Do it in a long coupon bond either handwritten or encoded, in a landscape form. If encoded,
please follow this format: Font style – Arial; Font size – 11; single spacing; and Paragraph –
justified. Compile in a long blue folder.
SCORING RUBRICS
SYNTHESIS:
International
The countries of Spain and Portugal is in the Iberian Peninsula and lies in the southeastern
Europe. Throughout the history, many invading countries left a great impact on the cuisines of
Iberia.
Romans brought grapes for wine, garlic, wheat, and olives while Moors, who were Arabs from
North Africa, introduced the Spaniards to oranges, lemons, watermelon, pomegranates,
grapes, artichokes, spinach, eggplants, dates, almonds, marzipan, herbs, fruits, vegetables,
and a variety of spices. In addition, the Spanish adopted combining sweet with savory, as well
as the use of honey, from the Moors. Also, the Arabs acquainted the Spanish with cooking
techniques such as marinating and frying foods in olive oil.
Another major influence on the Iberian cuisine came in the late 1400s when Christopher
Columbus and other explorers returned from the New World. They discover new lands and
claims them for Spain and Portugal. These explorers returned to their homeland with
tomatoes, corn, potatoes, sweet peppers, and chocolate from the New World.
As Spain became a unified country, they began to build its own empire. They gained control
of lands in South America, North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. While the Portuguese
also built an empire in the late 1400s which lasted about a century. Like the Spanish, their
empire began with explorers discovering foreign lands around the world and claiming new
territories for Portugal.
The Spanish established the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 under the leadership of King
Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I. the purpose of its political action was to purge the country
of Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant people. Those who did not convert to Catholicism escaped
or were killed.
Spain and Portugal’s topography is characterized by great diversity, containing mountains,
coastlines, plateaus, hills, rivers, and streams. Spain makes up five-sixths of the Iberian
Peninsula while Portugal occupies the remaining one-sixth.
Hot, sunny summers and cold winters dominate Spain’s climate while Portugal experiences
cooler summers and warmer winters. Portugal experiences a more temperate climate than
Spain.
The Spanish began using one-pot cookery during the Middle Ages.
Braising remains a common cooking method because of they a great number of meats
specifically, lamb.
The Moors used cooking methods that came from the Arabians who travels through the
desert win which they cooked over an open fire. They introduced grilling and frying to the
southern region of Andalusia.
With the introduction of the olive oil by the Romans, olive oil became a popular cooking fat.
Today, Spain produces an enormous quantity of olive oil, and the export of olive oil is a major
industry for Spain.
Various regions of Spain and Portugal exhibit huge diversity in topography, climate, and
influences from their many invaders throughout history. Regions of Spain includes Galicia,
Basque, La Mancha, Valencia, Andalusia, and Extremadura. Each region has their own
selection of herbs and spices and the cultural aspects of each area cause vast variations in
the regional cuisines found in these two countries. Although many of the same dishes are
prepared in the regions of Spain and Portugal, the recipes have pronounced regional
adaptation.
The regions of Spain and Portugal shares culinary similarities which includes the simplicity of
the food and a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients. Spanish cooking remain very simple
even though Spain was a trade for spices in the 15 th century. Iberian dishes do not contain an
overabundance of spices.
The dishes served in Spain and Portugal are not hot and spicy.
Saffron is known as the world’s most expensive spice by weight. It serves as an important
component in the famous Spanish dish paella.
Cod, sardines, and tuna are popular in Portugal, while anchovies, cod, squid, and many types
of shellfish are among the fish that abound in Spain. In the central interior regions, lamb, goat,
mutton, goat, and pork prevail as the main source of protein. Therefore, varieties of fish,
shellfish, and meat completes their protein source.
Many high-quality cheeses are made in Spain from cow, sheep, and goat milk or a
combination of all three. There are currently twelve Designation of Origin (DO) cheeses in
Spain.
International
The Portuguese use more herbs and spices than the Spanish. The addition of cream and
butter makes Portuguese cooking richer than the cuisines found in Spain. The numerous
orange, lemon, and almond trees lead to significant honey production in Portugal.
Tapas, small snacks or appetizers, are often eaten in the late morning or early afternoon as a
snack before the main meal.
Spain is known for sherry, most of which comes Andalusia and Portugal produces excellent
port. Both sherry and port are fortified wines. Another popular drink is the sangria. Strong
coffee and hot chocolate are the favorite non-alcoholic beverages.
Throughout Spain and Portugal, breakfast is usually eaten at a coffee shop rather at home.
People usually buy churros from a street vendor, and is typically accompanied by a coffee or
hot chocolate. In the late morning, tapas or a snack may be consumed to hold the diner until
comida, the main meal of the day which is being served after two on the afternoon. Siesta
follows this large meal. In the early evening, around six or seven, people go to a tapas bar for
sherry and tapas. Cena, a light supper, is consumed after nine in the evening.
Multiple Choice: Choose the correct answer and write your answer on a blank sheet of paper.
3. The following are the countries or lands where the Spaniards gained control EXCEPT ONE.
a. Asia c. Africa
b. Europe d. Italy
7. A dish that is literally translated to rotten pot in which every region has their own version.
a. Paella c. Churros
b. Empanada d. Olla Podrida
ASSIGNMENT 2.1:
Direction: Provide answer to the following items:
1. How do the weather and topography influence the cuisine of Spain and Portugal?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
2. Define tapas and discuss its role in the meals of Spain and Portugal.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
Note: Do it in a long coupon bond either handwritten or encoded. If encoded, please follow this
format: Font style – Arial; Font size – 11; single spacing; and Paragraph – justified. Compile in
a long blue folder.
SCORING RUBRICS
Format:
Task Sheet No. 2
Prepare Spanish/Portuguese Dish
Actual Picture
of your
Prepared Dish
Related Information:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
International
Procedures:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
REFERENCES:
Heyman, P.A. (2012). International Cooking, 2nd ed. Jurong Singapore: Pearson Education
Inc.
Hilario, Jose S. (2014). Getting Started in Cooking International Cuisines. Mandaluyong City:
Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.