Polbo á feira (a.k.a. pulpo a la gallega) is a traditional Galician dish made by cooking octopus, potatoes, and sweet paprika powder in copper cauldrons. The cauldrons impart a unique flavor to the dish, and it is said that it is impossible to obtain that kind of flavor with any other material.
In the Sanabria region, it is traditionally served with garlic, while elsewhere, pulpo a la gallega is presented on a wooden board, drizzled with lots of olive oil and sprinkled with coarse salt. It is recommended to pair the dish with a glass of red wine on the side.
MOST ICONIC Pulpo a la gallega
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Almejas a la marinera is a traditional dish originating from Galicia. It’s made with a combination of fresh clams, onions, garlic, tomatoes, pimentón, olive oil, parsley, and dry sherry or white wine. The dish is cooked until the clam shells open and the sauce develops a slightly thick consistency.
When served, almejas a la marinera is traditionally accompanied by bread for mopping up the sauce. The dish can be found in most bars and restaurants in the region.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Tigres (lit. tigers) is an authentic dish from Bilbao, its name derived from the fiery flavor of these stuffed mussels. In Galicia, the dish is known as mejillones rellenos. The dish is typically served as a tapa, consisting of mussels stuffed with a combination of onions and flour cooked in wine.
Tigres are then dipped in eggs, covered in breadcrumbs, and fried in hot oil. The mussels are often served with a spicy sauce based on anchovies and tomatoes. In Bilbao's tapa bars, one can often see people discarding the empty mussel shells on the floor, which seems to be standard practice and the most authentic way to consume these seafood delicacies.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Mejillones a la vinagreta is a traditional dish originating from Galicia. It's made with a combination of local mussels, red wine vinegar, olive oil, green and red bell peppers, onions, and salt. The mussels are steamed until the shells open, drained, and cooled.
The empty part of each mussel is discarded. The olive oil is whisked with vinegar, and the combination is then seasoned with salt and mixed with onions and bell peppers. The mussels are arranged on a platter and a spoonful of the pepper mixture is placed into each shell.
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