The 11 Must-Try Foods of Semana Santa in Seville
What is a celebration if there isn’t a special dish or amazing meal associated with it? In Spain, we love to eat and one could say there is a particularly prominent sweet tooth here but of course, there is more to the love of food than sweets. While you can easily see the Arabic influence in some of the most popular and traditional pastries, including ingredients like honey, almond, pistachio, and so on, you also have a number of savory dishes that are as much the norm. The week leading up to Easter is just one of those celebratory periods that has gained some notable treats that you simply must know about. The foods of Semana Santa can sometimes be found at other times of the year, but this is the period when they are most sold and most popular.
The Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a significant religious holiday celebrated throughout Spain, with a particular emphasis on the southern region of Andalusia. During this time, locals and visitors alike flock to the streets to witness the elaborate processions, but food also plays a significant role in the celebrations. From savory stews to sweet pastries, here are 11 must-try foods of Semana Santa in Seville and Andalusia.
1. Espinacas con garbanzos:
This traditional spinach and chickpea stew is a staple during Holy Week in Seville. It’s made with spinach, chickpeas, onions, garlic, paprika, and cumin, and is often served with a hard-boiled egg.
2. Bacalao con tomate:
Bacalao, or salt cod, is a popular ingredient in Andalusian cuisine. During Semana Santa, it’s often served with a tomato sauce and garnished with hard-boiled eggs and parsley.
3. Potaje de Vigilia:
Another must-try dish of Semana Santa, potaje de vigilia is a hearty stew made with chickpeas, lentils, cod, spinach, and other vegetables.
4. Croquetas de Bacalao:
These crispy, fried croquettes are filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes and salt cod, then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection.
5. Pisto:
This is the Andalusian version of ratatouille. It’s made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and zucchini, and is often served as a side dish.
6. Bacalao Frito:
Another popular preparation of salt cod during Semana Santa is to simply fry it, you might be getting it by now that Bacalao is a much beloved Santa Semana snack in Seville! Often served with a garlic and parsley sauce.
7. Buñuelos de (you guessed it…) Bacalao:
These savory cod fritters are made with a batter of flour, egg, and milk, and are often served with a dipping sauce.
8. Torrijas:
This sweet dish is similar to French toast, but with a Spanish twist. Slices of bread are soaked in a mixture of milk, sugar, and cinnamon, then fried and served with honey or syrup.
9. Pestiños:
A traditional Andalusian sweet pastry often enjoyed during Semana Santa in Seville. Pestiños are made with flour, honey, sesame seeds, and anise, then fried and sprinkled with cinnamon.
10. Resquillas:
Similar to donuts, resquillas are a traditional Andalusian sweet made with flour, sugar, egg, and olive oil, and often flavored with lemon zest or anise.
11. Obleas de Cipere:
These thin, crispy wafers are typically filled with a sweet, creamy filling made with cream cheese and honey.
If you’re planning a trip to Seville or Andalusia during Semana Santa, be sure to try some of these delicious traditional dishes. They’re an essential part of the Holy Week experience and will leave you feeling satisfied and immersed in the local culture. If you’re feeling like you’re not sure where to start to fully enjoy la Semana Santa in Seville you can check out this blog all about Semana Santa in Seville Spain
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