Europe is a large continent that is home to 44 distinct countries that are culturally diverse, many of which are separated by language, geography and culture, though the entire continent can be thought of as a melting pot thanks to centuries of movement over land and ocean. Today there are thousands of nuances that mark each European nation out from its neighbours and there are many reasons to celebrate our differences as well as the things that make us Europeans similar.
One of the ways we can celebrate the things that make European countries unique is by appreciating the cuisines offered by the various regions. These can vary between countries, though specific cities, districts and regions may have their own unique take on a dish. For example, if we look at Spanish paella, each part of Spain has its own take on the dish with coastal areas having their own seafood based paellas and more inland places favouring ingredients like chicken, pork or rabbit.
France
Starting with what many people consider the home of fine cuisine, France has a reputation for all things delicious. The people of France really do take their food seriously and are known to take great pleasure in what they choose to eat and drink. An all time favourite and classic dish from France that you simply must try is boeuf bourguignon, a dish that is known for its rich flavours and sense of elegance. Though it is mostly thought of as a beef dish, it also contains pork in the form of lardons which add bags of flavour to the meal. A rich red burgundy wine is highly recommended to enjoy alongside this flavourful stew.
Spain
We’ve already touched on everyone’s favourite Spanish dish, but paella is so good it deserves another mention! The dish originates from the Valencia area and there are two main varieties, one which contains rabbit and chicken and another from nearer the coast which is seafood based.
One of the best things about paella is that it can be made to suit pretty much any dietary preferences as long as you’re not expecting something truly authentic. Dietary versions include paella verduras which is a vegetarian version that is packed with veggies and flavour. As for wines, you can’t beat a good rioja to drink alongside your Spanish dish.
Portugal
Now for something sweet we can look to the Portuguese and their pastéis de nata. These tasty little custard tarts are caramelised on top for a rich taste, and are small and light enough to be enjoyed at any time of the day. It may also be of no surprise that the most popular and well known Portuguese wine is port, which is a sweetened, fortified wine known for its rich bouquet. With that said, the Portuguese also love their blanco and tinto wines at the table.
Italy
Like France, Italy is known all over the world for its incredible food and wines so it is hard to pin down a single dish that represents this region. With an honourable mention going to pasta and risotto dishes, few would argue that pizza is the best loved Italian dish. Unlike pizzas served elsewhere, in Italy the process of pizza making has been honed to a fine art and it is taken extremely seriously. Genuine Italian pizza is not stodgy and dense and instead should be light, fresh, flavourful, and brimming with wood fired aromas. Prosecco is Italy’s most popular wine and it goes wonderfully well with pizza, pasta and rice dishes.
Members of the Med
Greece, Malta and Cyprus are also well established in the Mediterranean and all have their own unique cuisines and wines. In Greece you really must try a hearty plate of moussaka and a glass of retsina which is a resinated wine with a unique taste. If you’re travelling to Malta for a holiday then you really must give the traditional rabbit stew, stuffat tal-fenek, a try, as well as some Cassar de Malta which is Malta’s own sparkling wine. For those of you who are looking to experience the pleasures of Cypriot cuisine, you really can’t beat fasolada which is a deliciously fragrant bean stew.