Learning about culinary techniques and trying food has been a staple to understanding Spanish culture for me. From the time of day that food is eaten to the type of spices or ingredients incorporated into meals, here, Spain's combined regions offer a large menu for any palate or diet.
Mealtimes in Spain are quite different than in the USA. Dinner is eaten anywhere from 8 pm, to as late as 12 pm. This habit is rooted in the practice of taking a siesta, or an afternoon nap.
Since I have been living with a host family, it has been interesting to adapt to this new routine, and I have needed to adjust a lot in order to get enough sleep (my classes start early in the morning!).
As someone who is a vegan, it has been interesting to experience Spain’s diet, which heavily emphasizes meat and cheese, Vegan options are plentiful, with a wide array of vegetables like artichokes and meals such as garbanzo beans or pa amb tomàquet also known as pan con tomate, which translates to: "bread with tomatoes". Mashed tomatoes with olive oil on crispy bread has been one of my favorite snacks. Other popular vegan-friendly treats are dried figs, and walnuts.
