A Taste of Seville: Torrijas and Sangria

Need some recipe ideas? Get some inspiration from the places to which SI Swimsuit has traveled.

Since we are all working from our couches, sitting in our PJs and snacking on whatever pantry staples we have left, some creative culinary inspiration may be needed. We here at SI Swimsuit are fortunate to have the opportunity to travel the world, taste local cuisines, sample delicious cocktails and spirits made famous by the regions we have visited and open our palettes to all the amazing flavors the world has to offer. I love nothing more than traveling to a locale and learning all about the regional cuisines and how to make them. Let’s take a look back at some of the places SI Swimsuit has traveled to and revisit the delicacies and drinks we have sampled along the way with some recipes to help you create them.

Last week we journeyed to the Dominican Republic. Now let’s head to Seville, the capital of Spain's Andalusia region. SI Swimsuit shot in Seville for its 2013 issue, which featured some of my favorite photos from Irina Shayk, Julie Henderson and Ariel Meredith. Seville is known for its flamenco dancing, its out-of-this-world architecture and, most importantly for the sake of this article, its food. Think Iberico ham, incredible wine and all the tapas you can get your hands on. Want to take a trip to Spain? Whip up some of these recipes in your kitchen and your taste buds will transport you there.

Torrijas: Start your morning or end your evening with this sweet Spanish treat. The English call it bread pudding, Americans call it French toast but in Seville, it is called torrijas. There are many variations to this dish; add some sweet wine, some honey, some incredible spices and you can create something that will suit your palate. If you have a day-old baguette lying around, use that up by making this for breakfast. If not, classic white bread will do.

Photo courtesy of Caroline's Cooking

Spinach and Chickpeas: I eat this quite often and you will too once you’ve tried it. If you wander the streets of Seville, you will find this served as a tapas at many restaurants. It is a staple. You only need six ingredients to make this Andalusian delicacy: extra virgin olive oil, garlic, sweet paprika, spinach, chickpeas and salt. Add some toasted bread to dip if you want some carbs and you’ve got yourself the perfect mid-day treat.

Photo courtesy of Simple Vegan

Sangria: Why not? Sangria is the perfect summer drink and when SI Swimsuit shot in Seville, the temperature was about 105 degrees the entire time. What better way to cool off than with a nice, big chilled glass of this classic cocktail. While this is typically a tourist drink, it is still delicious and you can easily mix it up right in your kitchen. If you want to be more of a local order a glass of tinto de verano or “summer wine.” This is similar to sangria, but with a fizzy twist. Add this recipe to your summer beverage rotation.

Photo courtesy of The Spruce Eats