The Spanish omelet, also known simply as a tortilla in Spain, is one of the country's most popular dishes. The tortilla was one of the first homemade meals I had in Spain. At first it looked like a normal omelet to my untrained eye...but my taste buds were in for a surprise!
The tortilla most certainly does not taste like a normal omelet! The taste is more smooth, and not as distinctly "Egg-Like."
The difference between a tortilla and regular omelet is that potatoes are included in a tortilla. At first this was a strange concept to me, but I realized it was only strange because I had not previously heard of combining eggs and tortillas. The combination of flavors and textures actually works quite well.
Tortillas seem to be a source of pride among Spanish cooks because they are a staple food. Once when I was out to dinner, my host mother and the mother of another family got in a lighthearted argument about who made the better tortilla. (For the record, I think it is likely that my host mother has the superior dish- she makes a mean tortilla!)
Spaniards are specific about their tortillas as well. For example, some like putting onions in their tortillas and some do not. But if you are in the pro-onion camp, then you are likely firm in your stance- tortillas must have onions for optimal taste!
Tortillas seem to come in two variations- with onions or without onions. But I think the tortilla has a lot of potential! For the experimental cook, a wide variety of vegetables should be tested. Word on the street is that peas and green peppers work well.
The tortilla appears to be a simple recipe: just cook potatoes, add eggs, and then flip. But each Spanish cook has their own special way of preparing the tortilla, and no two tortillas taste exactly the same.
Here is a good starting point if you want to add the tortilla to your cooking repertoire: http://spanishfood.about.com/od/tapas/ss/tortilla.htm. I would advise trying it out- tortillas are easy to make, taste delicious, and can be a healthy breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner.
The difference between a tortilla and regular omelet is that potatoes are included in a tortilla. At first this was a strange concept to me, but I realized it was only strange because I had not previously heard of combining eggs and tortillas. The combination of flavors and textures actually works quite well.
Tortillas seem to be a source of pride among Spanish cooks because they are a staple food. Once when I was out to dinner, my host mother and the mother of another family got in a lighthearted argument about who made the better tortilla. (For the record, I think it is likely that my host mother has the superior dish- she makes a mean tortilla!)
Spaniards are specific about their tortillas as well. For example, some like putting onions in their tortillas and some do not. But if you are in the pro-onion camp, then you are likely firm in your stance- tortillas must have onions for optimal taste!
Tortillas seem to come in two variations- with onions or without onions. But I think the tortilla has a lot of potential! For the experimental cook, a wide variety of vegetables should be tested. Word on the street is that peas and green peppers work well.
The tortilla appears to be a simple recipe: just cook potatoes, add eggs, and then flip. But each Spanish cook has their own special way of preparing the tortilla, and no two tortillas taste exactly the same.
Here is a good starting point if you want to add the tortilla to your cooking repertoire: http://spanishfood.about.com/od/tapas/ss/tortilla.htm. I would advise trying it out- tortillas are easy to make, taste delicious, and can be a healthy breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner.