Chow Down to Eurovision 2015 - Spain

Hola, and well as the song goes...Oh I'm (we're) off to sunny Spain! 

Which in a random piece of Eurovision trivia, was sung by Swedish singer Sylia who twice tried at Melodifestivalen to represent Sweden (2002, 2013) though imagine if Sweden had selected Y Via Espana to represent them in 1974 we could all be saying ABBA who?

So onto our Spanish entry in our Eurovision food passport and it couldn't be easier. 

I discovered this recipe while flipping through cookbooks in a library....Libraries are basically bookshops but you can peruse through the books and no one yells "you gonna buy that mister? This aint a library!" 

When I saw a soup that was basically old bread I thought we have a winner as I usually have a lot of bread needing a home!

This recipe is the perfect addition to your Eurovision menu as its so quick you can have it done before the first votes spokesperson have gotten through how much they really really really enjoyed the wonderful show!

The recipe was inspired by the Bread and Garlic Soup with Saffron recipe in the 

MoVida Spanish Culinary Adventures by Frank Camorra and Richard Cornish

Garlic and Bread Soup (Sopa Castellana)

• 4-5 thick slices of few day old sour dough
• 5-6 garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Saffron
• 1.5 litres of chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp. cream
• Sweet paprika

Method

• Break up the bread and bake in a 150°C oven for about 5-10 minutes, don't let it burn
• Finely slice the garlic
• Add a good glug of olive oil a large heavy base saucepan on medium heat
• Add the garlic to the saucepan but don't let it brown
• Add the saffron and stir
• Pour in the stock and let boil
• Add the bread and stir
• Add cream 
• Serve topped with paprika 

You don't have to bake the bread yourselves........I guess we don't all love our families and friends (I'm joking don't write in!)

Edurne placed 21st in the final with Amanecer which is a shame as I really love this song and it would be among my most played of 2015.  

The passion of the Spanish fans I witnessed in the press centre was a true inspiration, hugging, crying, cheering all while completely focused on every second of the rehearsal. 

Many onlookers could call their enthusiasm OTT (not Lepland) Over The Top but I admire just how much they support their artists. 

There are quite a few countries that could take a leaf out of Spain's book when it comes to getting behind your entry!

Previous Spain Chow Down to Eurovision:

2014 Chicken and Chorizo Burgers

2013 Pork cooked in milk

Chow Down to Eurovision 2014 - Spain

Buena tarde Europa this is La La La, Spain calling, country 35 in this year's Chow Down to Eurovision.

Just to mix things up and keep everyone on their toes (awake) let's start with our Spanish musical offering.

Spain first entry into Eurovision was sung by Conchita Bautista placing 9th in 1961 then returning to place last in 1965...She may have done better if she had a beard!

Singing her heart out in 1965 

Whenever I think Spanish I think sausage, chorizo!

I remember fondly a recipe from a magazine that was chicken and chorizo skewers either on the BBQ or grill and how it was the perfect combination.

A party food with the same combination was what I was after but didn't want to just recreate the dish. As fate may have it a burger cookbook I was given for Christmas jumped out at me while looking through my cookbook bookcase and as the say the rest is history. A burger it must be!

The chicken and chorizo burger may not be the best for elegant cocktail parties due to the spillage factor but is perfect for a relaxed time with friends who don't mind a few slops.

 

Chicken and Chorizo Burgers
Ingredients

• 2 chorizo
• 2-3 large chicken thigh fillets
• 1 red onion
• 80g grated cheese (like manchego or other sheep cheese)
• 1 jalapeno chopped
• 5 threads of saffron (or a pinch)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Method

• In a food processor add chicken, red onion and a pinch of salt
• Mince
• Heat a frypan or griddle to medium high heat
• Shape the chicken into small patties, about 1 tbsp.
• Panfry them for about 10 minutes till cooked through, turning but not pushing down as it will squeeze out their juices
• Slice chorizo into 1/2 cm slices 
• If the pan is big enough fry off the chorizo slices so both sides are crisp
• Make the mayonnaise by adding the saffron to a bowl with 5ml of water and let sit for 10 minutes the stir in the chilli and mayonnaise
• Assemble the burger, adding a dollop of mayonnaise on top
• Toothpicks may help if your burger doesn't want to sit
• This can be enjoyed hot or cold

You can get about 16 tops/bottoms depending on the length of your sausage....now that's a sentence I never thought I'd write!

This year Ruth Lorenzo performed Dancing In The Rain

Chow Down to Eurovision 2013 - Spain

The final country in the Chow Down to Eurovision 2013 is Spain. Given this is the 39th country I'm going to take advice from the great Terry Wogan and just get on with it!

While there are so many great songs from Spain to include here I thought I'd choose an historical moment as well for those inquisitive minds learning about the food and the contest.

 In 2010 Spain's Daniel Diges performed Algo Pequeñito (Something Tiny) twice on the night as during the first performance the stage was invaded by a serial pest, although many didn't notice at first or thought it enhanced the act.

 I also held concerns for the backing singer that makes a late entrance just in case security thought he was another intruder and tasered him. 
They came 15th and I suspect it had more to do with the song and final note rather than the space invader. (see what I did there, funny!)

This "having 2 go's" also happened in 1958 with Domenico Modugno's Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) as there was an issue with transmission and some countries didn't see this opening song.

Our final dish is Cerdo con Leche, Pork cooked in milk and I actually just copied this straight from this site without changing it, so unlike me!

My contribution was a variation on the suggested side dish which is sautéed quartered apples with red capsicum. Its not really a recipe just cut and sauté together in butter till the apples are tender, then season.

I also served on a bed of rice that was amazing when combined with the sauce.

Don't think I have got off the hook lightly by not creating this recipe, wait till you see what's coming up just before I announce the winner of the Chow Down to Eurovision 2013.





This year will see ESDM sing Contigo Hasta El Final (With You Until The End), hopefully invader free.

Buena suerte!