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Arròs negre
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The culinary experience of the Arròs negre.

Spanish gastronomy is incredibly varied, and in each of its provinces you can find wonderful dishes, which define the culture and tradition of the area. One of the most representative foods of the Catalan community is the arròs negre, with a distinctive dark color, this preparation is becoming increasingly popular in Spain and the rest of the world.

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What to try in Barcelona

What is the arròs negre?

The arròs negre, also known as black rice, is a typical dish of Catalonia. It is made with rice, whitebait, and cuttlefish or squid. As a complement, other seafood such as shrimp or prawns are added.

 

The recipe for arròs negre can be found, with different variations, throughout the Mediterranean. It is especially popular on the coasts of southern Italy, and its preparation is quite similar to the Spanish one.

 

Likewise, the arrós negre is typical of other areas of the Iberian Peninsula, such as Alicante and Valencia.

 

However, it is in Catalonia where black rice plays a leading role in the local gastronomic culture. The Catalans prepare black rice in pans similar to those used to cook paella, and at the time of eating each diner can approach the casserole, pick up a portion and serve it in individual plates.

 

Usually, a sauce boat with aioli is placed on the table for the diners to serve themselves and mix with the arròs negre.

Typical dishes of Barcelona

How did the arròs negre come about?

The gastronomy is adapted to its geographical area, so it is not surprising that in coastal towns, the main ingredients are fish and shellfish.

 

The black color of rice tends to impress some people, but do not be fooled, the taste is delicious and eating it is an experience that you cannot miss.

 

In reality, black rice is not naturally dark, its coloring comes from the squid ink that is added to the preparation. This ink stains the rice, and gives it its typical appearance.

 

The black color can vary in hue, depending on the amount of squid that has been added in the recipe, but in general, the arròs negre acquires a dense and quite dark color.

Black rice

The arròs negre in international gastronomy

Today, many Spanish dishes are gaining fame around the world. From paella to tapas, traditional food has enchanted millions of people.

 

Arròs negre is no exception, nowadays it can be found in a wide variety of restaurants, especially in those countries where Spanish food is especially popular. Many visitors are also delighted with this rice, and take the recipe back to their own homes.

 

Despite this, one of the places to meet, eat and enjoy this magnificent dish is in Catalonia, where it is a typical dish. So if you are visiting Barcelona, and you want to try something unique from the local gastronomy, do not hesitate to order arròs negre with lots of squid, you can be sure that you will be fascinated.

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