"Butifarra" sausage

Catalonia is one of the autonomous regions in Spain with a mediterranean spirit, and a healthy selection of unique products that are recognized with certified quality marks. These include rice from the Ebro Delta, potatoes from Prades, "fesol" beans from Santa Pau, "ganxet" beans from Vallès, and "calçots" from Valls—large green onions that are flame-grilled in one of the most popular local dishes.

Dishes served in bowls and eaten with a spoon are a big part of traditional Catalan cuisine, including "escudella i carn d'olla"—their version of "cocido" stew, which can be found all over Spain. Stews such as "fricandó" (fricassee) with mushrooms, rice and noodle casseroles, "botifarra" sausage with beans, and spinach with in pine nuts and raisins are also some of the region's most popular recipes.