Food in the Hostels

Cooking for others stops being a service and becomes an act of appreciation. The pilgrims work companionably over the cookers and the large pans full of pasta, rice, and beans, to share a meal at the end of a day on the Camino.

Some peel potatoes, others chop vegetables, others prepare fresh pasta so that when they come together, they can all share the food in a moment of solidarity and fraternity between people who are aiming for the same destination.

And the table. It is important that it is large so everyone can break bread together and get to know each other a little better each day. The table is a place to listen and be heard and for everyone to unload some of their baggage with their brothers and sisters on the Camino.

Those with the least skill in the kitchen will be the most active in the dining room: setting the table, collecting and washing the plates and cutlery, serving the food, and keeping their group of pilgrims happy, each of whom receives a dose of endorphins translated into smiles.

In his last supper with his companions on his journey, Jesus Christ shared bread and wine. This was an austere dinner just as pilgrimage is austere; food for the body and for the soul. The inner search of every pilgrim at the same table, at the same time.

To sit at the table everyone needs to bring the attitudes carried on their walk of generosity, joy, solidarity, austerity, flexibility, patience, and above all, a lot of trust. Trust in the people, trust in the places, and trust in love.

The basic elements of food are protein, carbohydrates, fats, and most of all, love. Love is wanting to share a moment with your companions around a table, among the pots and pans, to finish a day of peace and reflection.

Pilgrim's menu in a restaurant in a small town on the Camino. An establishment that offers comfort and a place for the body and soul to recover at an early hour. A local who has found work in hosting and hospitality.

Nobody eats alone in either a hostel or a restaurant. The pilgrims seek each other out to share a table, look for pleasant conversation, and to continue their inner search through others' experiences.

The small stores in the small towns are a place to stock up on food. Small grocery stores where fresh fruit, vegetables, and daily bread can be found to create this magical moment of the day: dinner.

Bread and wine, and the latter's role in the dinner. Wine is for sharing a meal, as part of the companionship, as part of the culture. Without excess, without being a priority, and without being one of the main elements, just so the wine helps the bread in the communion between the pilgrims.

Early breakfast, each at their own pace. During each stage, every walker eats their lunch along the path alone or in a small group. Dinner is eaten together to share their experiences, to learn more and better things about each other and to expand the pilgrim's soul.

An easy recipe: pasta, tomato sauce, grated cheese, oil, salt, onion, pepper, water, and oregano. Preparation: chop the vegetables and lightly fry, season, and set aside. Cook the pasta al dente. Serve the pasta with the sauce on top and sprinkle over the cheese and oregano.