Last Updated on May 11, 2023
Lanzarote is a much-loved UK holiday destination. Many Brits flock there every year to enjoy the weather and delicious foods in Lanzarote.
However, Lanzarote is so popular that many locals are fed up with British tourists, which isn’t surprising given Brits’ reputation abroad. Still, part of that popularity can undoubtedly be boiled down to the food, which can be delicious and inventive.
If you’re hoping to travel to Lanzarote one day soon, it’s worth thinking about the cuisine in more detail. It might seem like something you’d like to sample during your travels, which is valid, but it can also be a more rewarding experience if you know more about it beforehand.
What’s to love about Lanzarote cuisine? Read on for our musings.
Innovative Food Production
Lanzarote isn’t exactly the most suitable place for food production. However, through innovative measures, they’ve certainly managed to adapt effectively.
Lanzarote often has great weather, which is wonderful for other aspects of a holiday there. One look at reliable Lanzarote weather reports shows that sunshine is more common here than not. Temperatures are mild, though they can get warmer, as World Weather Online’s maps show. However, there’s very little cloud or rainfall in Lanzarote, which used to present complications which have now been mostly resolved.
For example, farmers collect rainwater in cisterns and use drip irrigation systems to counter dry spells. They also use shading techniques to protect crops from the sun and focus their energies on climate-appropriate crops. Lanzarote is also a volcanic island; the ash is often used as a natural fertiliser, despite the soil otherwise not having the best record on organic manner. Not everybody is interested in manufacturing methods of where they travel too, but hopefully, one can appreciate the extra lengths the locals go to here.
Local Focus
When you eat in Lanzarote, much of your consumption will be locally sourced, especially for their time-honoured dishes. The culture resonates through all of these meals.
All ingredients are locally sourced, relevant to things like gofio flour and goat’s milk cheese. It’s a completely unique palette of flavours that will tickle your tastebuds, for the ingredients are seldom sourced from anywhere other than the canary islands.
Cultural influences are highly concentrated too. The island’s history is vital here, having long hosted Portuguese, Spanish, and North African peoples that have all contributed greatly to Lanzarote cuisine.
Iconic Seafood Dishes
Lanzarote is famous for certain dishes. It’s part of the canary islands, and so much of their cuisine is seafood inspired.
Many people are willing to travel to the region with this in mind, having read all about the ‘boat fresh fish’ in some truly delightful restaurants in the area. Popular dishes include:
Caldo de Pescado
Caldo de Pescado, or fish soup, is a beloved dish in Lanzarote. This hearty soup is typically made with a variety of fresh local fish, such as sea bream, grouper, and mackerel, as well as vegetables like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.
The soup is simmered for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a rich, aromatic broth. Caldo de Pescado is often served with crusty bread and a sprinkle of paprika on top.
Eating Caldo de Pescado in Lanzarote is a truly authentic experience, as you can taste the island’s fresh and flavorful ingredients in every spoonful. Whether you’re enjoying it at a seaside restaurant or at a local’s home, this dish is sure to warm your heart and your stomach. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor this delicious seafood soup on your next visit to Lanzarote!
Pescado a la sal
Pescado a la sal, or salt-baked fish, is a must-try dish when visiting Lanzarote. This traditional dish is prepared by encasing a whole fish, usually sea bream or sea bass, in a thick layer of salt and then baking it in the oven.
The salt creates a protective crust around the fish, sealing in the juices and flavors while keeping it moist and tender. When the salt crust is cracked open, the fish is revealed, perfectly cooked and infused with subtle flavors of herbs and spices.
Pescado a la sal is often served with boiled potatoes and a simple salad of fresh greens. This dish is not only delicious but also a healthy and low-fat option for seafood lovers.
Papas arrugadas with Mojo Picon
Papas arrugadas, or wrinkly potatoes, are a staple dish in Lanzarote and the Canary Islands. This simple yet flavorful dish is made by boiling small potatoes in heavily salted water until they are tender and the skins are wrinkled. The salt crust that forms on the surface of the potatoes is a result of the water evaporating.
Papas arrugadas are typically served with two types of sauces: mojo rojo and mojo verde. Both sauces are tangy and spicy, adding a burst of flavor to the potatoes.
Mojo rojo is made with red pepper, garlic, olive oil, paprika, and cumin. It has a smoky and slightly sweet taste, with a hint of spice. Mojo verde, on the other hand, is made with cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It has a fresh and herbaceous flavor, with a bit of a kick.
Mojo is typically served with a variety of dishes in Lanzarote, such as grilled meats, fish, and potatoes. It is also a popular dip for bread and vegetables.
Gofio
Gofio is a unique and traditional food in Lanzarote that has been a staple in the Canarian diet for centuries. It is made by grinding toasted grains, typically wheat or corn, into a fine powder.
Gofio can be eaten in a variety of ways, such as sprinkled on yogurt or mixed with milk to make a porridge-like dish. It can also be added to soups, stews, or used as a flour substitute in baked goods.
One of the most popular ways to eat gofio in Lanzarote is in a dish called escaldón, which is made by mixing gofio with fish broth, garlic, and olive oil. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day.
Lanzarote-style grilled octopus
Eating a meal in Lanzarote cooked in a land carved over the Atlantic on fire and lava is an experience like no other. The volcanic landscape of the island has not only shaped its geography but also influenced its cuisine.
Local chefs take advantage of the natural heat sources of the island, such as hot stones and geothermal vents, to create unique and flavorful dishes. These cooking methods infuse the food with a smoky and earthy taste that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
One example of a dish cooked in this way is the famous Lanzarote-style grilled octopus. The octopus is cooked on a hot stone, which gives it a crispy exterior and a tender and juicy interior. The dish is then seasoned with local herbs and spices, giving it a distinctly Canarian flavor.
Eating a meal in Lanzarote cooked in this way is not only delicious but also a cultural experience that allows you to connect with the island’s history and heritage. It’s a true culinary adventure that shouldn’t be missed when visiting this unique island.
There’s a lot of variety even from this short selection of Lanzarote cuisine. Experiencing any of them would enrich your travelling experience significantly.
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