A healthy breakfast in Spain can be a simple event. The main meal of the day is eaten at about two p.m. so breakfast is meant to hold a person over until then. Workers who labor hard daily they may eat a meal that contains meats and cheeses, but for the most part, the people of Spain eat a very simple meal in the morning time.
Some of the healthiest choices for breakfast are fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, potatoes, nuts and beans. These foods are eaten in large quantities. Olive oil is used as the primary source of fat unlike lard or vegetable oil used in the United States. Also wine is consumed at a moderate rate in Spain, meant to cleanse the system of unwanted toxins.
Eggs are a major source of protein in Spain. Most Spanish cuisine requires twelve basic healthy ingredients which are as follows:
1. Eggs
2.Peppers and Paprika
3.Potatoes
4.Garlic (fresh)
5.Tomatoes and tomato sauce
6. Onions
7. Parsley
8. Rosemary
9. French Bread
10. Milk
11. Spanish Wine
12. Olive Oil
By including these healthy breakfast essential foods in your daily breakfast menu, you will have a very healthy breakfast each day while in Spain. The Spanish are known for the Mediterranean diet which has proved successful for many people in weight loss and health goals. If you are intent of eating a healthy breakfast while in Spain it will not be very hard to do. Like every part of the world Spain does offered fried and not so healthy foods but it is easy to find healthy choices if you make a conscious choice to seek these foods. Remember it is very important to cook instead of eating out. If you prepare the food yourself you will know exactly what is being used while prepare.
Some Healthy Breakfast Recipes from Spain.
Low-Fat Torrijas
Torrijas are the Spanish equivalent of French toast or bread pudding and are traditionally served during Easter celebrations. While usually made with a lot of sugar and some alcohol, this recipe has been toned down and slimmed up for those who want something traditional but not too heavy on calories.
Low-Fat Torrijas
3 cups of olive oil
2 cups dry Spanish wine
6 egg whites
18 pieces of baguette (1/2 inch)
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup honey
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium high heat for deep frying.
Pour wine in a bowl and soak the bread.
Beat the eggs with the vanilla extract and dredge the moist bread.
Cook in hot oil about a minute per side until golden brown.
Drain on a paper towel and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and drizzle with honey.
Tortilla de patatas
Tortilla de patatas, also called the Spanish omelette is one of the most known recipes from Spain. This dish has a million variations and can be served both rich and hearty with tons of calories (traditionally with mayonnaise) or made healthier by the choices of ingredients used. This recipe uses a marinara sauce as an alternative to the mayonnaise and stuffed with vegetables to make a healthier breakfast choice.
Tortilla De Patatas
½ cup oilive oil
3 medium red bliss potatoes, sliced
2 medium zucchini, sliced thin
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
½ cup green onions, chopped
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
7 egg whites
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt
2 cups marinara sauce, heated
Directions:
Heat oil in a large skillet and add the potatoes.
Cook around five minutes then turn potatoes.
Add the zucchini, cilantro, mushrooms, and green onions.
Season with salt and cook until potatoes are soft.
Drain in a colander but save some of the oil.
Whisk egg whites in a bowl with the cumin and add in the potato mixture.
Stir lightly until mixture is coated and put back in the hot oil.
Spread evenly in pan and lower heat.
Shake the pan to spread our mixture and allowing it to cook evenly.
Cover skillet with a plate and flip eggs onto plate and put back into skillet.
Cook until set and serve topped with marinara sauce.
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