Three simple and healthy culinary favourites of the Region of Murcia!

Pisto murciano, ensalada murciana and zarangollo are key elements of the culinary identity of the Costa Cálida

No celebration of the cuisine of the Region of Murcia (“The Region of 1,001 Tastes”) is complete without the dishes which combine the products of the “huerta”, the fruit orchards and vegetable plantations which are sometimes referred to as the market garden of Europe. The fertile soil and sunny climate of the Costa Cálida favour the cultivation of numerous vegetable products which are nowadays exported all over Europe, and some of the key staples of the Murciano diet are the result of centuries of experience in putting them all together!

Few are the meals for family and friends which do not include these simple-to-make delights, and the typical pisto, zarangollo and ensalada murciana are without doubt the most popular!

Pisto murciano

Made using only the fresh vegetable products of Murcia, the typical “pisto” is a must which is displayed on all bar tapas counters throughout the Region.

It is believed to date back to the time when Murcia was governed by the Moors – a period which ended as long ago as the 13^th century – and these days, although it is popular all year round, it is more often eaten in spring and summer.

The attraction of the dish lies not only in its taste but in the riot of vibrant colour it features, due to the presence of red and green peppers, tomatoes, onions, courgettes and aubergines. Equally appropriate as a starter or a side dish accompanying meat or fish, it is a delight to dip a hunk of fresh bread in it and savour the taste of the Mediterranean vegetables!

Ensalada murciana

This typical Murciano salad is sometimes referred to as “mojete” and represents a perfect fusion of the Region of Murcia’s vegetable produce, poultry farming and the fruits of the sea. It usually comprises tinned peeled tomatoes, spring onions, olives, hard-boiled eggs and tuna, and is an ideal combination for foodies looking to combine delicious taste with the healthiest of Mediterranean ingredients.

This refreshing combination is a favourite throughout the year, but even more so when served cold during the hot summers of the Costa Cálida.

Zarangollo

This is one of the best-loved traditional dishes among the Murcianos, and rightly so. The mix of ingredients is a simple one – usually just eggs, courgettes and onions are fried and scrambled together– but the combination is both delicious and unquestionably healthy.

In some parts of the Region of Murcia, such as Cieza, it is the custom to add other ingredients such as tomato, aubergine and pumpkin, and in parts of the Campo de Cartagena the zarangollo is cooked inside bread. Daring innovators even include potato! But whatever the variation, this is a sure-fire success on tables throughout the Region of Murcia!

These are just some of the dishes based on products from an area which is sometimes referred to as “the market garden of Europe”: if you haven’t tried them yet, what are you waiting for?

All images: Instituto de Turismo de la Región de Murcia