Calcots

Catalonia Calçots is a cherished dish from the Catalonia region of Spain, traditionally enjoyed during the winter months. The dish features calçots, a type of long green onion that resembles leeks. These onions are grilled over an open flame until charred on the outside and tender on the inside, then served with a rich and flavorful romesco sauce.

The tradition of eating calçots is not just about the food; it's a social event known as a "calçotada." Friends and family gather to enjoy the meal together, often outdoors, making it a festive and communal experience. The unique smoky flavor of the grilled calçots pairs perfectly with the nutty and slightly spicy romesco sauce, creating a delightful combination.

Ingredients

- 20-30 calçots

- 1/2 cup almonds

- 1/4 cup hazelnuts

- 2 large ripe tomatoes

- 2-3 garlic cloves

- 1 slice of bread

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

- Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Romesco Sauce:

  - Toast the almonds and hazelnuts in a dry pan until lightly browned. Transfer them to a food processor or blender.

  - Add the tomatoes, garlic cloves, and slice of bread to the food processor or blender. Blend until well combined.

  - While the food processor or blender is running, slowly pour in the olive oil and red wine vinegar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

  - Season the romesco sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Set it aside.

2. Grill the Calçots:

  - Heat up a charcoal grill or grill pan until very hot.

  - Trim off the roots of the calçots, leaving about 1 inch of the white bulb attached. Peel off the first layer of the calçot to remove any dirt.

  - Grill the calçots over the hot coals until the outer layer is charred and blackened, usually around 10 minutes.

  - Once the calçots are cooked, wrap them in newspaper to keep them warm and let them steam for a few minutes.

3. Serve and Enjoy:

  - To eat the calçots, remove the charred outer layer and dip the white bulb into the romesco sauce. Hold the calçot by the green part, dip it into the sauce, then lift it to your mouth and eat the white bulb.

Notes

- Calçots are typically eaten outdoors, as the grilling process can produce a lot of smoke. It's common to wear a bib or napkin around your neck to catch any drips or sauce.

- Choosing fresh and high-quality calçots will ensure the best flavor.

- The romesco sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Value:

1. Calçots

  - Calories: 20-30 calçots provide approximately 100-150 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Around 20-30 grams.

  - Protein: Approximately 2-4 grams.

  - Fat: Negligible fat content.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C and vitamin A.

  - Minerals: Good source of potassium and calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Calçots are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, supporting immune function and bone health.

2. Almonds

  - Calories: 1/2 cup almonds contains about 400 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 14 grams.

  - Protein: Around 16 grams.

  - Fat: About 36 grams of fat, primarily healthy monounsaturated fats.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin E.

  - Minerals: High in magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Almonds provide a good source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.

3. Hazelnuts

  - Calories: 1/4 cup hazelnuts contains about 200 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 6 grams.

  - Protein: Around 5 grams.

  - Fat: About 19 grams of fat, mostly monounsaturated fats.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin E.

  - Minerals: High in magnesium and copper.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Hazelnuts are nutrient-dense with healthy fats and antioxidants, promoting cardiovascular health and providing anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Tomatoes

  - Calories: 2 large ripe tomatoes provide approximately 50 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Around 12 grams.

  - Protein: Approximately 2 grams.

  - Fat: Very low fat content.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C and vitamin K.

  - Minerals: Good source of potassium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which helps protect against certain cancers and supports heart health.

5. Garlic

  - Calories: 2-3 garlic cloves provide about 15 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams.

  - Protein: Around 1 gram.

  - Fat: Very low fat content.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C and vitamin B6.

  - Minerals: Contains manganese and selenium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

6. Bread

  - Calories: 1 slice of bread contains about 80-100 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams.

  - Protein: Around 3-4 grams.

  - Fat: About 1 gram of fat.

  - Sodium: Varies, but usually moderate.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: May contain small amounts of B vitamins.

  - Minerals: Contains iron and calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Bread provides a source of carbohydrates for energy, along with some protein and essential nutrients, depending on the type of bread.

7. Olive Oil

  - Calories: 1/4 cup olive oil contains about 480 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams.

  - Protein: 0 grams.

  - Fat: About 54 grams of fat, predominantly monounsaturated fats.

  - Sodium: Sodium-free.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and vitamin K.

  - Minerals: Minimal mineral content.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.

8. Red Wine Vinegar

  - Calories: 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar contains about 3 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram.

  - Protein: 0 grams.

  - Fat: 0 grams.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Red wine vinegar can aid digestion and has antioxidant properties.

9. Salt and Pepper

  - Calories: Minimal calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible carbohydrates.

  - Protein: Negligible protein.

  - Fat: Negligible fat.

  - Sodium: Salt is high in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins: Minimal vitamin content.

  - Minerals: Salt contains sodium; pepper contains trace minerals.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt should be used in moderation due to its sodium content; pepper adds flavor and contains antioxidants.