Indulge in the rich flavors of Catalonia with Xató, a traditional Catalan salad that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique blend of textures and tastes. This vibrant dish features a medley of crisp, leafy vegetables such as endive and romesco, paired with salty anchovies, briny olives, and a creamy, nutty sauce made from almonds and hazelnuts. Experience the essence of Catalan cuisine as you savor each bite of this iconic dish, perfect for gatherings or as a delightful starter to any meal. Catalonian Xató is not just a salad; it's a celebration of the region's culinary heritage and a testament to the art of blending flavors harmoniously on a plate.

Here's a traditional recipe for Catalonia Xató:

Ingredients:

• 2 heads of endive, cleaned and separated into leaves
• 200g salted cod, soaked overnight and drained
• 200g canned tuna, drained
• 1 cup black olives, pitted
• Romesco sauce (see recipe below)
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Red wine vinegar, for drizzling
• Salt, to taste

Romesco Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 ripe tomatoes, roasted and peeled
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 100g blanched almonds
• 50g hazelnuts
• 1 slice of rustic bread, toasted
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Romesco Sauce:

1- In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatoes, garlic, almonds, hazelnuts, toasted bread, paprika, and red wine vinegar.

2- Blend the ingredients until smooth while gradually adding the olive oil until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

3- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Xató:

1- Arrange the endive leaves on a serving platter.

2- Flake the salted cod and scatter it over the endive leaves.

3- Add the canned tuna and black olives on top of the cod.

4- Drizzle the Romesco sauce generously over the salad.

5- Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.

6- Season with salt if needed.

3. Serve:

1- Serve the Catalonia Xató immediately, allowing guests to mix the ingredients together before enjoying this flavorful salad.

Notes:

1- You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to your preference.

2- Catalonia Xató is often served as a starter or appetizer in Catalan cuisine, accompanied by crusty bread and a glass of wine. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Catalonia Xató recipe:

Endive (per 100g):

• Calories: 17
• Protein: 1.25g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.35g
• Fiber: 3.1g
• Sugars: 0.88g

benefits:

• Low in calories and rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains vitamins A and K, important for vision and bone health.
• Provides antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Salted Cod (per 100g, after soaking):

• Calories: 82
• Protein: 18.5g
• Fat: 0.7g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
• Contains vitamins B12 and D, essential for energy production and bone health.

Canned Tuna (per 100g, drained):

• Calories: 116
• Protein: 25.5g
• Fat: 0.8g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of lean protein, aiding in muscle development and maintenance.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
• Contains selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties that may protect against oxidative stress.

Black Olives (per 100g, pitted):

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 15.3g
• Carbohydrates: 3.8g
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Sugars: 0.5g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, which may protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Contains iron and vitamin A, important for maintaining healthy blood and vision.

Romesco Sauce (per serving, about 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 125
• Protein: 2.3g
• Fat: 11.8g
• Carbohydrates: 3.4g
• Fiber: 0.8g
• Sugars: 1.3g

benefits:

• Almonds and hazelnuts provide healthy fats and protein, promoting satiety and aiding in weight management.
• Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve heart health.
• Garlic contains compounds with antimicrobial properties and may help boost the immune system.

Total Nutritional Values (per serving, approximately):

• Calories: 484
• Protein: 48.45g
• Fat: 28.6g
• Carbohydrates: 10.55g
• Fiber: 7.2g
• Sugars: 3.68g

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands and preparation methods.