Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Pyrenees with the Andorra Calçotada, a traditional feast that celebrates the rich gastronomic heritage of this small, picturesque country. Nestled between Spain and France, Andorra has a unique culinary identity, and the Calçotada is a testament to its delicious and communal food culture.

Derived from the Catalan word "calçot," a type of sweet onion, the Andorra Calçotada is a festive gathering centered around the grilling of these succulent onions. This culinary tradition brings friends and family together to enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and company. Join us as we explore the vibrant flavors and step-by-step process of creating this delightful Andorran culinary experience, perfect for bringing warmth and joy to your own gatherings. Get ready to ignite the grill and immerse yourself in the tantalizing aromas and tastes of Andorra Calçotada.

Ingredients:

For the Calçots:

• 1 bunch of calçots (sweet green onions)
• Olive oil for brushing

For the Romesco Sauce:

• 2 ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 roasted red bell pepper, peeled and seeded
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Calçots:

1-Trim the roots of the calçots and remove any loose outer layers, leaving the green shoots intact.

2-Preheat a grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.

3-Place the calçots on the grill, turning occasionally until the outer layers are charred and the onions are tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

Make the Romesco Sauce:

1-While the calçots are grilling, place the halved tomatoes on the grill, cut side down, and roast until the skins blister and char.

2-In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the blanched almonds until golden brown.

3-In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, toasted almonds, garlic, red wine vinegar, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

4-With the blender or food processor running, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream until the sauce is emulsified.

Serve:

1-Once the calçots are done grilling, transfer them to a serving plate.

2-Allow diners to peel away the charred outer layers of the calçots, revealing the tender inner shoots.

3-Serve the calçots with a side of the Romesco sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Enjoy:Dive into the Andorra Calçotada experience by dipping the grilled calçots into the rich and flavorful Romesco sauce. The combination of smoky, charred onions and the nutty, tangy sauce creates a harmonious and unforgettable taste.

Gather your friends and family, and relish in the communal joy of this Andorran culinary tradition. The Andorra Calçotada is not just a meal; it's a celebration of good food, good company, and the rich cultural heritage of the Pyrenees.

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and sizes of ingredients, but here's a general estimate for the listed ingredients:

Calçots (Sweet Green Onions) - 1 bunch:

• Calories: 50-80 (varies based on size)
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Vitamin C: 15-25% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Folate: 15-20% of the DV

benefits:

• Rich in Vitamin C, supporting the immune system.
• Good source of fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains folate, essential for cell division and DNA synthesis.

Olive Oil for Brushing - 1 tablespoon:

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 14g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats support heart health.
• Contains antioxidants, protecting cells from damage.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ripe Tomatoes, Halved - 2 medium:

• Calories: 40
• Vitamin C: 40% of the DV
• Vitamin A: 20% of the DV
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• High in Vitamin C, aiding in collagen formation.
• Rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, with potential cancer-fighting properties.
• Good source of fiber for digestive health.

Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Peeled and Seeded - 1 medium:

• Calories: 45
• Vitamin C: 150% of the DV
• Vitamin A: 90% of the DV
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Excellent source of Vitamin C, promoting skin health.
• High in Vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune function.
• Provides fiber for satiety and digestive health.

Blanched Almonds - 1/2 cup:

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 28g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits:

• High in healthy fats, promoting heart health.
• Good source of protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant supporting skin health.

Garlic Cloves - 3 cloves:

• Calories: 13
• Vitamin C: 3% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 5% of the DV
• Manganese: 3% of the DV

benefits:

• Contains allicin, with potential immune-boosting properties.
• Rich in vitamin B6, important for metabolism and energy production.
• Provides manganese, supporting bone health.

Red Wine Vinegar - 2 tablespoons:

• Calories: 4
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• May have antioxidant properties.
• May help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Adds flavor without added calories.

Sweet Paprika - 1 teaspoon:

• Calories: 6
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants, such as carotenoids.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds flavor without added sodium.

Smoked Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon:

• Calories: 3
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits:

• Adds a smoky flavor without the need for actual smoking.
• Contains antioxidants with potential health benefits.

Salt and Pepper to Taste - Not significant in terms of calories and macronutrients.

Salt and Pepper (to Taste):

• Enhances flavor without adding significant calories.
• Sodium (in salt) is essential for fluid balance and nerve function.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil - 1/2 cup:

• Calories: 960
• Total Fat: 112g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 78g

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health.
• Contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Provides antioxidants, protecting cells from damage.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific products and preparation methods. Always check the nutrition labels on the products you use for the most accurate information.