People often ask me if I get bored with being tied to holidaying in Spain, I often think their perception of Spain must be of holiday resorts such as Benidorm, all karaoke bars, Brit's abroad and cheap booze. My home is in rural Spain and I feel I have now been accepted as part of a community where tradition and culture prevail.
Part of the beauty of not being a tourist is that I get to eat in off the beaten track restaurants, take part in community fiestas and as of my last trip, stay in beautiful, traditional Spanish resorts.
Los Alcazares - pronounced Al-katha-res is a small costal spa town and former fishing village on the western side of the Mar Menor (little sea). It has some of the best beaches in the Murcia region with warm, clear, shallow waters, known as 'the largest swimming pool in the world'. Los Alcazares is still traditionally Spanish and is home to a beautiful hotel La Encarnacion which is the most historic hotel in the region and is a listed building of cultural interest. Built at the end of the 19th century it was enjoyed by the affluent middle classes who wanted to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the thermal baths and bathing in the Mar Menor.
When we arrived at La Encarnacion we were shown to our rooms which were decorated in period style, the views straight on to the beach were spectacular.
The hotel also boasts an intimate and attractive courtyard, during that night a live saxophonist played whilst Spanish couples danced the Paso Doble and other traditional dances, it was a magical evening
Lunch in Spain is often the main meal of the day, we entered the dining room to find all of our Spanish fellow guests dressed smartly, all the tables laid beautifully and the waitress very friendly and accommodating.
Lunch was very typical, a large salad followed by lentejas, I am posting the recipe below, then merluza (hake) with grilled vegetables, followed by fresh fruit and coffee. We then retired to the courtyard for brandies before our siesta.
So, getting back to lentejas, well it's certainly a very popular primer plato but the dish varies from restaurant to restaurant and home to home. Essentially a vegetarian dish of lentils and vegetables this dish will often be served with bacon, chorizo or pieces of pork or other pieces of leftover meat. It is tasty, easy to make, very economical and full of nutrients. My neighbour Tony often makes a batch of this and here is his recipe
Lentejas
Recipe
2 cups lentils
5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 onions, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled
Paprika
2 bay leaves
Olive oil
Simply place all the vegetables in a large pot, add lentils and add water, water should be an inch deeper than the level of the lentils
Season with salt, pepper and paprika, add bay leaves
Cook uncovered for 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft
Serve in bowls with a splash of olive oil
Eat with lots of crusty bread
'Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the provinces of France, Mexico and the far east, eating only in Hard Rock Cafés and McDonald's? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria's mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything.'
-Anthony Bourdain
Love Donna xxxxx
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