When I decided to move from Germany to Spain, I had no idea how much it would change my life, especially when it came to food. I love to cook (and to eat) so this is an important part of my new culture for me, beside the beautiful landscapes and friendly people.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetables are Sooooo Good!
In my town we have an amazing farmers’ market every Sunday where I always stock up on fresh seasonal produce, for example right now I might be getting green asparagus, zucchini, fresh peaches, green beans… and of course lots and lots of fresh tomates. I’ve never seen so many varieties for sale and they actually taste amazing.
Seafood Galore
I’ve always loved fresh fish, and now living on an island the variety and affordability of seafood has been a real treat. At the supermarket there’s a huge selection of fresh and frozen fish and seafood and I can get a (okay, smallish) Dorade for less than 4 Euro. I fill it with some garlic, fresh rosemary and a slice of lemon, brush it with olive oil and bake it for 20 – 30 minutes and voila, an easy, healthy dinner that’s soooo good. Of course with a nice chilled glas of local vino blanco.
It’s quite Easy to Find My Favorite Foods
I love my coconut yogurt and gluten-free bread, and I was happy to find out that Spanish supermarkets are really very well stocked. It’s nice to know that I can easily find the foods I like in my new home country. And when I’m craving some German specialties, here on Majorca there are shops stocking those as well, as we have a very big German population here. I can also order my produce online, there’s Amazon, so I can really get anything.
Getting Used to Spanish Mealtimes
One of the biggest adjustments for me has been getting used to the later dining hours in Spain. The locals often eat dinner really late, especially in the summer when it’s hot. I’ve found a middle ground by eating a bit later than I did in Germany, but not quite as late as the Spaniards.
My Go-To Spanish Dishes
As I’ve explored Spanish cuisine, I’ve found some dishes that I absolutely love. Gazpacho, a cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, has become a summer favorite of mine. I also can’t get enough of tortilla española, a potato and egg omelette that’s great any time of day. When I want something hearty, I go for cocido madrileño, a traditional Madrid-style stew with meat, veggies, and chickpeas. And for a tasty snack, I love snacking on Manchego cheese and Marcona almonds.
Trying Out Spanish Recipes
Diving into Spanish cuisine has been a fun adventure. I don’t eat pork, which is a big part of many Spanish dishes like the famous jamón, but I do enjoy chicken dishes from time to time. I’ve tried my hand at making paella, and while it’ll take some practice to get it just right, it’s been a great way to learn about new flavors and cooking methods.
Cooking with the Seasons
My cooking habits change with the seasons, just like they did back in Germany. In the colder months, I love making comforting meals like soups, roasted veggies, and crumbles. When summer rolls around and the heat is on, I’m all about refreshing salads, juicy watermelon, and the occasional scoop of ice cream.
Moving to Spain has been a life-changing experience for me, both personally and in terms of my relationship with food. The focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and the excitement of trying new dishes have rekindled my love for cooking and have nourished me in ways I never expected. As I continue to explore the tasty world of Spanish food, I can’t wait to see how my eating habits evolve and how this wonderful country will influence my culinary journey in the years ahead.
Susanne Rieker is the founder of Midlife etc. She moved to Majorca in Spain with her pup Luna, loving the slow island life in the Med. She’s also a business coach, helping women in midlife build a purposeful online business. Follow her on Instagram @susannerieker.
