Nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra may be small, but its culinary traditions are rich and diverse. Reflecting both French and Spanish influences, Andorran cuisine uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes. Here are the top 5 traditional recipes you must try from this enchanting microstate:
Trinxat:
Ingredients: Cabbage, potatoes, garlic, bacon.
Description: Trinxat, meaning “chopped” in Catalan, is a hearty dish perfect for the cold mountain climate. Cabbage and potatoes are boiled and then mashed together, followed by the addition of sautéed garlic and bacon. Once mixed, the combination is fried until crispy. This comfort dish is typically enjoyed during winter.
Escudella:
Ingredients: Bone broth, sausages (butifarra and botifarra negra), chicken, beef, lamb, rice, pasta, potatoes, and garbanzo beans.
Description: Escudella is Andorra’s traditional stew and is often considered the national dish. A myriad of meats slow-cooked together, this one-pot wonder is a delightful mix of flavors. Served during special occasions and festivals, Escudella is a must-try for anyone visiting Andorra.
Cunillo:
Ingredients: Wild rabbit, tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and spices.
Description: Cunillo, or rabbit stew, is a delicacy in Andorran cuisine. The rabbit is marinated and then stewed with tomatoes, garlic, and white wine, resulting in a rich, aromatic dish. Served with local bread, this dish showcases Andorra’s love for game meat.
Andorran Cannelloni (Canelons Andorrans):
Ingredients: Ground beef and pork, pasta tubes, béchamel sauce, grated cheese.
Description: A delightful fusion of Italian pasta and Andorran flavors, this dish consists of meat-stuffed pasta tubes covered with creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden. Often enjoyed during festivals, this dish is a testament to Andorra’s European influences.
Torrades:
Ingredients: Local bread, toppings such as tomatoes, garlic, ham, and cheese.
Description: Akin to Spanish tapas, Torrades are slices of rustic bread toasted and adorned with various toppings. Whether it’s the simple garlic and tomato rub or topped with slices of ham and cheese, these bite-sized delights are perfect with a glass of Andorran wine.