Calçots: origin and recipe

You've probably heard of the famous calçotadas in Catalonia, but do you know what calçots are or where this tradition comes from? Understanding a country's culture and traditions will help you better understand its language and get more involved in learning it.

So, at don Quijote, we encourage you to sign up for one of our Spanish courses in Barcelona and come and try calçotadas for yourself. But in the meantime, in this article we'll tell you about the origin of calçotadas, the classic recipe, and, of course, what calçots are. Keep reading so you don't miss anything!

What are calçots?

Calçots are a type of spring onion typical of Catalonia, but especially of Tarragona. This onion is one of the star ingredients of Catalan cuisine and, therefore, the centerpiece of one of its most beloved gastronomic traditions: the calçotada.

The main difference between calçots and common onions is that the former are long and thin, softer, and have a sweeter flavor. However, calçots can only be eaten during a limited season: in the winter months and until spring.

Origin of calçots

Calçotadas have captured the interest and attention of thousands of locals and tourists, and with good reason. This tradition dates to the 19th century and is attributed to a farmer named Xat de Benaiges, who lived in Valls, a town in the Tarragona region.

According to tradition, during one of his agricultural experiments, Xat decided to plant onions in an unusual way. Instead of allowing them to grow in the usual way, Xat gradually covered the onions with soil as they grew, forcing the plant to sprout upwards to reach the sunlight.

Thanks to this method of cultivation, known in Catalan as “calçar,” the onion elongates and acquires the characteristic appearance of calçots. Therefore, the name calçots comes from this method of cultivation that Xat de Benaiges implemented on onions.

It is also said that it was Xat de Benaiges who, when tasting calçots roasted on the grill for the first time, noticed their special sweet and slightly smoky flavor. Over time, the tradition became popular among the region's residents and soon spread throughout Catalonia.

Calçotada season in Spain

The calçotada season begins in November and lasts until April. Although calçots are grown in various areas of Catalonia, the Valls region remains the epicenter of this tradition. So, if you want to experience an authentic calçotada, don't hesitate to visit this region of Tarragona.

It is in Valls where the Great Calçotada Festival is held at the end of January, with hundreds of people taking part. During this festival, there are competitions, demonstrations, and tastings to pay homage to calçots.

During the calçotada season, it is common to see families and friends gathering in farmhouses and restaurants to enjoy calçotadas. This celebration goes beyond food, as it represents an opportunity to get together and keep alive a tradition that combines history, gastronomy, and lots of flavors.

The calçots recipe

The original calçots recipe involves roasting them and preparing a special sauce, known as romesco sauce or salvitxada sauce. Romesco sauce is made from tomatoes, garlic, almonds, hazelnuts, bread, and dried peppers, with a touch of vinegar and olive oil. This accompaniment has a deep, smoky flavor, ideal for enhancing the sweetness of the roasted calçots.

If you want to prepare a first-class calçotada, you should place the calçots directly on a grill over high heat. The key is to roast them until the outside is slightly burnt (in fact, the outside will be black and almost charred, so don't be alarmed if they look black). Once roasted, wrap them in newspaper to keep them warm and moist until ready to serve.

Another tradition is the way calçots are eaten, which is one of the most enjoyable parts. Take a calçot in one hand, pull off the burnt layer to reveal the white, tender part, and then dip it in romesco sauce before putting it in your mouth. Tilt your head back so you can eat the calçot in one bite. Although it may seem complicated, this way of eating calçots is a fundamental part of the gastronomic experience.

All that's left is for you to try calçots and tell us what you thought of the experience. This tradition has seduced thousands of tourists and visitors who gather to enjoy this experience. Don't miss out and visit Barcelona with don Quijote.