When people think about Mallorca food the first things that tend to come to mind are ensaimada pastries and the sobrasada cured sausage. There are other equally tempting dishes that you really ought to try however. Mallorcan cuisine has a long history of Latin and African influences, with dishes that often include the vegetables and olive oil so characteristic of the Mediterranean diet.
If there’s anything they all have in common however it’s that they’re healthy and tasty. We have picked out some of Mallorca’s gastronomic highlights for you, which you need to try at least once in your life:
1- Trampó
Although trampó has spread to other parts of the Iberian Peninsula, it is the typical Mallorcan dishes par excellence. If you like to keep an eye on your waistline this dish is perfect for you. Its main ingredients are peppers, onion, tomato, tuna, black olives, parsley, anchovies and salt… ideal for eating as an appetiser!
2- Arroz Brut
There’s nothing better for restoring your strength than an Arroz Brut. This delicious dish consists of boiled rice accompanied by a range of ingredients including the aforementioned sobrasada cured sausage, chicken, rabbit, pork, wild fungi, green beans, onion and saffron. As well as being a very substantial dish it’s also extremely tasty.
3- Sopas mallorquinas
This dish is typical of the winter months and the blend of aromas and flavours will transport you back to the most traditional Mallorcan cuisine. Its main ingredients are ribs and panceta bacon, joined by sautéed vegetables that are slow-cooked to be finally served in a greixonera, forming layers of stew and rustic bread. Patience is needed to make it, but the result is spectacular. You have to try it!
4- Caracoles a la mallorquina
If you have a penchant for snails, your palate is in for a real treat with this dish. This is a recipe that was common among fishing communities, and is usually accompanied by aromatic herbs, chilli pepper, cutlets cut into small pieces, cubes of ham, sausage, onion, tomatoes and white wine. In Mallorca we serve it with aioli. Simply delicious!
5- El tumbet
This dish pays culinary homage to Mallorca’s vegetable gardens, consisting as it does of the region’s finest vegetables. It’s made with aubergines and potatoes, which are joined by tomato sauce, olive oil, garlic and salt. Everything is cooked together in an earthenware vessel, and sometimes meat or fish is added.
6- Cocas de turrón
Cocas de turrón are typical of the Christmas holidays, but any time of year is good for enjoying this delicacy. It consists of a mixture made of ground raw almonds, orange juice, wafers, white wine and a spoonful of cinnamon. Simply irresistible!
7- Gato de almendra
This dish is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth, because while the recipe is very simple the end product tastes delicious. It contains chopped almonds, cinnamon, eggs and grated lemon peel. It is usually served with one or two scoops of almond or vanilla ice cream. It satisfies any craving when you yearn for something sweet. Treat yourself! Now you’re acquainted with these dishes you know what to order when you visit Mallorca. You have an endless variety to choose from depending on what takes your fancy. Don’t leave the island without savouring these delights!
