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What drives us to travel to Spain? One person in two would likely answer: gastronomy. After all, there is no more sincere and real love than the one we have for food, right? The country is known for its colorful cuisine, with many regional dishes having become must-haves on a global scale. Thus, Spain stands proudly among countries offering the best culinary specialties to try. Know that in any city, a tasty dish is just waiting for you. This time, we're not taking you to Madrid, nor to Seville, nor to Barcelona either... Let's head to Salamanca to discover the city's best dishes!

What to eat in Salamanca? Our top 10 specialties.
1. Hornazo
Know that in Salamanca, the main ingredients you'll find most are undoubtedly meat, particularly ham. It's in these places that you'll have the opportunity to taste the delicious hornazo: a pie stuffed with ham and chorizo. This bread, filled with various meats, is generally served on "Water Monday", which is actually Easter Monday, a public holiday. However, you'll easily find it in any restaurant at any time of the year, as this dish is so appreciated. Many like to enjoy it with a hard-boiled egg, which would add even more flavor to the tender meat.
2. Morucha Beef

Attention carnivores and lovers of good food, your little heart might be stirred. Why so? Because Morucha beef, whose quality is excellent, is guaranteed by the Protected Geographical Indication of Salamanca. We can tell you that biting into a good tender steak with intoxicating quality and aroma will make your taste buds quiver like never before. Morucha beef is known for being a rustic breed raised outdoors, the refined taste comes from a 100% hay-based diet "Crau PDO Organic". Accompanied by a glass of wine, the trick is done!
3. Armuña Lentils
You may have already tasted them without knowing that these little pearls with exquisite taste came from the Salamanca region. Indeed, Armuña lentils are known for being extremely fine, much more than normal lentils. They are also considered an excellent source of plant proteins: as they contain a lot of fiber. They are also a source of iron, calcium, and rich in vitamins B1, B2, and B3. With low fat content, they pair perfectly with a fresh little salad. Simple to cook, here's a dish that won't sit heavy on your stomach!
4. Ledesma Fritters

Oyez! Oyez! Let's make some room for Ledesma fritters! Here's a treat that even those least fond of sugar won't be able to refuse. These little fritters barely larger than 3 centimeters in diameter are baked in the oven before being prepared with dough. These little sweets actually originate from the Castile region. However, many merchants and cooks in Salamanca prepare them for their clientele because the dish is so appreciated. A tip for accompanying them? The slightly crunchy and dry side pairs perfectly with delicious coffee, or a glass of warm milk.
5. Serrano Ham

A little earlier, we mentioned that the city of Salamanca is known for its divine ham. We present to you the one nicknamed "Serrano Ham", a product exclusively prepared in Salamanca, but also in Seville, Cordoba, and some areas of Portugal. This meat obtained from purebred pork is left to ripen naturally in warehouses specially designed for this purpose. Its salty and slightly dry texture gives it a taste that pairs perfectly with some vegetables or rice. Its pinkish hue, meanwhile, attracts the eye, while not failing to let escape an aroma that would make carnivores shiver.
6. Bollo Maimón

Here's a very ancient cake born in Salamanca, in honor of weddings. Indeed, it's a festive dessert that is generally enjoyed at weddings. The Bollo Maimón thus marks the union between two beings feeling true love for each other. It's typically the kind of pastry to savor with your other half, eyes gazing into each other's. Easily recognizable thanks to its sponge cake shape, it's sprinkled with powdered sugar before being served hot. Many also like to dip it in hot chocolate, shall we try?
7. Regional Wines

We've been talking a lot about dishes, but what about drinks? What do we accompany our slice of ham with? Know that Salamanca is part of the regions of Spain with the greatest variety of wines in the country. The city has quality wines: fruity whites are most appreciated by tourists. We recommend the famous "Uvas de Cámbrico 2017". Imagine yourself contemplating the beautiful sunset, with a sweet nectar flowing down your throat. Can you picture it? Buy the ticket without further delay!
8. La Chanfaina

Here's a dish containing a multitude of ingredients that make it unique. Legend has it that originally, this dish was used to give courage and tenacity to peasants in winter, so they could cultivate their lands. They regained strength and thus managed to feed an entire village. Chanfaina is cooked with lamb meat, beef offal, pork, boiled blood (yes), pepper, a little bay leaf, onions, and garlic. Some like to prepare it with asparagus and a few potatoes.
9. Meneás Potatoes

Meneás potatoes are a typical dish of Spanish gastronomy. Why are they so famous? They were served during great times of famine to feed the population. The most common way to cook them is probably the recipe with paprika and pieces of smoked bacon. This typical food from the Salamanca region pairs easily with any type of dish. You'll find them on almost all dining tables, ready to be enjoyed!
10. Cochinillo al Fuego

What can be translated as "roast suckling pig" represents a dish cooked in clay pots and served hot. Cooked in practically all regions of Spain, this is a very tender meal, with delicate meat on the plate. The secret? It's all in the way to roast everything! Cochinillo al Fuego is very often the star of traditional Spanish family meals. If you have the opportunity to taste it, give us feedback, we're curious!
