Calçots: The Catalan Obsession You Didn’t Know You Needed

Calçots: The Catalan Obsession You Didn’t Know You Needed 🔥
If onions and leeks had a love child raised by BBQ masters, you’d get calçots—the royalty of Catalan winter cuisine. These mild, sweet onions are grilled until charred, peeled, dunked in a nutty romesco sauce, and devoured with messy, delicious enthusiasm. 👑
But calçots aren’t just food—they’re an experience. Enter the calçotada, a glorious winter tradition where friends and family gather to feast on calçots (and piles of grilled meats) while laughing, chatting, and probably wearing bibs. 🍖🍷 Bibs, you ask? Oh yes, because eating calçots is a hands-on, sauce-everywhere kind of joy.
🧅 A Little History
Calçots hail from the town of Valls, where a clever farmer in the 19th century decided to bury growing onions deeper in the soil. The result? A longer, sweeter, and absolutely irresistible onion. Today, calçots even have a fancy European PGI label, so you know they’re the real deal.
🌍 Where to Try Them
Not near the countryside? Don’t worry, Barcelona’s got you covered:
👉 L’Antic Forn (Raval): A cozy spot with passionate staff who’ll guide you through your calçot adventure.
👉 El Glop (Gràcia): Rustic vibes and a hearty calçotada menu await.
👉 Can Sarda: Classic flavours done right in the heart of the city.
Want the full countryside experience? Head out of town:
🌿 Can Cortes (Sant Cugat del Vallès): A perfect escape just a short ride away.
🌞 El Vinyet (Tarragona): Authentic, delicious, and worth the trip.
🍴 Pro Tip: If you want to DIY, grab a bunch from Mercat de Santa Caterina or Mercat de la Terra and try your hand at grilling!
✨ Why Calçots Are Life
It’s not just the food. It’s the messy fingers, the belly laughs, and the slow chats around the table (hello, sobremesa). It’s a winter tradition that makes you feel like you belong. So, tie that bib tight, grab a glass of wine, and go to town on some calçots. 🥂
🎉 Have you tried calçots yet? Share your messy pics below!