In Catalonia we have an exceptional gastronomy that all the people here know and value. But sometimes we are not aware that our product is also highly recognized internationally. This is demonstrated by one of the most complete and popular global gastronomy rankings that exist. This is the Taste Atlas, a map that collects the best traditional recipes from different parts of the world, where we find these Catalan sauces.
The Catalan sauces that triumph in the world
There are four of them and I’m sure you’ve tasted them. Each sauce has an average score, out of five points, which is based on the ratings given to each recipe by different users around the world. These are the romesco (4.2), the xató (3.9), the samfaina (3.6) and the picada, which still has no score. All four appear on the Taste Atlas map with detailed information on how they are made, in which dishes they can be used and with some comments from users who have tried them.
I’m sure you know them all, but what you might not know is that they are the four Catalan sauces with the most international exposure, according to Taste Atlas. And even if you know which sauces we are talking about, if you were asked to explain how they are made to a foreigner who discovers them through this website, would you know how to explain them? We give you a helping hand in case you ever find yourself in this situation.
How to make the sauces
All four can be enjoyed as a complement to several dishes, and in the case of samfaina, as a single individual dish. We explain how to make these four traditional Catalan sauces at home that are successful in the world.
Roman
Very typical to accompany calçots, romesco is used throughout the year in other preparations. It is ideal for dipping bread in and is made with tomato, pepper, garlic and nuts. The ingredients can change according to the tradition of each house, but in general they result in a sauce that is smooth, tasty and with a little crunch.
🧄 Recipe for romesco sauce
Xató
The flag of Penedès and Garraf, xató is, in addition to sauce, the name of the salad made with endive, fish and different vegetables. With anchovies, ventresca or cod, each town makes its own xatón. Vilanova or El Vendrell are some of the places where you can find this delicious Catalan sauce.
🐟 Chicken recipe
Samfaina
Samfaina is the most versatile sauce of all. It can be served with meat, with fish, in a salad or as an individual vegetarian dish. Made with tomato, onion, garlic, pepper, eggplant and olive oil, it can be eaten at any time of the day and at any time of the year. A sauce that became the ninth most popular sauce in the world in the Taste Atlas ranking.
🍅 Samfaina recipe
Chopped
The simplest of all, but the most necessary for some special dishes. The mince can be given different uses, but one of the most common is as a condiment for sausage sandwiches. Garlic, parsley and a little oil is all you need to make a good homemade mince.
Special mention must go to the garlic. Yes, we all miss the allioli on this list, but if you want the most beloved sauce of the Catalans to become one of the most popular in the world, talk about it and explain it everywhere!