Breakfast in Spain is usually a light affair.
Breakfast in Spain, known as el desayuno in Spanish, tends to be the lightest meal of the day (in contrast with lunch, the largest). Coffee or hot chocolate plus a sweetened pastry or piece of toast is all most Spaniards need to start the day. Occasionally, however, something more savory is served, such as an egg dish or bread with tomatoes.
Churros and Porras
Churros and porras are variations of the same fried sweetened cylinders of dough, usually dusted with cinnamon sugar. These sweets are most often paired with hot chocolate for dipping.
Bolos
Bolos are sweet rolls that are dipped in jam and eaten with coffee for breakfast.
Torrijas
Torrijas are somewhat akin to French toast, although the dish is also commonly called "Spanish bread pudding." It can be served both as breakfast and as dessert. Slices of bread are soaked in a sweetened milk mixture, then dipped in beaten eggs and fried.
Toast and Jam
Peach jam and toasted bread is a popular and simple breakfast choice for many Spaniards.
Magdalenas
Magdalenas are small, sweet crackers, also known as Maria crackers. They make a popular light breakfast food in homes all across Spain.
Pan con Tomate
This breakfast food originated in Catalonia. It consists simply of a piece of toasted bread rubbed with a cut clove of garlic then topped with half a tomato. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt finishes the dish. Sometimes a slice of ham is added as well.
Tortilla Espanola
A tortilla Espanola is an egg dish somewhere between a fritatta and an omelet--it involves beaten eggs encasing a filling of potatoes and onions and cooked until set. It can be eaten warm or cold at any time of day, including breakfast.
Orange Juice
Fresh oranges are plentiful in Spain, and many Spaniards enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice for their breakfast meal.
Hot Chocolate
Spanish hot chocolate is made very thick with milk and corn starch. It is very rich and sweet, a favorite to pair with churros or other sweet pastries.
Cafe con Leche
Spaniards prefer to drink their coffee with a great deal of foamy milk added. This drink is known across Spain as cafe con leche, and it is a popular way to start the day.
Tags: across Spain, beaten eggs, breakfast food, Breakfast Spain, many Spaniards, toasted bread
