Do you know the traditional recipe for escalivada? When we talk about Catalan cuisine, the word “authenticity” immediately comes to mind. This region, located in northeastern Spain, is known for its rich culinary tradition that combines fresh, simple, and flavorful ingredients. Among the most iconic recipes, escalivada holds a special place in the hearts of Mediterranean cuisine lovers. This delicious roasted vegetable dish becomes the perfect pair when served with traditional coca bread—a combination that captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet.
In this article from mentta, we’ll show you how to prepare an authentic Catalan escalivada and homemade coca bread. Plus, I’ll share insights into their origins, history, and how these dishes have become gastronomic icons.
The name “escalivada” comes from the Catalan verb escalivar, meaning to roast or toast. Traditionally, this process was done over wood fire embers, a technique that imparted a distinctive smoky flavor to the vegetables—something hard to replicate with modern cooking methods. Although escalivada has its roots in Catalonia, it is also very popular in other regions of northeastern Spain, such as Aragón and the Valencian Community, as well as in southern France.
Escalivada is an ode to simplicity, a dish where fresh vegetables take center stage. The traditional ingredients include red peppers, eggplants, onions, and tomatoes, all roasted slowly to bring out their natural sweetness and rich flavor.
This dish reflects the essence of Catalan cuisine: making the most of seasonal produce with minimal manipulation, to preserve its natural taste and texture. It is ideal as an appetizer, tapa, or even a side dish for grilled meats or fish.
Coca bread is a flatbread that, like escalivada, originates from Catalonia. Its simplicity lies in a dough similar to pizza, made from flour, water, salt, olive oil, and yeast. It can be found in various forms and versions, from the basic coca to more elaborate versions with ingredients like anchovies, sobrasada, or vegetables.
For coca served with escalivada, the dough is usually kept plain so that the roasted vegetables can take center stage. Coca bread is the ideal accompaniment to escalivada, as its crispy texture contrasts with the softness of the vegetables, and its neutral flavor enhances the smoky and sweet notes of the roasted ingredients.
Now let’s go through the steps to prepare an authentic escalivada. Although the recipe is simple, the secret lies in the quality of the ingredients and respecting roasting times.
The next step is to prepare coca bread. This bread is easy to make at home and requires just a few ingredients.
Escalivada and Coca Bread Recipe
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