Recipe for Escalivada and Coca Bread: A Catalan Tradition

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.

Origin of Escalivada

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: The Perfect Companion

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.

Escalivada

Escalivada Recipe

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.

Ingredients:

• 3 large red peppers
• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 onions
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt
• Garlic (optional)
• Black olives (optional for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC (about 400ºF). While it heats, wash the vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt and pat each piece dry with a clean cloth.
2. Roast the vegetables: Place the eggplants, peppers, and onions on a baking tray. Drizzle generously with olive oil and add a pinch of coarse salt. If you like a hint of garlic, add a few whole, unpeeled cloves to the tray.
3. Bake: Roast the vegetables for approximately 45-60 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even roasting. The eggplants and peppers should be well-roasted, with slightly charred skins. Add the tomatoes halfway through the cooking time, as they need less time in the oven (about 20-30 minutes).
4. Peel the vegetables: Once roasted, take the vegetables out of the oven and let them cool enough to handle. Peel the peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes. A trick for easily peeling peppers is to place them in a plastic bag for about 10 minutes after taking them out of the oven; the steam will make peeling easier.
5. Slice and dress: Cut the vegetables into long, thin strips, place them on a serving dish, and drizzle with plenty of extra virgin olive oil. Adjust the salt if needed and, if desired, add a few black olives for decoration.

Coca Bread Recipe

The next step is to prepare coca bread. This bread is easy to make at home and requires just a few ingredients.

Ingredients for Coca Bread:

• 500 g of bread flour
• 10 g of salt
• 10 g of fresh yeast
• 300 ml of warm water
• 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil

Preparation of Coca Bread:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and add it to the flour mixture. Knead until all ingredients are well integrated.
2. Knead the dough: Add the olive oil to the dough and continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much.
3. Let the dough rest: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the cocas: Once the dough has rested, divide it into portions (individual or one large piece) and spread it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Stretch the dough with your hands to form an oval or rectangular shape, making sure it isn’t too thick.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 220ºC (about 430ºF) and bake the bread for about 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy on the edges.
6. Serve: Coca bread can be served plain with a drizzle of olive oil or as a base for the escalivada.

Tips and Variations

• Fire-roasting: If possible, roast the vegetables directly over embers or on a grill to give them a more authentic smoky flavor than oven-roasting.
• Add proteins: Although escalivada is perfect as a vegetarian dish, some enjoy it with anchovies or tuna for a touch of saltiness.
• Coca with toppings: Experiment with coca by adding ingredients like fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) or even a bit of grated cheese before baking.
• Pairing: A good young red wine or a fresh rosé pairs perfectly with escalivada and coca bread, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.

Escalivada and Coca Bread Recipe