Gecko Towers
Update 09.04.24: An announcement has been made by the leader of the Socialist Government in Spain, that his government plans to amend or repeal the “Golden Visa” legislation. Currently no timetable for these changes has been suggested and there is opposition to any revision. That said, this discourse, that started in May 2023, may result in some material changes. We will endeavour to keep you up to date with these as we are made aware of them and their precise impact.
In the light of the staggering official news from a body of the Spanish state that in 2021-22 of the Golden Visas issue by Spain only 12 – yes, 12! – were awarded to Brits, I wouldn’t be doing my bit, to open up the prospects of unlimited EU travel to those keen to apply.
Please see earlier posts here Would a Golden Visa be right for you? Come on my fellow countryfolk, you can do better than that!
My worry is that it has been suggested that, like Portugal has recently taken the decision not to accept new applicants (currently pending in the Portuguese legislature), in the light of these miserable figures, Spain too may take the view that there is little point continuing to offer the Golden Visa and withdraw it.
Ok that’s the warning shot that I suspect you, if you have exhausted your other efforts to secure an EU passport via a family member – please see here Would an EU Passport assist your Marbella property journey?, may need to heed if a life on the Costa del Sol – subject to getting your tax residency right – is on your horizon.
I also feel it’s important to impart a few key, though intentionally light hearted, tips that will make your transition to your new life in Marbella all the more enjoyable. The aim is to reduce any potential culture shock. Additionally, I am keen to focus on the core reasons why would someone chose to relocate to this wonderful corner of the EU.
Today’s topic is the Mediterranean Diet.
Much has been written on the subject of the Mediterranean Diet. Experts seem to agree that there is undoubtedly a positive impact on your overall level of health from combining red wine, olive oil, Omega 3-rich simply prepared fish, seafood, abundant, seasonal fresh fruit and green vegetables.
An entire food group, that is a key part of the Mediterranean Diet, but doesn’t always receive the centre stage spotlight, is described in Spanish as ‘legumbres‘. In English we tend to refer to this group as “legumes” or “pulses’ and loosely this includes beans such as the haricot bean, chick peas and lentils. These raw materials are used as the base for a whole range of traditional dishes that you’ll see on menus of the more traditional restaurants in Marbella. Their unfamiliarity should not be a good reason not to try them, because they are delicious.
Before their arrival in Marbella, for many, their experience of pulses would not have extended far beyond ‘baked beans’ in rich and sweet tomato-sauce accompanying a traditional Full English breakfast. While this breakfast side order should be celebrated it is nothing like the Spanish equivalents. Most legumes/pulses in Spanish cooking comprise a key ingredient in usually meat-based, often various cuts of pork, in a variety of thick and tasty sauces. These dishes tend to take their name from the region where the dish was developed but, origin aside, they are usually available on menus in Marbella.
The three most familiar dishes are:
Fabada Asturiana: A cooler month’s favourite, white bean stew with various pieces of pork, black sausage (known as ‘morcilla’), chorizo (please carefully pronounce the ‘z’ as sounded in the word ‘wreath’ and not as the ‘z’ in the word ‘zoo’). This dish comes the fertile Northern Spanish region of Asturias, famous for its dairy herds, and fine cider and is simply delicious. The dish is similar the classic French dish of Cassoulet.
Cocido Madrileno: Coming, as the name suggests from Madrid, this traditional chick-pea based stew is a lunchtime favourite. Sometimes it is so well made that patrons prefer not to eat the pieces of pork, morcilla or chorizo – ‘sin trozos’ (meaning ‘without the chunks’) – as they believe the chick peas become sufficiently infused with the combination of flavours that eating the meat is unnecessary. This dish may have originated in Jewish community where eggs tended to be used in place of the pork products. Chick pea flour features heavily in Jewish cookery and has a starring role in the Gibraltarian speciality of ‘calentita’ – more of which another time.
Lentejas a la Riojana: La Rioja is famous for its wine making and a particular favourite dish. Again, often accompanied with various pieces of pork or sausage, other versions of this dish that recognizes the deliciousness of lentils includes vegetarian options, often with spinach, perhaps making the dish even healthier.
I remember when we first arrived in the Marbella region we were told, admittedly with some incredulity, that in more rural areas there would be a custom of fattening up pigs for the annual and traditional cull. Somewhat of a Rite of Passage for the villagers but ground in a respect for the animal an its sacrifice. Someone mentioned a cookbook called “Everything But The Squeal” – which I am sure is still in print. It’s title, perhaps a little self-evident, focussed on the versatility of pork and the ability to use virtually all of the pig in some dish or another.
While it may not be you preferred dietary requirement, there are many who enjoy Morcilla, a delicious blood sausage that we first met above in the Fabada Asturiana – a cousin to the typical UK black sausage – that is equally enjoyable on its own. Its compatriot, seen above, the Chorizo a fragrant, garlic and paprika pork sausage that is delicious as a lunchtime dish in a sandwich or as a pizza topping.
If I adopt a poor equivalent to a generic Northern accident and talk “‘bout lashings of dripping for t’tea” I aim to convey you to back to the misty nostalgia of the iconic Hovis adverts of the 1980’s. In the era of so many folk’s grandparents “dripping” would have been served on slices of warm toast. If you go to any Venta – and I strongly recommend you do as they are modestly priced road side inns dotted along the coast, including the emblematic Venta Los Pacos in Marbella – you can be guaranteed of being offered a slice or a tub of Sobrasada – literally dripping that accumulates below a roast – as a tasty breakfast time treat. Often homemade it is enormously popular, together with a steaming glass of coffee with milk among those needing to keep their strength up of the daily labors.
Before you tell me that I have not mentioned Gazpacho – classic and delicious cold tomato based soups – Andalucia in a glass – Paella – saffron rice with fish or meat – or Tortilla – classic Spanish omelette with onions, potatoes and occasionally, courgette, Croquettes breaded and fried golden cylinders of meat or fish and Bechamel based fillings or a myriad of stunning fish dishes, with which you will become very fond, I know you make a good point. These will feature with a host of other delicious products in a later post.
In the same way as you would expect to buy baked beans in a tin from Heinz, the above and many other similar dishes that use these key ingredients as their base, can be found in tins or hermetically sealed packaging in the aisles of many supermarkets. In this way they can be sampled – slightly easier way to discover if they don’t float your boat – and enjoyed in the privacy of your own home together with a loaf of crisp country bread and a glass of wine or some cold Asturian cider. I forgot, I didn’t mention the range of drinks….another time.
Should you be interested in discussing the legal process involved in buying a property in the Marbella region, we would be delighted to assist you. Our multi-disciplinary team of bi-lingual, highly experienced and wholly independent Abogados and Asesores Fiscales are ready to help you.
Please call me, Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917 or, if you prefer, or e-mail me at mark@roslegal.es
Please note that our posts are for general interest. There is no substitute for proper legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law.
Nothing contained in this article should be seen or taken as the writer or the publisher providing legal, tax or financial advice.
All details have been reasonably fact-checked and all efforts have been taken to ensure that facts are accurate as at the date of publication.
© Mark FR Wilkins 2023. All rights reserved.