Made in Spain Season 1 Episode 2 A Pilgrim's Progress in Food

In the second episode of the first season of "Made in Spain," titled "A Pilgrim's Progress in Food," Spanish chef José Andrés takes viewers on a culinary journey through the diverse and rich cuisine of northern Spain.

The episode begins in the Galician region of Spain, where José Andrés introduces viewers to the traditional dish of octopus served on a bed of potatoes. He then takes viewers to the town of Santiago de Compostela, which is famous for its pilgrimage route and the food that sustains the pilgrims on their journey. José Andrés shows viewers how to make empanadas, a savory pastry stuffed with meat or vegetables, and explains how they were traditionally made by pilgrims to sustain them on their journey.

Next, José Andrés travels to the Asturias region of Spain, known for its ciders and cheeses. He shows viewers how to make Asturian-style bean stew with chorizo, a hearty dish that is perfect for the colder months. José Andrés also introduces viewers to the famous Cabrales cheese, a blue cheese made from cow, goat, and sheep milk.

The episode then takes viewers to the Basque Country, where José Andrés explores the pintxos culture. Pintxos are a type of Basque tapas served on a slice of bread and held together with a toothpick. José Andrés showcases some of the most popular pintxos, including the gilda, a combination of anchovy, olive, and pepper, and the txalupa, which is made with crab meat and bechamel sauce.

Finally, the episode ends in the Catalan region of Spain, where José Andrés explores the traditional dish of paella. He interviews a local paella expert and learns about the different types of paella, including the seafood paella and the chicken and rabbit paella. José Andrés also visits the famous La Boqueria market in Barcelona, where he samples some of the best jamón ibérico, a type of cured ham made from black Iberian pigs.

Throughout the episode, José Andrés emphasizes the importance of fresh, local ingredients and the impact that different regions and cultures have on Spanish cuisine. He showcases the diversity and richness of Spanish cuisine, from the hearty stews of Asturias to the pintxos of the Basque Country to the paella of Catalonia. "A Pilgrim's Progress in Food" is a celebration of Spanish culture through its food and is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.