Made in Spain Season 1 Episode 5 Tuna and Tapas

In episode 5 of Made in Spain season 1, titled Tuna and Tapas, host Jose Andres explores the rich tradition of tapas in Spain, along with one of the country's most prized ingredients: tuna.

The episode starts with Jose Andres in the coastal town of Barbate, where he witnesses the traditional Almadraba tuna fishing. This ancient technique, which dates back to the Phoenicians, involves the use of nets to catch large schools of tuna as they migrate along the Atlantic coast. Despite being a centuries-old practice, the sustainability and ethical implications of Almadraba fishing are still debated, and Jose Andres takes time to discuss these issues with local fishermen.

From Barbate, the episode moves to Cadiz, where Jose Andres visits the bustling market and samples some of the local tapas: small, flavorful dishes that are a cornerstone of Spanish cuisine. With the help of a local vendor, Jose Andres tries a variety of tapas, including tortilla de camarones (a shrimp-filled omelette), boquerones en vinagre (pickled anchovies), and jamon iberico (cured ham made from acorn-fed pigs).

Next, Jose Andres heads to Seville, where he meets with a local chef to prepare some classic tuna-based tapas. First up is salmorejo, a creamy tomato soup that is topped with small cubes of tuna and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish originates from Cordoba, but has become a staple of Sevillian cuisine. Jose Andres and the chef also prepare flamenquines, a fried roll of ham and cheese that is stuffed with pieces of fresh tuna. The final dish is ajo blanco, a chilled soup made from almonds and garlic that is garnished with fresh tuna and grapes.

The episode wraps up with Jose Andres traveling to Madrid, where he visits a well-known tapas bar and meets with the chef to try some of the establishment's signature dishes. Among the highlights are huevos rotos, a hearty dish of fried eggs topped with chorizo and potatoes, and calamares a la romana, tender squids that are fried and served with a sprinkle of lemon juice.

Throughout the episode, Jose Andres emphasizes the importance of using local, high-quality ingredients in Spanish cuisine. He also highlights the role that tapas play in the social fabric of the country, explaining that these small dishes are meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends over conversation and drinks.

Overall, Tuna and Tapas is a celebration of two of Spain's most iconic culinary traditions, and a testament to the diversity and richness of the country's cuisine.