For a long time, the history of the cuisine of Spain have remained hidden, and ignored in European culinary literature until romantic travellers who roamed the Spanish territory described to readers about it. less details were known about the cuisine before the 10th century, and documentary references frequently mentioned ingredients, names of dishes but nothing was mentioned about their cooking process. However the Spanish culinary evolution that happened since the Middle Ages described a trajectory that has had several phases before becoming what it is known today.
The introduction of new ways of cooking Arab and Sephardic Jews (as well as the cultivation of new species) the progressive incorporation of culinary ingredients from the New World and European cuisine influences — all these have formed a culinary personality that influenced the French cuisine of the early 17th century.
This, in turn was influenced in the 18th century by the Italian and French cuisines which were popular in the Court. The period from the 15th century to the early 19th century is the time when the main dietary habits of most European countries, and customs that are known by the name of traditional cuisine, were fixed.
In the late 19th century, some journalists and writers began to write, compile and create a previously unknown identity.
Spanish cuisine was already considered by them as a mixture of the culinary customs of the people who inhabited the territory throughout its history.
This classical cuisine has deep religious roots, too. It is from the 20th century that it received international recognition through some of its most characteristic regional dishes. later, the advent of the new Spanish cuisine, marked by a strong creative spirit, and starring Spanish chefs marking international recognition, was the reason for the cuisine to get noticed more in the international arena.
I think, it is certainly very difficult to cook for Indians. Because, in India all the recipes have to be modified according to preferences of the Indian palate. This is the reason why I have never found a real Spanish restaurant in the country. But, many dishes between the two cuisines are similar but not as spicy in the Spanish cuisine.
courtesy chef Nuria, Imperfecto