Las Hermanas Pimentón de la Vera Picante DOP - Hot Smoked Paprika
This hot paprika from Hijos de Salvador López has a complex smokiness that comes from a two-week drying process over smoldering oak logs as well as subtle fruitiness imparted by the local red peppers from which it was made. Because of the traditional methods used to produce it, pimentón de la Vera has an intense, penetrating flavor that adds depth to any dish—it does so much more than the supermarket stuff you dust over deviled eggs for color.
Cepa Vieja Sherry Vinegar
Vinagres de Yema’s Cepa Vieja falls somewhere between a balsamic and a red wine vinegar, with a sweet flavor and lingering hint of raisiny must that is typical of aged sherries. Aged in 100-year-old oak barrels, the final product has the complexity of every previous batch, as well as smoky notes from the oak itself. The company—founded by renowned winemaker Fernando T. De Terry y Galarza in Spain’s Andalucia—produces its vinegar via the solera method, the same process used to blend sherries of different ages. With the flavor profile of sherry vinegar that has been aged for 25 years, Cepa Vieja is the oldest vintage available from the company. Try it combined with sweet-tart grapes in our Roasted Chicken Breasts with Grapes and Sherry Vinegar.
Alemany Cabernet and Chestnut Honey Condiment
This tart-sweet condiment from Spain is made using a base of cabernet sauvignon red wine vinegar that has a robust, jammy flavor. Equally rich and earthy chestnut honey balances the vinegar's acidity for a balanced, well-rounded condiment with a soft finish. Use it as a slightly sweeter, deeper and juicier alternative to red wine vinegar to make vinaigrettes, marinades or glazes—it pairs especially well with seared and grilled meat. Or drizzle it over roasted vegetables or soups as a finishing touch. Based in northern Spain, Alemany Mel y Turrón is a fifth-generation artisanal producer that sources only the best monofloral Spanish honeys to make its products.
Conservas de Cambados Mussels from Galicia in Escabeche (Pickled Sauce)
Plump. Meaty. Bright. These cooked whole mussels are the perfect balance between firm enough to hold their shape and tender enough to feel buttery on the palate—not chewy like other inferior brands. Their naturally orange color is intensified from the bold and zingy escabeche sauce, which seems to include a good amount of not-too-smokey Spanish paprika. The flavor of the mussels themselves is lightly briny, with a delicate ocean character, which is rounded out by the marinade’s aromatic kick. Bay leaves add a nice herbal flavor, but what truly sets these mussels apart is the addition of wine. We tried another brand that didn’t have both wine and vinegar in its marinade, just vinegar, and it had no where near the complexity of these. The wine coaxes out the paprika flavors nicely, adding a dash of fruity sweetness along the way.
Las Hermanas Pimentón de la Vera Dulce DOP - Sweet Smoked Paprika
This sweet paprika from Hijos de Salvador López has a complex smokiness that comes from a two-week drying process over smoldering oak logs as well as subtle fruitiness imparted by the local red peppers from which it was made. Because of the traditional methods used to produce it, pimentón de la Vera has an intense, penetrating flavor that adds depth to any dish—it does so much more than the supermarket stuff you dust over deviled eggs for color.
Merula Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
When I visited Spain recently, I found that the restaurant kitchens I visited used a simple all-purpose Spanish olive oil. We spent a few months searching for a Spanish oil that was not unreasonably priced and would be good for everyday cooking. Produced from a blend of Spanish olives, Merula extra-virgin olive oil tastes fruity, balanced and bright—and lacks the throat-gripping bitterness of lesser brands. Merula’s bold flavor and rounded mouthfeel is suitable for dressings, vinaigrettes, sauces and most sautéing. The convenient 500-milliliter can keeps light out and preserves freshness.
Fermín 50% Ibérico Salchichón
Most people only know Ibérico pork for jamón ibérico, the ultra-luxe Spanish cured ham, but the melt-in-your-mouth meat tastes delicious in any form. For the highest-quality Ibérico products, we trust family company Fermín, which is based in Salamanca, Spain, and was the first authorized exporter of Ibérico products to the United States. You can think of this dry-cured sausage as the Spanish equivalent of salami. We love that it's coarsely ground, which preserves the pork's meaty texture and marbled appearance. Thinly sliced, it tastes tender and rich, with the naturally nutty and sweet flavors that Ibérico pork is prized for. Unlike chorizo, which is made with paprika, salchichón gets its warming boost from black and white pepper; the minimal spices allow the Ibérico pork's delicate flavor to come through in the sausage.
Fermín 50% Ibérico Sliced Pork Loin (Lomo Ibérico)
As opposed to jamón ibérico made with the hams, or upper hind legs, of the pigs, Lomo Ibérico is dry-cured pork loin prepared using the same artisanal methods. The pork is aged for three months in open mountain air with no artificial preservatives and has an amazingly tender texture. It's nutty and meaty, with a touch of sweetness; smoky pimentón de la Vera (a type of Spanish paprika) and earthy garlic enhance the savory flavor of Fermín's Lomo Ibérico, which is best served at room temperature to fully savor its complexity.
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