Lanzarote is well-known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and idyllic beaches with crystal-clear waters. However, another of the island's great attractions is its cuisine. And even though it is notable for using simple ingredients, Lanzarote's culinary delights offer an incredible explosion of flavours that will captivate all those who try it.
The typical food of Lanzarote is a reflection of the cultural traditions of the archipelago, but also of the influences of its aboriginal legacy and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. By taking advantage of the variety of natural resources available, it combines ingredients from the land and the sea with great skill.
Lanzarote's cuisine, unique ingredients and flavours
Although the ingredients of Lanzarote's cuisine may seem simple, it is the way in which they are prepared and combined that gives the dishes their unique flavour. Its proximity to the sea means that fish and seafood are the main protagonists of many of its dishes, while the volcanic soil produces potatoes with a characteristic flavour and pulses of the highest quality.
- One of the star ingredients is gofio, a toasted cereal flour that has formed part of the Canarian diet since pre-Hispanic times. It is a very versatile product which, as well as being highly nutritious, is used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
- Other highlights are papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) which get their name from the special way they are cooked, and red and green mojos (herb sauces) which are ideal to go with meat, fish or papas arrugadas themselves.
- As for fish, varieties such as parrot fish, wreckfish and grouper are caught off the island's coasts and are prepared in a simple way, grilled or boiled, to enhance their freshness and natural flavour.
Typical Lanzarote dishes not to be missed
The typical food of Lanzarote offers the opportunity to enjoy a unique culinary experience. The dishes are full of character and range from the popular Canarian Sancocho to the emblematic papas arrugadas con mojo sauce.
Canarian Sancocho
Canarian Sancocho is one of the most representative dishes not only of Lanzarote, but of the whole archipelago. It is a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming one of the greatest symbols of Canarian cuisine.
It is prepared mainly with salted fish, generally sea bass or wreckfish, which is desalted for several hours to eliminate excess salt. The fish is cooked with potatoes and sweet potatoes, giving it a smooth texture and a delicate flavour that contrasts with the intensity of the mojo served as an accompaniment.
Papas arrugadas with mojo sauce
It would be impossible to talk about Lanzarote's typical food without mentioning papas arrugadas. An essential dish on any Canarian table, it is one of the island's culinary jewels. It can be enjoyed as a starter or as a garnish for meat and fish.
The potatoes are cooked with the skin on in salted water and then left to dry on the fire so that the skin is wrinkled with a slightly salty taste. The perfect accompaniment is mojo, a sauce that can be green (made with coriander and parsley) or red ( made with red peppers and garlic). Both versions are equally delicious and, although they seem basic, each restaurant or family has its own recipe, making them unique in every place you try them.
Gofio escaldado
Gofio is an ingredient as old as the history of the Canary Islands. In Lanzarote, one of the most traditional ways to enjoy it is with a gofio escaldado, a simple recipe that is full of flavour. It is prepared by mixing toasted flour with fish or meat broth, until it forms a kind of puree.
A very popular dish at family meals, it is usually served as a starter in an earthenware dish, accompanied by raw onion that is dipped in the gofio. Its slightly smoky flavour combines perfectly with the salty hint of the broth.
Puchero canario
The puchero canario is the heartiest dish in Lanzarote's cuisine. It is a stew made with pork, beef, chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and sweet potato and is ideal for those cooler days when you need a comforting meal.
It is cooked on a low heat which allows the ingredients to release their full flavour so that the broth becomes a truly irresistible explosion of flavours. It is usually served in two stages: first the broth, and then the solid ingredients, accompanied by mojo.
Which of Lanzarote's typical dishes would you like to try first? At Elba Hotels, we invite you to immerse yourself in this wonderful culinary adventure. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the authentic flavours of Lanzarote on your next holiday!
