(Arroz Caldoso Bogavente – Lobster soupy Rice) & Barcelona Beach

Posted On June 8, 2010

I never had an idea before how Spanish cuisine will look like until I was in Spain. We went to a Restaurant called Marina Manchos, which had an exotic Spanish cuisine of food varieties. Enjoying the view of the Mediterranean sea from our table, we wanted to try some seafood. We decided that we will try Lobsters and asked the waiter for options. He suggested this Lobster Soupy Rice which is a one-pot meal for 2. Between they served a cup of potato chips, Spanish pickled olives & little cucumbers, and Bread with a spread of fresh tomato puree. When the dish arrived on the table, it was in a big deep pan  and looked like it can serve the entire family. Since it was the first time I am trying lobster, my first sip of the food was kind of skeptic but not the rest. After returning back from vacation, the first thing I did was buying the Lobster and making this dish at home. Believe me, it was one of the dishes I just loved it. We packed the remaining and had it for dinner. Honestly what we had in the restaurant was excellent than what I made. Probably  because of the fresh seafood and  may be  some chef’s secret ingredients.

The choice of restaurant is very important, especially when you are in a new place and trying new food. Fortunately, the one we tried was good. Bit expensive but worth it.

Ingredients:

1. Lobster – 2, divide into pieces
2. Squid – 100 gms (optional) I did not add it
3. Fish stock – 2 cups
4. Water – 4 cups
5. Parboiled Rice – 2 cups
6. Onion – 2, finely chopped
7. Tomato – 2, finely chopped
8. Bell Pepper – 1/2, cut into small pieces
9. Garlic – 5 pods
10. Olive oil – 2 Tbs
11. Paprika powder – 1 Tbs
12. Coriander leaves a few or  Petersilie  a little
13. Salt for taste

Method:

1. Heat the pan and oil to it. Add Onions and garlic and saute it till it is translucent.

2. Add paprika then followed by tomatoes and cook till tomatoes become soft approx 5 min.

3. Add the fish stock and water and let it boil. Once it starts boiling add the rice and let it cook for 15 minutes.

4. Add the lobster and bell pepper when the rice is half cooked and allow it to cook. Add some water if required, to look like soupy rice.

5. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve it warm.

Now coming to Barcelona attractions……..

Barceloneta is a very beautiful beach with not many waves but it is very deep after 5 feet from the seashore. A lot of people were swimming through the water was a bit cold. My daughter started building a sandcastle decorated with shells.

Beware, there is also a nude beach called Mar Bella. Even in Barceloneta, there were few taking sunbaths.

Ships returning to Barcelona Port.

Port Vell near from the Columbus Monument

 

Monument Columbus.

Throughout the city and on the beachside one can see these palm trees.