Breakfasts in Andalucia, the healthiest way to start each morning

Andalucians start the day very healthy. Our quality products bring us energy to face the morning and to work completely. Tomato, jamón serrano and olive oil are the three star ingredients that the majority of Andalucian homes have when the day begins. While this is common, however, it is true that there are many varieties of Andalucian breakfast and, no matter what, do not miss it if you are able to travel to Andalucia:

 

1. Bread and olive oil

This is the most traditional breakfast and mainly characterises Andalucia. Olive oil, also known as liquid gold, is eaten on toast with a pinch of salt is added. Coffee or orange juice accompany this first morning snack in a healthy and simple breakfast. In fact, bread and olive oil is the symbol of Andalucia and every 28th February (Day of the Autonomous Community), many other towns and cities have it too.

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2. Bread, olive oil and tomato

Another healthy Andalucian breakfast is bread with olive oil and tomato. You can go to any bar and ask for this combo of vitamins to start the day with force. Usually accompanied by coffee or milk, you can take it outside under the sun for the best time of the day. It is light and provides sufficient nutrients for your work, sport or routine. Many exercise enthusiasts eat this so that their stomachs are not too heavy when using bikes, weights or swimming.

 

3. Bread, olive oil, tomato and jamón serrano

If we add jamón serrano to the bread, oil and tomato above, the breakfast is now complete. The vitamin C found in the tomatoes helps to better absorb the iron in the jamón serrano, and the fatty acids in the olive oil help our body absorb the lycopene, a powerful antioxidant in the tomato. This is one of the best breakfasts in this land.

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 4. Pitufo

The pitufo is a small type of toasted eaten in the small morning with olive oil or any other ingredient. It is very typical of Málaga, especially with ham and cheese. If you eat this with a cup of coffee, you will have the energy you need until lunchtime. You can order this at any café in Málaga and enjoy this local flavour.

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 5. Molletes from Antequera

The mollete, a kind of unleavened bread, white and undercooked, made in Antequera, is the best choice for breakfast.  It is known throughout Andalucia and is exquisite with any filling. In Málaga, some young entrepreneurs have even set up molleterías, establishments selling sandwiches made with this bread.

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 6. Hot chocolate with churros

This breakfast is not as healthy as those above but is 100% traditional to Andalucia. It’s good to pamper yourself at least once a week. The churro is made with wheat flour dough cooked in oil and is known locally as “a fruit of the frying pan”. The Andalucians usually dip them in hot chocolate and its flavour is already famous in many cities the world like London, New York or Tokyo, which have imported them and are enjoyed.

Churros, the most traditional recipe in Andalucia

 

7. Bread and manteca colorá

If we go into deepest Andalucia, the typical breakfast for physical work, such as in the fields, is toast with “manteca colorá” (“red lard”), which is lard with spices added such as paprika, bay leaves and oregano, among others. This peculiar flavour will surprise you. If you have high cholesterol, however, you may only try it once a week.

 

8. Málaga Coffee

Undoubtedly one of the curiosities of Málaga is the way they order coffee. There is a wide range based on the exact amount of coffee in each glass. We can find the “shadow”, “cloud”, “short”, “strong” or “half and half”, among other options. We recommend you visit the centre of the capital of the Costa del Sol and try a cup. Enjoy it with some good toast and enjoy its full flavour.

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9. Village bread

The village bread, also known as “Grandma’s”, is characteristic for having thin crusts, and the slices are cut thick to make toast. Many shops in Andalucia sell this delicious variety which goes well with any ingredients. It is usually eaten with olive oil or manteca colorá. In any case, do not forget it when enjoying Andalucia.

 

10. Serranito

This variety of snack was created in Málaga and has spread throughout Andalucia. Its main ingredients are loin or chicken with peppers, jamón serrano and garlic mayonnaise. In Seville, it is usually served with a slice of tomato though it was not part of the original recipe. A good freshly squeezed orange juice and serranito gives you all the energy you need to enjoy the south of Spain.

 

Curiosities

Breakfast, known as the most important meal of the day, varies greatly from one culture to another and has some interesting curiosities:

• Origins of Breakfast: The idea of breakfast dates back to antiquity, but the way we conceive it today began during the Industrial Revolution in England. The faster pace of life made it necessary for workers to eat a substantial meal before starting long workdays.
• Breakfasts Around the World: In Japan, a typical breakfast may include rice, fish, and miso soup. In Turkey, breakfast is usually a hearty meal with cheeses, olives, eggs, tomatoes, jams, and bread. In contrast, a typical American breakfast might include cereals, pancakes, or eggs and bacon.
• Health and Breakfast: Studies suggest that skipping breakfast may be linked to a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Eating breakfast can also improve concentration and performance in school-aged children.

• Breakfast and Productivity: Some research shows that people who eat breakfast tend to have better memory and concentration compared to those who do not. This is attributed to the stabilisation of blood glucose levels.
• Innovations in Breakfast: Over the years, breakfast has seen many culinary innovations. For example, breakfast cereals, as we know them today, were created by accident by John Harvey Kellogg in the late 19th century. His intention was to provide healthier food options for the patients at his sanatorium.
• Breakfast in Literature and Film: Breakfast holds a prominent place in many works of popular culture. For example, “breakfast of champions” is a term popularised by Kurt Vonnegut in his novel of the same name, and “breakfast at Tiffany’s” is famous thanks to Truman Capote’s novel and the film starring Audrey Hepburn.
• Breakfast Rituals: In many families and cultures, breakfast is also a time of ritual and family gathering. It is an opportunity to start the day together and share plans or concerns.

 

ACCOMMODATION

Fuerte Hoteles is always the best option to stay in Andalucia, see its cities and taste the dishes in the best breakfasts in the area. The chain has establishments where you can enjoy the best of each area throughout the region, in addition to its services. Its more than 60 years’ of experience is the best guarantee and the starting point for each experience you want to undertake in the region.