Iberianature

A guide to food in Spain

A B C D-E F-G-H I-J-K L-M-N O-P-Q R S T U-V-W-X-Y-Z

crema catalana: crème brulée

The most famous Catalan dessert is crema catalana – a custard pudding sealed with a coating of burnt caramel, rather like crème brulee or grape pudding without the grapes. The caramel is traditionally seared with a sheep brand, and if it still hot when the dish is served, makes a wonderful contrast with the cold crema beneath. When this dish is good it can be delicious, but unfortunately it is often rather mediocre.

By Francis Barrett

Crema Catalana – Catalans get narked when the Brits describe this dish as Crême Brulée , claiming seniority. I don’t want to get involved in an international incident so I’ll just say it’s brilliant whoever first invented it!

By Simon Rice