Valencian cuisine: 7 dishes you cannot miss

The cuisine of Xeresa is typically Mediterranean, with recipes passed down from generation to generation and Arab influences that enrich every dish. During your stay at Casa Filo, make sure you try these authentic flavours of our land.

Valencian Paella

The star dish par excellence. The authentic paella from Xeresa is made with chicken and rabbit, "bajoqueta" (green bean) and "garrofó" (large white bean). No seafood here — the traditional recipe comes from the countryside, not the sea.

Coques de Dacsa

A perfect example of our Arab heritage. "Coques de dacsa" or "coques de calfó" are round, flat cakes made with cornmeal (often mixed with wheat flour), water, oil and salt. They are traditionally served with a mixture of tuna, grated hard-boiled egg and tomato sauce, or with the delicious "gamba amb bleda" (prawn with Swiss chard).

Puchero

The quintessential winter dish in Xeresa. As well as chickpeas and meat, it is characterised by the typical local vegetables: "bajoca" (green bean), "penca" (cardoon), turnip and the famous meat balls wrapped in cabbage leaves. The broth is used to cook a rice soup that is served alongside all the ingredients in separate dishes.

Arròs al Forn (Oven-Baked Rice)

A dish born of resourcefulness. The leftovers from the puchero and its broth are used to make this baked rice. It is prepared with a sofrito of pork rib, garlic, the local spicy black pudding and potatoes, to which the puchero broth and some of its seasonings are added. The result is spectacular.

Aspencat

Healthy and delicious. "Aspencat de pebre i albergínia" uses peppers and aubergines roasted in embers or the oven, a garlic paste for seasoning, desalted and flaked salt cod, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

Coca de Pebre i Tomaca

Peppers and tomatoes roasted in a wood-fired oven on a wheat flour dough base. Topped with grated hard-boiled egg. A simple but flavour-packed Mediterranean delight.

Traditional Desserts

Coca Dolça or Coca de Llanda: One of the most famous Valencian sweets. It is virtually impossible to find a Valencian home that has not enjoyed a "coca de llanda".

Arnadí: A dessert of Arab origin made from roasted pumpkin, sugar, flour, egg yolks and cinnamon, decorated with almonds. A jewel of our traditional pastry-making.

Bon profit! At Casa Filo we can point you to the best local restaurants to try these authentic dishes.