Xató

Xató

Xató is a traditional Catalan dish, typically served during the winter months. It is a type of salad, featuring a unique sauce made from almonds, hazelnuts, bread, vinegar, garlic, olive oil, salt, and nyora peppers. The salad typically includes escarole lettuce, desalted cod, tuna, anchovies, and black olives.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Xató are:

• Escarole: A type of endive that is common in Catalan cuisine.
• Cod: Desalted cod is a staple in many Catalan dishes.
• Tuna: Tuna is often used in Xató for its rich, meaty flavor.
• Anchovies: These small, oily fish add a salty flavor to the dish.
• Black olives: Black olives provide a contrast in both color and flavor.
• Almonds and hazelnuts: These nuts are ground up to make the sauce.
• Nyora peppers: A type of sweet, red pepper that is dried and used in the sauce.

Preparation

The preparation of Xató involves several steps. First, the escarole is washed and dried, then arranged on a plate. The cod, tuna, and anchovies are arranged on top of the lettuce. The sauce, made from the remaining ingredients, is then drizzled over the top of the salad.

Cultural Significance

Xató is not just a dish, but also a cultural event in Catalonia. The "Xatonada" is a traditional festival held in the regions of Penedès and Garraf, during which Xató is the star dish. The festival includes a competition for the best Xató sauce.

See Also

• Catalan cuisine
• List of salads
• List of fish dishes