Pincho facts for kids
Pintxos served in Bermeo
|
|
| Alternative names | Pintxo |
|---|---|
| Course | Snack or snack |
| Place of origin | Spain |
| Main ingredients | Sliced bread, topping |
A pincho (also called pintxo or pinchu) is a small, tasty snack. People usually eat them in bars in northern Spain. They are super popular in places like the Basque Country, Navarre, La Rioja, Cantabria, and Asturias.
Pinchos are often enjoyed with friends or family. They are a big part of the culture in the Basque Country and Navarre. Pinchos are similar to tapas, but there's a key difference: pinchos usually have a small skewer or toothpick holding them together, often stuck into a piece of bread. Each pincho is a single serving, and you order and pay for them separately from your drinks.
The word pincho means "thorn" or "spike" in Spanish. This is because many pinchos have a toothpick or a small skewer going through them. This helps to hold the food together. Don't mix them up with other types of skewers where the stick is used for cooking!
What is a Basque Pintxo?
A common snack in the Basque Country and Navarre is the "Basque pintxo." These are small slices of bread topped with different ingredients. A toothpick holds everything in place, which is where the name "pincho" comes from.
Pinchos are usually eaten as a small bite before a meal. They often go well with a small glass of white wine or beer. You'll find many kinds of pinchos in the taverns of the Basque Country. They are also popular in nearby areas like Cantabria, La Rioja, northern Burgos, and Navarre. Bars often display a variety of pinchos on trays at the counter.
The toothpick in these pinchos does two jobs. First, it keeps the ingredients from falling off the bread. Second, it helps the bar keep track of how many pinchos each customer has eaten. Sometimes, pinchos with different prices even have toothpicks of different shapes or sizes.
You can put almost anything on the bread! Some popular ingredients in the Basque Country include fish like hake, cod, or anchovy. You might also find potato omelette, stuffed peppers, or croquettes. Some pinchos can be very fancy, with special fish, seafood, or meats.
Eating pinchos is a great way to socialize. Often, friends will go from one bar to another, enjoying small drinks and trying different pinchos.
Pinchos Morunos: Meat on a Skewer
"Pinchos morunos" are another type of pincho. These are pieces of meat that have been soaked in a special mix of paprika and oil. This mix is called "adobo." After marinating, the meat is cooked on a skewer.
See also
In Spanish: Pincho para niños
