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Calçots

Calçots are a type of long green onion that are a popular seasonal delicacy in Catalonia, particularly in and around Barcelona. They are similar to scallions or spring onions, but are larger and milder in flavor.

Calçots are typically planted in the fall and harvested in the winter or early spring. After the harvest, the onions are grilled over an open flame until the outer layer is charred and the inside is soft and tender. The charred outer layer is then removed, and the sweet, smoky onion is dipped in a romesco sauce, which is made from almonds, roasted red peppers, garlic, and other ingredients.

Calçotsadas, or calçots festivals, are popular events in Catalonia where locals gather to celebrate the harvest of calçots. These festivals typically feature live music, dancing, and large outdoor barbecues where the onions are grilled and served with plenty of romesco sauce. The festivals are a beloved tradition in Catalonia and are a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine.

What to Order

While the traditional way to serve calçots is to grill them and serve them with romesco sauce, there are also many other delicious ways to enjoy these unique onions. Here are some of the varied ways that calçots are served in Catalonia:

  • Escalivada with calçots: Escalivada is a traditional Catalan dish made with grilled or roasted peppers, eggplant, and onions. Adding grilled calçots to this dish gives it a unique twist and adds extra flavor.
  • Calçots omelet: Adding chopped grilled calçots to an omelet is a delicious way to incorporate them into a breakfast or brunch dish.
  • Calçots pizza: Grilled calçots can be used as a topping for pizza, adding a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
  • Calçots salad: Grilled calçots can be chopped and added to a salad, along with other vegetables and a flavorful dressing.
  • Calçots stew: calçots can be added to a hearty stew or soup, along with other vegetables, legumes, and meats.
  • Calçots marmalade: calçots can also be turned into a sweet and savory marmalade, which is delicious when spread on toast or crackers.

These are just a few of the many ways that calçots can be enjoyed. With their unique flavor and versatile nature, there are countless delicious dishes that can be created using these beloved onions.

Where to Find

Calçotadas is a traditional Catalan barbecue meal that typically takes place during the winter months, from January to March. It is most popular in the province of Tarragona, but it is also enjoyed throughout Catalonia, including Barcelona.

In Barcelona, there are several places where you can enjoy calçotadas. Some of the most popular places include:

Can Carbonell: Located in Sant Just Desvern, right outside of Barcelona, this restaurant is known for its delicious calçotadas and traditional Catalan cuisine.

The Calçot Festival: This festival is celebrated around the middle of March, in the Clot neighborhood. Live music, grilled green onions, and lots of locals makes this a unique festival to experience. It is so popular that tickets are often sold beforehand, in limited amounts. 

Can Cortada: A benchmark since it opened its doors in 1994, Can Cortada offers the chance to enjoy a calçotada menu in a farmhouse that is actually a Barcelona Artistic Heritage castle. This farmhouse offers us a menu of 20 units of calçots together with its romesco sauce, and accompanied by toasted country bread with tomato, garlic and virgin olive oil. 

Can Travi Nou: one of the most authentic places to experience the Catalan tradition of a good calçotada. A beautiful 17th century farmhouse located in the Horta neighborhood. 

Not far from the city, you can also find popular calçotada festivals. For example:

Fiesta de la Calçotada de Valls: This is one of the biggest and most famous calcotada festivals in Catalonia, and takes place in the town of Valls, about an hour outside of Barcelona. It usually takes place in January and February and includes a parade, music, and lots of delicious food.

Ruta del Calçot de Gavà: This festival takes place in the farming community of Gavà, famous for its calçots production, the Calçot de Gavà. The Gavà Restaurateurs Guild will celebrate a popular calçotada with a complete menu for €12 that will include a grilled sausage, bread, dessert and drink.

Festa de la Calçotada de Sant Boi de Llobregat: This festival takes place in the town of Sant Boi de Llobregat, just outside of Barcelona. It usually takes place in February and includes a calcotada lunch, music, and other cultural activities.

It's best to check with each individual festival for the most up-to-date information. 

As always, check on the menu of your local neighborhood restaurants and bars for "calçots" - as this is a very popular but seasonal dish, they will make sure to announce it. 
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