Carnival is a celebration rich in history and tradition, where gastronomy plays a central role. At Mitjavila Slow Shop, we are committed to local, organic, and bulk products, and that’s why we want to share with you some of the traditional foods that have always been part of these special festivities.
The importance of seasonal foods
Carnival is traditionally known as a time of abundance, when large meals were enjoyed before Lent. Many of the foods consumed were closely linked to the season and to enjoying ingredients at their peak. Today, with the growing interest in organic and locally sourced food, we can reconnect with these traditions by focusing on fresh, seasonal, and healthy products from our land.
Traditional Carnival sweets
During this festive and joyful time, sweets take center stage. Buñuelos de viento, also known as Lent fritters, are a classic Carnival treat in Catalonia. These delicious fried pastries are made with flour, eggs, milk, and sugar—simple ingredients that create an unmistakable flavor. At Mitjavila Slow Shop, we offer locally sourced, organic flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, perfect for making buñuelos at home.
Another traditional sweet is orelles de Carnaval (Carnival ears), found in different versions across the region. Their crispy, sweet dough is yet another example of how culinary traditions are kept alive year after year.
Coca de llardons: a Carnival essential
Another much-loved treat during this time is coca de llardons, a classic of Carnival and Dijous Gras (Fat Thursday). This pastry is known for its intense flavor and crunchy texture, thanks to the llardons (pork cracklings) mixed into the dough.
Here’s a simple recipe to prepare a delicious coca de llardons using local and organic ingredients:
Coca de llardons recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 150 g high-quality pork cracklings
- 50 g organic sugar
- 1 organic egg (for brushing)
- Pine nuts
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Finely chop or grind the pork cracklings using a food processor or by hand.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and mentally divide it into two equal halves.
- Spread the cracklings over one half of the pastry. Fold the other half over and gently roll with a rolling pin to seal and compact the dough.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
- Sprinkle sugar and pine nuts on top, and add a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
- Preheat the oven to 200 °C (390 °F) and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
And that’s it—a delicious coca de llardons that’s easy to make at home.
Enjoying Carnival with local products
At Mitjavila Slow Shop, we are passionate about promoting conscious and responsible eating. That’s why we offer local and organic products that help keep Carnival’s culinary traditions alive. Buying in bulk and choosing sustainable options not only benefits the environment, but also reconnects us with the authentic flavors of our land.
This Carnival season, we invite you to discover and enjoy traditional foods made with fresh, organic ingredients. Visit our shop and celebrate the taste of tradition with us.
Visit our blog to discover all our recipes.
