Despite the growing predominance of homogenized diets throughout Europe, there remain traditional dishes that embody individual cultures and nations. Similarly to how the Mediterranean Diet can be seen through the lifestyle of the Cretans studied by epidemiologist Ancel Keys, Spanish culture is reflected in the history and making of pisto manchego. This dish, also known as Spanish ratatouille, consists of stewed vegetables in olive oil. Most commonly, pisto manchego is made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and zucchini. The vegetables are stewed in olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean Diet, and then served either as a starter or to accompany another dish. Pisto manchego can be served as a filling for empanadillas, as a pasta sauce, on its own, or even with scrambled eggs. But despite regional variations of the dish pisto manchego remains a traditional Spanish dish that embodies both the culture and values of its nation.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Spanish pisto manchego is the origin of the dish. Oftentimes referred to as Spanish ratatouille, many assume that the dish stems from the French vegetable stew, ratatouille niçoise. However, historians suspect that the dish actually originated in the Iberian peninsula during the Muslim rule of Spain from 711 to 1492 (Thiru). Pisto manchego, having a strong resemblance to the Mozarabs’ “la alboronia”, was brought by Arabs to Spain and later came to France, becoming the better-known dish ratatouille. Because of this, pisto manchego encompasses the importance of ancestral history in Spanish culture, as it serves as a non-written cultural record of past events and values throughout Spain.
It is also important, however, to consider each of the ingredients essential to pisto manchego. Consisting of stewed and salted tomatoes, onions, green and red peppers, and zucchini, this traditional Spanish dish maintains its popularity because of how easy it is to make. All the vegetables “are readily available because they are common to home gardens and farms and the preparation is incredibly simple” (Thiru). Spanish pisto manchego, therefore, represents the ease that is prized in both the traditional Mediterranean Diet and the contemporary cultural values of Spain.
Pisto Manchego, Spain’s Ratatouille
Lastly, it is important to recognize that pisto manchego follows the Mediterranean Diet through its use of fresh, plant-based ingredients that are low in fats. Consisting mainly of legumes and healthy fats such as olive oil, pisto manchego fits well within the traditional Mediterranean Diet and its ingredient list suggested by Ancel and Margaret Keys. In doing this, the dish upholds the Mediterranean Diet not only through its cultural and communal values but also by improving the health of those who eat it.Additionally, this dish represents the contemporary cultural values of Spain that align with the guiding foundations of the Mediterranean Diet. Served warm as a starter, pisto manchego is oftentimes eaten in the midst of conversation. Because of the communal aspect of this dish, it supports the value of “conviviality” seen in the traditional Mediterranean Diet (Dernini). Ensuring that guests focus not only on the meal but also on each other’s presence, pisto manchego fosters the value of community emphasized by Ancel Keys and other epidemiologists following the Mediterranean Diet.
Considering all the components of pisto manchego and its history throughout Spain, it is evident that this dish well represents the values of both Spain and the traditional Mediterranean Diet. Through its healthful ingredients, historical significance, and communal aspects, pisto manchego not only brings Spaniards together but also serves as a cultural record for the nation. In consuming pisto manchego, the diner can immerse themself within Spanish traditions while gaining an insight into the values of the culture.
Are there any dishes commonly eaten in your household that hold historical or cultural significance for your family or represent your family’s values?
Works Cited
“Deeper Into The Mediterranean Diet – Spain”. Spicesinc.Com, 2017, https://www.spicesinc.com/p-3675-deeper-into-the-mediterranean-diet-spain.aspx. Accessed 7 Nov 2019.
Dernini, Sandro. “Chapter 3: A Dietary Model By Scientists”. CIHEAM, Mediterra, 2012, pp. 71-88., Accessed 4 Dec 2019.
“The Healthiest Flavours: The Mediterranean Diet”. Spain.Info, 2019, https://www.spain.info/en_US/reportajes/el_sabor_mas_saludable_dieta_mediterranea.html. Accessed 7 Nov 2019.
Macri, Irena. Traditional Spanish Pisto. 2019, https://irenamacri.com/recipes/pisto-spanish-stew/. Accessed 1 Nov 2019.
Thiru, Meneka. “Down The History Rabbit Hole And Back Again!”. The C Word, 2016, https://thecwrd.com/2016/10/11/down-the-history-rabbit-hole-and-back-again/. Accessed 30 Nov 2019.
