The Joy of Eating Calçots in Catalonia: A Plant-Based Delight

I still remember my first encounter with calçots. It was at a family-run farm and restaurant in Les Angeles, a charming hillside community near Girona. As someone who eats a plant-based diet, I'm always on the lookout for local traditions that I can fully embrace, and calçots turned out to be just that. This casual, messy, and utterly delightful seasonal treat is the perfect excuse to spend a relaxed afternoon with friends. Picture this: drinking wine, staying warm by an open fire, and unapologetically making a bit of a mess—it's an experience that feels quintessentially Catalan.

What Are Calçots?

If you've never seen a calçot, imagine a leek and a scallion had a long, slender baby. These mild onions are carefully cultivated to achieve their unique shape. Farmers bury the plant a second time as it grows, encouraging the stem to elongate and develop its tender, sweet flavor. The result? A vegetable ideally suited for grilling and enjoying with good company.

The Tradition of Calçotades

The calçot season runs from late winter to early spring, and is eagerly awaited across Catalonia. Families and friends gather for calçotades, a communal feast centered around grilling calçots. The tradition has all the hallmarks of a perfect day: fresh air, delicious food, and a healthy dose of conviviality. There's something about the ritual of cooking and eating calçots that is very special. It's the type of meal that makes you slow down, connect with those around you, and savor the simple joys of life.

What Makes Calçots So Special

What better way to spend a chilly winter day with friends than drinking wine near an open fire.

Part social experience, part vegetable; eating them is wonderfully uncomplicated and refreshingly messy. Children will love that no silverware is required, there is no etiquette to master, and there is no need to worry about staying spotless. In my opinion, part of the fun is embracing the chaos. Enjoy the grill's smoky aroma and the fire's warmth, and laugh with your friends around the table. It's an easy tradition to embrace on a cold winter day.

How to Eat Calçots

First thing to know is that eating calçots is a hands-on experience—literally. Start by pinching the root to remove the charred outer layers, revealing the tender, juicy core. Then, dip the calçot into a generous helping of romesco sauce (a smoky, nutty blend of roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic), tilt your head back, and lower the calçot into your mouth. It's as simple as that—and incredibly satisfying.

Where to Eat Calçots

If you're lucky enough to have an outdoor grill, hosting your own calçotada can be a magical experience. Traditionally, the meal also includes grilled sausages, pa amb tomàquet (toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil), and plenty of vino tinto (red wine). But if you’re visiting Catalonia during calçot season, I highly recommend heading to a local country restaurant. These establishments specialize in calçotades and often serve them alongside roaring fires and rustic charm.