All good things must come to an end. Alas, as you pack your bags and bid farewell to Barcelona, why not take a piece of Catalan culture home with you? Dive into the heart of Catalonia's culinary heritage by mastering traditional recipes that capture the essence of this vibrant city. Hearty stews and savory tapas offer a taste of Barcelona's rich history and culture. Why not try to recreate the magic of your travels in your own kitchen? Unleash your inner chef and embark on a delicious journey that will transport you back to the streets of Barcelona!

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Here's an easy-to-follow traditional recipe for Els Pastorets, a hearty stew crafted from the bounty of Catalonia's countryside.

Ingredients:

• 500g lamb shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced lamb pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the lamb is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and red wine, then add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

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5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed to maintain a stew-like consistency.

6. Once the lamb and vegetables are cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve the Els Pastorets hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this hearty Catalan stew with crusty bread or alongside a green salad for a complete meal.

Many other seasonal vegetables or herbs could be used, according to your preference. Els Pastorets can also be made ahead of time and reheated for even more flavor. Que aprofiti! Buen provecho!

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Traditional Els Pastorets in Barcelona Restaurants

Several restaurants in Barcelona are known for serving excellent Els Pastorets. Our favorites include:

1. Can Culleretes: an 18th-century restaurant located in Barcelona's Old City, at Carrer d'en Quintana, 5

2. Els 4 Gats: a famed modernist cafe which served as a meeting spot for Picasso and other artist activists, at Carrer de Montsió, 3

3. Casa Lolea: a restaurant/bar situated close to the UNESCO site Palau de la Música Catalana, at Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 49

4. El Xampanyet: a buzzy tapas bar close to the Picasso Museum in El Born, at Carrer de Montcada, 22

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