Enjoy Benimantell’s annual tribute to L’Olleta de Blat. It is a local speciality that has been warming stomachs for generations.
If you are feeling a bit peckish and fancy a tasty stew, then you are in luck. Until 23 November, seven restaurants across the Guadalest Valley are rolling out special menus that celebrate the flavours of mountain cooking.
This small village in the Marina Baixa turns the spotlight on its tasty stew during the 11th Gastronomic Week.
L’Olleta de Blat is made with wheat, pulses, cured meats and vegetables. It is cooked slowly, the old fashioned way, and each restaurant adds its own take.
Some restaurants keep the dish very traditional. Others give it a more modern touch.
The restaurants taking part are Venta La Montaña, Trestellador, Ca Rafel, Rincón de Pepe, Ponsoda, Sonia L’Obrer and ConTemple Vivood.
The menus also include seasonal starters and local products such as espencat, cured sausages from the valley, autumn mushrooms, goat’s cheese with honey and homemade desserts.
Benimantell itself is worth a visit. It has cobbled streets, views of the Guadalest castle and a landscape of terraces, almond trees and olive groves.
In November, everything turns golden and looks especially peaceful.
These gastronomic days are also a nice chance to meet the locals and learn a bit about their farming traditions and their respect for local produce. In fact, a wander around the valley followed by a bowl of proper mountain stew sounds like a very good plan for an autumn day!
