Special correspondent Brooke Deems Goodson sends us photos of Pinchos, a Basque-Country tapas-like snack. Photos courtesy Mrs. Goodson; explanation courtesy Wikipedia.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlSd57uZOyh8qqmth6QmlOH7UMNS10mwc7ULJ1aNiYamirklW9xkKBGb-hwCufLZ8j1TNG_2I3CjnuVU-ZZM3xTpwMRoA0yOUO8dkHr7OEbFixBLKPPt080G-5PMI9J0Cr1wS17eJxAh7/s400/IMG_4256.jpeg)
A pincho (Spanish; literally, thorn or spike) or pintxo (Basque) is the name of certain snacks typically eaten in bars, traditional in northern Spain and especially popular in the Basque country.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoipqjHlsTm1T8E4wsutZ_EgR_qRpI6c8c8x1VQUsU8pNbSb8L_Z6J3NIFrFTL3Iqe0TbXWMuXyScA3__ybsDirFtIMCfuIVgYMrvf4pFW1ao2DsgLXO6QuUzUh3s_E0s9_-UkhYKpB_V/s400/IMG_4130.jpeg)
Originating in the Basque Country[citation needed], they are usually eaten in bars or taverns as a small snack while hanging out with friends or relatives; thus, they have a strong socializing component, and they are usually regarded as a cornerstone of Basque Culture and Society.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFx5D7lRd5pE8GrHQ0i9eRpENr2qHL4KHT-YdJpIssVXIkdZQuCF1JOd1EQNKpu9NMJnF5Z5jLkMaOFoAcBffbiDGxDpwKUOo5ultt10QKG1bNaf_RZLip9uO7YFg8fedACCCfX8enjmv/s400/IMG_4127.jpeg)
They are related to tapas, the main difference being that pinchos are usually larger, served in individual portions and always ordered and paid for independently from the drinks.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbXjKf-Cz0ttGeu5XnU3rT8yXbR9Inzrwj3vJZU4QEGSZOjYlA1hhKlSAxOPHc-MEAmmjKg4SLsYVuFOvIyvV8aWi3bDlM-ioS3rOZbMpUyOpdVoeN4q-NaPujvRQuxP8m7NoXGPv7T3p/s400/IMG_4140.jpeg)
On the other hand, tapas are usually served along with the drinks and included in their price. In addition, tapas are served on a small dish, while pinchos are generally arranged on bread slices.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ieDOnfPcsfLPnsWPWorAU5KUwa1U19M_eBh-wJSNh3fv47qCpbn-sivsqSRXHdNn3sZz-G6yPz87jXXnahbOM0tZtyml27lNm7efh7lMb6k3PloBitr_vGBLklkPVEFHTY5Y4Srt9W-f/s400/IMG_4143.jpeg)
It is not impossible, however, to have the same item called "pintxo" in the Basque Country and "tapa" elsewhere.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3AtdcrpU1Ob4n0M5nXMVlQ_tTK318jgLIANOOaDGs_QHNcDhD5ALFPxPjOV47U3aPJZYnmohkwZ6BtjErwIqQkin0E75nHH5ywpQkEh2t7E7azAsfq2DdX4W-RhSytnOHFelgILASNJI/s400/IMG_4141.jpeg)
They're called pinchos because many of them have a pincho (Spanish for spike), typically a toothpick —or a skewer for the larger varieties— through them.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZca0IGce3Eukje6H6rvaRumShlvUkzSsANfOw_KhV7rxd0tsZdfw7QG2-FKA64jcS92PHy1Y7UA2juebGrW2EMH4rDI9h7eZnixFbAQ5viymaWJdjsiD8Twh8nFaxyRUapS9E1ZF4P9d/s400/IMG_4165.jpeg)
They should not be confused with brochettes, which in Latin America are called pinchos too; in brochettes, the skewer or toothpick is needed in order to cook the food or keep it together.
Till tomorrow,
Love, Maia
No comments:
Post a Comment