At the prestigious Madrid Fusión 2024 gastronomic event, the city of A Coruña stood out with a unique and creative presentation: a cocido gallego donut. This tapa, which won the 2023 A Coruña local tapas competition, showcases how innovation and tradition can merge to surprise and delight even the most discerning palates.
The Creativity of La Taberna Trial
The team from La Taberna Trial introduced this tapa with originality that captured everyone’s attention. The idea stemmed from transforming the traditional cocido gallego, a dish that varies by region but always includes salted pork meats and vegetables, into a more playful and visually appealing format. The result was a donut, reminiscent of Dunkin’ Donuts, but infused with the flavors and essence of cocido gallego.
The Creation Process
To achieve this innovative tapa, the chefs used a Japanese batter called Nino Yaki, similar to tempura but with a texture more akin to pancakes. The batter is made with flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, honey, and eggs, mixed until a smooth consistency is achieved. The cocido meats, previously desalted and pressure-cooked to concentrate the flavors, are finely chopped by hand to ensure each piece retains its identity within the donut.
The Importance of the Broth
One of the highlights, noted by both judges and the public, was the cocido broth. Prepared in a pressure cooker, this broth preserves the intense flavors of the meats and vegetables while preventing evaporation and oxidation, resulting in a clearer, more concentrated taste. This broth is considered the soul of the dish, served in a traditional Galician ceramic punca.
A Play on Flavors and Textures
The donut is pre-fried and glazed with a cream of Queso do Cebreiro, a fresh, unaged Galician cheese. To enhance the experience, it is paired with a roasted pepper juice, adding a sweet and slightly smoky touch. This combination of elements creates a visually striking and delicious dish, delivering a comprehensive gastronomic experience.
The Magic of Coruñan Cuisine
According to the chef, the magic of this tapa lies in combining modern techniques with traditional, locally sourced ingredients. Despite having limited kitchen resources—including only two burners, a gas oven, and a deep fryer—the La Taberna Trial team proves that creativity and talent can overcome any technical limitation.
A National Benchmark
A Coruña reaffirms its position as a leader in Spanish gastronomy, not only because of the quality of its products but also due to the innovation and talent of its chefs. This tapa is a perfect example of how Coruñan cuisine can surprise and delight while maintaining a deep respect for its roots and traditions.
Learn More About the Culinary Scene in A Coruña
Explore more about A Coruña’s rich gastronomy here.
