In this article, I present the Matóa typical Catalan cheese, which you will certainly have the opportunity to taste during your stay in Barcelona.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Mató
- How to enjoy it
- The most emblematic Mató recipe
- Where to find it
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on Mató, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Mato: article summary
Mató: a must-try Catalan 100 % fromage frais  Â
It is unthinkable to visit Barcelona without taking the time to sample the local specialities. While it's easy to think of the plethora of Tapas or the succulent Pinchos that can be found everywhere, there is a typical cheese that is not to be missed: the Mató.
Let me introduce you to this product and how to enjoy it properly, so that you can enjoy it to the full!
What is Mato?
Mató is fromage frais made from goat's or cow's milk, first boiled, then curdled with lemon juice. It is then filtered to preserve only the white paste. very softwith a slightly gelatinous texture.
In a game of comparisons, we sometimes read that Mató is similar to Italian Ricotta. The latter, however, has a much stronger taste.
On the other hand, it is a fromage frais quite similar to at Requeijao PortugueseIn fact, the official name for this product is Mató. While the official name is Mató, it is sometimes referred to as requesón to designate it. Note the similarity!
Visit Catalan gastronomy is often separated into two major elements: what comes from the sea / what comes from the mountains. And Mato comes from the second category: the best varieties are found in Montserratnear Barcelona.
How is Mató eaten?
Contrary to our habits, which tend to lead us to eat cheese as an appetizer or, more commonly, after the main course, Mato is eaten as a dessert.
Of course, it can also be eaten naturally, or added to a variety of culinary preparations to thicken them.
But the form in which you'll find it most often is the Mel i Matothe No. 1 dessert (along with crème catalane!) in the whole of Catalonia.
Mel i Mato: a dessert not to be missed!
If you have the gourmet soulYou can't go wrong with Mel i Mato (or Honey and Mato). It's a dessert that can easily be found in the city's best restaurantsand easy to prepare at home.
Tempted? Here's how!
How to prepare it?
All you need is Mató, honey, a few slivered almonds or walnuts and/or a little sugar. Simply place a small amount of Mató on a plate, and top with one or two dollops of honey.
Sprinkle over all walnuts or slivered almonds and sweeten (optional). All set!
Where to eat traditional Mato?
If you see through cataloniaYou'll find Mató just about everywhere. In Barcelona, from many traditional establishments serve it. Don't hesitate to take a look at the menus for this local specialty !
I can recommend the Segons Mercat (in the Barceloneta district), among many others very good local restaurants. Or the famous Can Culleretes located in the heart of Gothic Quarter.
Some establishments offer variants of Mel i MatoThey can be eaten as crumbles or fusions. You'll find some great variations in the Barcelona's gourmet restaurants. As well as some of the trendiest restaurants of the Catalan capital!
Where can you buy Mató in Barcelona?
Barcelona has no shortage of places to visit for lovers of shopping. If you plan to buy Mato, you have several options:
- Find a delicatessen within one of the Barcelona's shopping malls. Visit one of the downtown supermarketswho all sell Mato
- Visit the Barcelona's best marketswhere you'll find not only the famous cheese, but also a whole assortment of charcuterie (Jamon, sausages, etc.) vacuum-packed for easy return.
- Skimming the ramblas and the city's main streets, to find small independent grocery stores, rich in local artisanal products.
For the most motivated hiking trailsit's easy to enjoy a long walk in the heart of the city. Montserrat National Parkfor the very best in Mato!
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