Swordfish steak as prepared in Spain's Alicante (Mediterranean) region.

 By Veronica Shine, contributor to Hispanic Kitchen

Sun, sea and sand are excellent reasons why Europeans and those from other parts of Spain head to the Alicante region beginning in April. Located about 100 miles from Valencia, Alicante is not only a thriving port city of palm-lined and mosaic avenues, but also a province with miles of pristine waterfront pueblos filled with charm, history, and seafood on the menu.

The area, known as Alacant in Catalan, is filled with relics, culture, and food traditions passed down from the region’s long line of inhabitants, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Moors.

In the spring, when the almond blossoms begin to descend, it is a signal in Alicante that the meals change and the heavy stews and meats are left behind. A lighter fare is in order as the sun glistens and the temperatures rise along the waterfront.

Recipes tend to be easier to prepare than their winter counterparts but are just as delicious. A staple in any Spanish household is alioli, which is usually used as a spread, in lieu of butter, on bread. Alioli simply is garlic oil and is variously called ajiaceite, ajoaceite and all-i-oli, depending who you speak with. This garlic sauce adds a strong flavor to any entrée. A good example with the use of alioli is a simple and easily prepared meal of Pez Espada a la Alacant.

Pez Espada a la Alacant

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

2 cups of alioli
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 (6-oz.) swordfish steaks, 1/2-inch thick
1 lemon, sliced
1 large green pepper chopped finely
1 large onion chopped finely
6 to 7 cherry tomatoes
5 peppercorns
1 cup fresh parsley leaves

Helpful hint: Other thick fish steaks, such as halibut, salmon or tuna can be substituted for swordfish. Other garnishes can be used, such as olives, asparagus or spinach.

Preparation:

1. In a saucepan, heat up the oil and sauté the chopped onions, cherry tomatoes and green pepper until soften. Set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place swordfish steaks in well-oiled baking dish filled with peppercorns.

3. Spread the alioli mixture over the top of each steak and cover the dish with glass top or foil. Place in the oven for 20 minutes.

4. Baste each steak with more alioli and bake for an additional 5 minutes uncovered to form a brown crust.

5. Sprinkle with parsley.

6. Garnish with sauté green peppers, tomatoes and onions serve.

7. Add the balance of alioli as a side dipping sauce.

Alioli Recipe

Ingredients:
* 6 cloves garlic
* 2 egg yolks
* 1 teaspoon of vinegar
* 7 to 10 drops of extra virgin olive oil (the lighter the better)
* a pinch of salt
* ½ fresh lemon

Preparation:

1. Crush the garlic in a mortar

2. Add the yolks and salt to the garlic paste and mix until frothy

3. Pour the oil in drop by drop while still mixing

4. Add a few drops of liquid from the lemon and add the vinegar

Hint: You can prepare the sauce with the same directions in a food processor.

Editor's note: Jorge Bravo is the founder of Hispanic Kitchen, a social network that celebrates Hispanic cuisine.