A Taste of Castilla y León

Richly fatty cured pork belly. Hint of spice from pimentón. For streaky bacon with attitude. Freshly sliced in our Balham Deli. León paprika-rubbed rubbed smoked streak bacon  has the perfect balance of lean and fat and is marinated in pimentón to give a spicy heat to the rind. It adds a deep, salty smokiness to any dish or gourmet sandwich. In Spain, Panceta is also often referred to as bacon. Selection of quality raw ingredients is key. The cured belly pork is cut and then smoked over oak. Panceta is wonderfully versatile and adds flavour to the other ingredients it is combined with. In traditional slow-cook Spanish dishes such as Cocidos, often just a little is added for depth of flavour. Cecinas Pablo is based in Astorga, León, an area famous for its sausages, hams and cured meat. The dry climate and clean air provide the optimum conditions for curing meat. Pablo started as a butcher 30 years ago. Today his son (also named Pablo) continues his traditions. As a company, Cecinas Pablo is renowned in León & and throughout Spain as one of the best suppliers of Cecina (air-cured beef). They have a butchers shop and delicatessen in Astorga, while the factory where they prepare and cure their meat has expanded to double its size in the last few years. Vacuum-packed.  

The Brindisa bellota ham is made from pigs of 75% Ibérico breed that have fattened up on acorns on the dehesa of Extremadura for 10-12 weeks at the end of their lives. The hams are then expertly cured in Guijuelo, Salamanca for between 30 and 36 months. The ham has a sweet and nutty aroma with an excellent balance between the savoury and nutty elements and a long, complex finish. Minimum weight 7kg  Find out more about Spanish Ham and how to carve at our Ham School.

Tender, mild, melting. Roast until the fat is crisp. A celebratory centrepiece. A speciality of Castilla y León, our milk-fed lamb is ideal for roasting. One leg is suitable for 1-2 people as a main course. View recipe.  Milk-fed lamb leg approximately 700g in total. This is a frozen product.   *Brindisa will take all due care to package this item in a way to keep it frozen for up to 24 hours, and goods must be unpacked immediately upon delivery. If you are based in one of the delivery areas where we can’t guarantee next day delivery, please consult our Customer Service team for advice. Items that have defrosted in transit may be treated as fresh, with a reduced shelf life.

These distinctive green lentils come from La Armuña, a renowned lentil-growing region just north of Salamanca in Castilla y León. They hold IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) status, recognising their close connection to the region and the traditional production methods used there. La Armuña lentils cook evenly without falling apart, developing a soft, creamy centre while retaining their shape. They have a subtle nutty, earthy flavour that works particularly well in simple dishes where the lentils can take centre stage. Around 95% are rain-fed rather than irrigated, making them a naturally low-intervention crop. Unlike Pardina lentils, which are smaller and brown with a slightly firmer, more compact bite, La Armuña lentils are larger, flatter and green, with a noticeably creamier texture when cooked. Choose La Armuña when you want the lentils to have more presence in the dish – they’re particularly good in warm salads, vegetable dishes and traditional stews. No soaking is needed, and they cook in around 30 minutes. Try them gently cooked with onion, bay and olive oil for a simple Castilla-style dish, or add them to warm salads, lighter broths and vegetarian stews.

The Brindisa bellota shoulder (paleta) is made from pigs of 75% Ibérico breed that have fattened up on acorns on the dehesa of Extremadura for 10-12 weeks at the end of their lives. Expertly cured in Guijuelo, Salamanca for 2 years. Freshly sliced in our Balham Deli. The shoulder (paleta) has more fat than the back leg, giving a remarkable richness to the meat. Sweet, savoury and nutty, it has a lingering aftertaste, intensified by the abundant acorn rich fat. Ideal for sandwiches with crusty bread or pan de coca, tomato and extra virgin olive oil.  For best results, remove from fridge at least 30 minutes before serving. *Please be aware that, depending upon which part of the ham your pack has been carved from, the proportion of delicious acorn fat to lean meat will vary. **Vacuum-packed