Horchata and Fartons are two traditional Spanish dishes that are commonly enjoyed together. Horchata is a sweet, creamy drink made from ground almonds, tiger nuts, or rice, while fartons are a type of sweet pastry.

Horchata is a refreshing and delicious drink that has been enjoyed in Spain for centuries. It is typically made by grinding nuts or rice and then mixing the resulting powder with water and sweeteners such as sugar or cinnamon. The resulting drink is creamy and sweet, and it is often served over ice. Horchata is a popular drink in Valencia, where it is made with tiger nuts and is known as “orxata.”

Fartons, on the other hand, are a type of sweet pastry that is typically made with flour, yeast, and sugar. They are shaped like long, thin strips and are often served warm. Fartons are most commonly enjoyed dipped in horchata, which is why they are often served together. The combination of the sweet and slightly crunchy pastry with the creamy and cool horchata is a classic Spanish treat.

Also read: 18 Valencian Food with Recipes that you need to try today

History of Horchata and Fartons

The origins of horchata can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians and Moors, who used to grind nuts and grains to make a similar beverage. The drink spread to Valencia through the Moors and it is said that in the 18th century, horchata became a popular drink among the working-class people in Valencia. Meanwhile, the fartons have a more recent origin, it is said that it was created in the 19th century by a baker in the city of Alboraya, near Valencia, to offer a sweet accompaniment to the horchata.

Horchata and fartons are typically served in cafes and pastry shops, but they can also be found at street fairs and festivals. In Valencia, there is a traditional festival called “La Feria de Agosto,” where horchata and fartons are served in large quantities and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Making horchata at home is relatively easy, you can use either almonds, tiger nuts or rice as a base, grind them and then mix them with water, sugar and cinnamon. Fartons, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated to make, as they involve yeast, but you can find many recipes and tutorials online.

Recipe Horchata and Fartons 

Horchata and Fartons are two traditional Spanish dishes that are commonly enjoyed together. Here is a recipe for making Horchata and Fartons at home:

Horchata Recipe:

Ingredients Horchata

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1 cup raw tiger nuts
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions how to make Horchata

1. Soak the almonds and tiger nuts in water for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
2. Drain the nuts and discard the soaking water.
3. In a blender, blend the nuts, 4 cups of water, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
5. Chill the horchata in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Fartons Recipe:

Ingredients Fartons

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions how to make Fartons

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the yeast and warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll out the dough into long, thin strips and shape them into the traditional “Farton” shape.
8. Brush the dough with beaten egg and let it rise for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Bake the Fartons in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve the Fartons warm, dipped in the Horchata.

Note: Horchata and Fartons are two traditional Spanish dishes, the ingredients and the recipe may vary depending on the region or the personal preferences.

In this recipe, I have used both almonds and tiger nuts as a base for the horchata, but you can use just one or the other if you prefer. Also, you can adjust the sugar and cinnamon according to your taste. Horchata is a refreshing and delicious drink that is perfect for a hot summer day, while Fartons are a sweet and crispy pastry that pairs perfectly with the Horchata. Enjoy your homemade Horchata Y Fartons!

In conclusion, Horchata and Fartons are two traditional Spanish dishes that are enjoyed together. Horchata is a sweet, creamy drink made from ground nuts or rice, and Fartons are a type of sweet pastry. They are a popular treat in Valencia, Spain and have a long history and cultural significance. They can be found in many cafes, pastry shops and street fairs, and also can be made at home for a delicious and authentic Spanish experience.