How to Make a Gilda Sandwich
Gilda Sandwich: The gilda is one of the most iconic pintxos of Basque cuisine. Its name pays homage to the famous Rita Hayworth movie from the 1940s, and since then, it has become a classic in bars and taverns across northern Spain. Its original recipe is very simple: olive, anchovy, and chili pepper, skewered on a toothpick, creating a bite full of flavor and contrast.
Today, gildas are trending, not only in the Basque Country but throughout Spain and international cuisine. Their popularity lies in combining tradition, ease of preparation, and an intense flavor that delights both locals and tourists. Beyond enjoying them as pintxos, they can also be reinvented into more creative recipes, like the gilda sandwich, which preserves all the original flavors while adding a practical and fun twist for home cooking.
Olmeda Orígenes Ingredients for the Perfect Gilda Sandwich
To make a truly delicious gilda sandwich, the quality of the ingredients is essential. Olmeda Orígenes offers artisanal products that enhance every bite:
🫒 Manzanilla Olives
The Manzanilla olive is the queen of Spanish green olives. At Olmeda Orígenes, they are grown in the olive groves of Córdoba, where climate and tradition ensure exceptional flavor. These medium-sized, fleshy olives are prepared with water, sea salt, and aromatic herbs, keeping their authenticity intact. Besides their taste, they provide antioxidants, vitamin E, anti-inflammatory compounds, and oleic acid, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
🌶️ Basque Chili Peppers
Basque chili peppers are a key ingredient in gildas. Their intense flavor and tender texture add a spicy, fresh touch to the sandwich. Grown in northern Spain, they can be enjoyed grilled, pickled, or in this gilda sandwich recipe, balancing the saltiness of the anchovy and the mildness of Manchego cheese.
🐟 Cantabrian Anchovy Fillets in Olive Oil
Cantabrian anchovies from Olmeda Orígenes are caught exclusively in spring and processed artisanally in Santoña. Each fillet is cleaned and hand-packed, preserving its natural flavor and firm texture. They are perfect for adding a salty, elegant touch to the sandwich, elevating it without losing the essence of the traditional pintxo.
🧀 Semi-Cured Manchego Cheese
Semi-cured Manchego cheese from Olmeda Orígenes provides creaminess and smoothness. Made with milk from Manchega sheep at our dairy in Madridejos (Toledo), it follows an artisanal process that respects tradition and guarantees high quality with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Its slightly intense flavor and firm texture perfectly complement the olives, chili peppers, and anchovies.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Ingredients (for 2 sandwiches):
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4 slices of rustic or “pan de cristal” bread
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6 Olmeda Orígenes Manzanilla Olives
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4 Cantabrian Anchovy Fillets in Olive Oil
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4 Olmeda Orígenes Basque Chili Peppers
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2 slices of Semi-Cured Manchego Cheese
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Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
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Lightly toast the bread for a slight crunch.
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Place the Manchego cheese as a base on the slices.
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Add the anchovies and chili peppers, sliced if you prefer a more uniform bite.
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Incorporate the olives and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.
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Close the sandwich and press gently to integrate the flavors.
Tips and Variations
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For a fresher sandwich, add thin slices of tomato or cucumber.
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Mix different types of olives, such as green and black, for a more intense contrast.
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If you like it spicy, leave the chili whole or add a touch of sweet or hot paprika.
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For a gourmet version, replace the bread with an artisan baguette or walnut bread.
A Bite Full of History and Flavor
The gilda sandwich is an original way to enjoy a classic of Spanish cuisine. It combines tradition, freshness, and creativity, and with Olmeda Orígenes ingredients, each bite reflects the quality and artisanal care of Spanish gastronomy.
Not only will you enjoy authentic flavor, but you will also incorporate healthy, beneficial foods into your daily diet. Make this sandwich for your guests or a quick meal at home, and experience how the gilda is reinvented in every bite.
