Eat Healthy After Christmas: Recovering Balance, the Spanish Way

A new year, a new sunrise, a new beginning!

Christmas is a time for indulgence — long lunches that turn into dinners, tables overflowing with Spanish delicacies, and a little less attention paid to budgets and routines. And that’s perfectly okay. Celebration is part of culture. But once the holidays pass, January invites us to reset: to eat healthy after Christmas, spend smarter, and return to habits that help us feel good inside and out.

Recovering from excess doesn’t mean deprivation. It means balance. Simple things like moving your body regularly, sleeping well, drinking more water, and choosing nourishing, home-cooked meals can make a world of difference. At Trastienda, we believe that good food — real food — is one of the most sustainable ways to do just that.

As a quality food market rooted in the flavors of Spain, we love recipes that are comforting yet wholesome, generous yet thoughtful. This month, we’re sharing three Spanish classics that help you eat well without sacrificing flavor — all made with our carefully curated gourmet products.

Fabada Asturiana (Eat Healthy After Christmas, Everyday Version)

Fabada in a ceramic dish

Fabada is often associated with indulgence, but when prepared with care and quality ingredients, it becomes a deeply nourishing dish — perfect for colder days when your body craves warmth.

Our version uses Trastienda butter beans, slow-simmered with our cooking chorizo, vegetable stock, a pinch of saffron, and topped with tangy piparras for contrast.

Why it works: Butter beans are filling, high in fiber, full of protein, and naturally creamy — meaning you need less fat overall. Cooking slowly allows the flavors to develop without excess.

Make it in 15 minutes:

Ingredients

• Butter beans

• Cooking chorizo

• 1 onion

• Pimentón de la Vera

• Extra virgin olive oil

• 1 liter vegetable stock

• 1 bay leaf

• Saffron (optional)

• Piparras (to serve)

Method

1. In a dutch oven or similar, gently poach the chopped onion with a generous amount of olive oil and Pimentón de la Vera (and Saffron but this is optional) for 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant.

2. Transfer the onion mixture to a food processor, add ½ liter of vegetable stock, and blend until smooth. Reserve.

3. Using the same oil from the onions, fry the chorizo at medium to high heat for 4 minutes.

4. Add the butter beans and sauté for a few minutes so they absorb the flavor.

5. Pour in the remaining ½ liter of vegetable stock, add the bay leaf, and the blended onion mixture.

6. Simmer on low heat for 2 more minutes — and it’s ready.

Serving tip:

Serve your fabada in a traditional terracota dish to honor its Asturian roots and elevate the experience at home. Add some piparras as a modern twist to the classical dish!

Garbanzos con Jamón: Simple, Honest, and Satisfying

Few dishes reflect Spanish home cooking like garbanzos con jamón. It’s proof that when ingredients are good, simplicity wins.

Why it works: Chickpeas are a nutritional powerhouse, and pairing them with high-quality ham means flavor without excess. It’s also an excellent way to enjoy Spanish cuisine while being mindful of your food budget.

Make it in 15 minutes:

Chickpeas with Serrano Ham

Ingredients

• Chickpeas

• Spanish Serrano ham

• 1 onion

• Pimentón de la Vera

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Saffron (optional)

Method

1. In a pan, gently poach the chopped onion with a generous amount of olive oil and Pimentón de la Vera (and Saffron but this is optional) for 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant.

2. Add the chopped Serrano Ham at medium to high heat and cook for 4 minutes.

3. Add the chickpeas and sauté for a few minutes so they absorb the flavor.

4. Simmer on low heat for 2 more minutes — and it’s ready.

Enjoy it on its own or as part of a spread of authentic Spanish tapas — simple, satisfying, and balanced. Add a few whole slices of Serrano Ham on top to decorate.

A Good Paella: Comfort Without Compromise

Paella doesn’t have to be reserved for celebrations. When made with the best rice for Paella and quality ingredients, it becomes a comforting yet mindful dish that’s perfect for sharing.

At Trastienda, we believe rice is the soul of paella — and choosing the right one ensures perfect texture, flavor absorption, and balance.

Make it the Right Way

For step-by-step guidance, tips, and techniques, visit our full paella guide here:👉 [Read our Paella Blog Post]

This guide walks you through choosing the right pan, mastering the sofrito, and cooking rice to perfection — whether you’re making a seafood paella or a seasonal vegetable version.

Serve directly from the pan or present it on a wide ceramic dish for a beautiful, communal table moment.

Eating Well Is a Habit, Not a Phase

January isn’t about strict rules — it’s about reconnecting with food that nourishes. Spanish cuisine has always embraced balance: from hearty stews to simple pintxos, it’s about quality, care, and enjoyment.

Whether you’re preparing comforting beans, hosting a Basque Pintxo night at home, or stocking your pantry with everyday essentials, Trastienda is here to help you make better choices — delicious ones.

Explore our selection of Spanish delicacies, rediscover home cooking, and start the year feeling restored, not restricted.

Because good food isn’t about excess — it’s about intention.

Ready to savor the flavors of España without leaving the comfort of your own home? Explore our Spanish Gourmet delicacies now!

Buen provecho!