It is quite normal in Andalucia for meal times to begin with a variety of starters, particularly salad items, to be placed in the middle of the table for everyone to share. Vegetables (fresh from the markets of the region) such as aubergines, peppers or courgettes are often cooked on the spit and taste delicious.

Another typical starter dish included at meal times in Andalucia is el gazpacho.

A particular style of soup popular during the hot Andalucian summers, which has a thousand (or so it seems) different methods of preparation. This soup consists of bread, oil, garlic and water and more often than not, tomato. Other, less traditional styles of el gazpacho, include fresh peppers or cucumber.

All Andalusian gazpachos are served cold and one worthy of a special mention is a typical gazpacho of the Malaga region called 'ajo blanco' (white garlic). Made with oil, almonds and garlic, this is a much less common variety of gazpacho than the region wide Andalucian version, but it is just as refreshing on those hot summer days and closer to the original recipies of the region. After preparing using a mortar and pestle until a paste is formed, cold water is added and finally a few grapes to finish.

Other notable starter dishes include:

Sopa de pescado - A fish soup, normally served hot, which can be made in a variety of ways and with lots of different types of fish. This soup is especially delicious if you like fish and seafood.

Cazuelas de habas - Dishes made using various combinations of beans, chorizo, bacon and pepper sauces or a variety of fish with parsley. The word 'Cazuela' usually means a stew of something cooked with beans along with fish or meat

Chacina - A rich and varied selection of cured meats from the area

Potage - Thick, pulse-based soup made from vegetables and cured meats, such as the delicious chorizo or morcilla

A final word.

Don't be surprised to find that the starter courses are often larger than you would expect to be served at home, especially the UK. For this reason it is often best to pace yourself when eating out. It is normal practice in restaurants for local people to begin their evening dinners after 9pm and spend more than a few hours enjoying not just the meal itself, but the atmosphere and company of their family and friends as well.