The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Are you a cebollista or sin cebollista? Should Tortilla de Patata (Spanish potato omelette), include onion or should the potato and egg mix be allowed to stand on it’s own? This is a debate that runs through the heart of Spain. If you think ‘yes’, you are a cebollista or ‘no’ which means you ar a sin cebillista (sin = without).
If you are familiar with the ‘Marmite – love it or hate it’ argument, you will understand how such a debate sparks passion.
Tortilla de patata is a great standby food for vegetarians visiting Spain (and increasingly there are vegan alternatives becoming available). You will find ready made tortilla de patatas in almost every supermarket, perfect for eating cold or hot for any meal occasion. Learn more about buying and preparing tortilla de patata HERE!
Look closely at the packs and you will see there are two options available – Con cebolla (with onion) and sin cebolla (without onion).
And this is at the heart of a long running national debate 🙂
With or Without Onion – The National Spanish Debate
In Spain, few culinary debates stir up as much passion (and friendly teasing) as whether tortilla de patata (Spanish potato omelette) should include onion or not. It’s such a big deal that it has sparked memes, social media polls, heated family discussions, and even appearances on cooking shows.
Let take a look at the two rival camps:
Team Onion (“cebollistas”)
- Their argument: Onion adds sweetness, juiciness, and a richer flavor to the tortilla. The natural caramelization of the onion as it cooks elevates the dish, making it moist and delicious.
- Their philosophy: A tortilla without onion? Incomplete! They firmly believe that onion is an essential ingredient in the traditional recipe.
Team No Onion (“sin cebollistas”)
- Their argument: They prefer the pure, simple flavor of potatoes and eggs without onion stealing the spotlight. Plus, they claim it makes the tortilla lighter and easier to enjoy.
- Their philosophy: A tortilla should be minimalistic, letting the core ingredients shine. Onion is just unnecessary fluff!
Tradition and Regional Preferences
While the “cebollistas” often have the upper hand (onion lovers seem to slightly outnumber the opposition), the “sin cebollistas” stand their ground. In some regions, like Galicia or Castilla, the no-onion tortilla is considered the more traditional or authentic version.
Polls and Playfulness
Every now and then, someone launches a national poll, and the results tend to divide the country nearly 50/50, though onion fans usually edge ahead. Social media is full of jokes about how you can’t trust someone who prefers the “wrong” type of tortilla. Some towns even host tortilla festivals where you can taste both kinds—just in case you’re undecided.
From an Outsider’s Perspective
To non-Spaniards, the debate might seem trivial (unless, of course, you have had long and protracted debates among friends and family about Marmite, whether milk should be added to tea before or after, ,etc – in that case you will know such debates are far from trivial!!) but it shows how much Spaniards care about their food. For them, every detail matters when it comes to their beloved recipes. It’s not just an omelette—it’s a cultural treasure!
So, Who’s Right?
Well, it depends on your taste buds. If you’re visiting Spain, the best way to settle the debate is to try both versions and pick a side. Or, you know, enjoy them both and stay neutral. Just be prepared to have your choice questioned passionately if you mention it to a Spaniard. 😉
