The history of the pincho moruno in Vallecas is a fascinating journey that connects the spices of the desert with the asphalt of the most authentic neighbourhood in Madrid. It all began in the time of Al-Ándalus, when Muslim soldiers used this cooking method to preserve meat during long journeys. These Arab and Berber warriors not only conquered lands but also planted the seeds of what we now know as one of the pillars of Vallecan gastronomy..

The name "moruno" directly refers to the "Moors," as the Muslims who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula for centuries were known. In those times, they were forbidden to use knives at the table, as they were considered weapons, so they would cut the meat in the kitchen and insert it onto skewers to roast it on the grill. This ancestral technique is still alive today in the embers of Vallecas..

The true magic of the pincho moruno lies in its blend of spices, a secret formula that has travelled from Morocco to the kitchens of Vallecas. The traditional combination includes pimentón de la Vera, toasted cumin, oregano, caraway, turmeric, coriander, garlic, cayenne, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. Each spice tells a story of trade routes, cultural exchanges, and the persistence of flavours that have survived for over a thousand years..

EIn Vallecas, this heritage remains alive.

 The Brasa continues to marinate its meats for 12 hours, respecting the time that the spices need to deeply penetrate each fibre of the meat, just as has been passed down through generations in Vallecas.

One of the most significant changes in the evolution of the pincho moruno was the transition from the original lamb to pork. While the traditional Muslim recipe used lamb (pork is prohibited in Islam), the Spanish version primarily adopted pork meat.

This adaptation perfectly reflects how Vallecas has managed to maintain its essence while adapting to local tastes. La Brasa de Vallecas embodies this philosophy: respect for tradition with a modern practical sense..

The most moving story can be found at the inn LA BRASA, where for many years an authentic Vallecano named Carlos has been preparing pinchos morunos..

Through their recipe passed down from generation to generation in their family. This anecdote symbolises how tradition is preserved: through people who act as bridges between cultures.

In Vallecas, LA BRASA is a guardian of this heritage. When they light their embers each morning, they are not just preparing food: they are keeping alive a tradition that connects the neighbourhood with the caravans of the desert..

Today, the pinchos morunos in Vallecas have evolved without losing their soul. Municipal regulations prohibit the use of traditional charcoal, but this has not prevented places like LA BRASA from maintaining the authenticity of the flavour. The adaptation to the new regulations demonstrates how tradition can coexist with modernity..

As of today, the pincho moruno in Vallecas is more than just a tapa: it is a social ritual that connects generations. Grandparents who remember the first pinchos at 50 pesetas share a table with young people who discover these flavours through Google, Facebook, and Instagram. The essence remains: marinated meat with ancient spices, cooked over embers that evoke Berber bonfires..

The history of the pincho moruno in Vallecas is also the history of the neighbourhood itself: a place where different cultures have found their home and left their culinary mark. From the first Andalusian immigrants to the current Latin American communities, all have adopted and adapted this culinary tradition.

LA BRASA of Vallecas stands as an heir, keeping alive a tradition that transcends borders and generations. Each skewer that comes from its grill carries with it a thousand years of history, the secret of its spices, and the indomitable spirit of Vallecas..

This is the true magic of the Vallecano pincho moruno: to be simultaneously ancestral and contemporary, Arab and Spanish, traditional and modern. In every bite, Vallecas demonstrates that the best way to honour history is to keep it alive, adapting it without betraying it..