Spain: what is a picada?

Question

Is this a spice? It's in a recipe I have from Spain.

Answer 1

This is a speciality of Catalan, Spain. "Picada" is prepared with garlic, parsley, burnt almonds and nuts all crushed to produce a flavorsome mix. This is then added to many dishes.

Unique in the world, picada is a thickening and flavoring medium created by grinding together fried bread, olive oil, garlic and a variety of nuts, herbs and spices with a mortar and pestle. It's added to soups, stews and similar dishes before serving.

Answer 2

picada of "carne picada" means ground beef.  if it doesnt say 'carne' though, it might mean a mixture of something, or it could even be a premade thing from the store. but carne picada definately means ground beef.