Spanish cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients.
From hearty paellas to tasty tapas, Spanish recipes offer a wide range of dishes to suit every taste.
These recipes often feature fresh produce, aromatic spices, and high-quality meats and seafood.
You can easily recreate the taste of Spain in your own kitchen with these 25 Spanish recipes.
Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or just want to try something new for dinner, these dishes will bring a touch of Spanish flair to your table.
Get ready to explore the rich culinary traditions of Spain and discover some new favorite meals.
1. Paella Valenciana
Paella Valenciana is a classic Spanish dish that originated in Valencia. This flavorful rice dish is cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a paella.
To make it, start by browning chicken and rabbit in olive oil. Add garlic, onions, green beans, and lima beans to the pan.
Next, stir in rice and cook for a few minutes.
Sprinkle in paprika and saffron for color and flavor. Then add water and simmer until the rice is tender.
Some recipes include tomatoes, peas, or squid for extra taste. The key is to achieve a crispy bottom layer of rice called socarrat.
2. Gazpacho Andaluz
Gazpacho Andaluz is a refreshing cold soup from southern Spain. It’s perfect for hot summer days.
You can make it easily with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions.
To prepare, blend the vegetables with garlic, olive oil, and sherry vinegar. Add cold water and bread for the right texture. Season with salt to taste.
Chill the soup for at least 2 hours before serving. This lets the flavors blend together.
You can top your gazpacho with chopped veggies for extra crunch.
Gazpacho is versatile and healthy. You can adjust the thickness by adding more water or bread. It’s a great way to use fresh summer produce.
3. Tortilla Española
Tortilla Española is a classic Spanish dish made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. You’ll love this simple yet delicious recipe.
Start by frying thinly sliced potatoes and diced onions in olive oil until tender.
Beat eggs in a bowl and mix in the cooked potatoes and onions.
Pour the mixture back into the pan and cook over medium-low heat. Once the bottom is set, flip the tortilla using a plate. Cook the other side until golden brown.
Serve your Tortilla Española warm or at room temperature. It’s great for any meal of the day and makes a tasty appetizer when cut into small pieces.
4. Churros con Chocolate
Churros con chocolate is a beloved Spanish treat. You’ll find crispy fried dough sticks paired with thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping.
To make churros, you mix flour, water, and salt into a dough. Then pipe it through a star-shaped nozzle into hot oil. Fry until golden and crunchy.
For the chocolate sauce, heat milk with chocolate and thicken with cornstarch. Some recipes add cinnamon or star anise for extra flavor.
Coat the churros in sugar and cinnamon. Serve them warm alongside the hot chocolate dip.
This combo makes a tasty breakfast or snack in Spain.
You can find churros con chocolate at street vendors, cafes, and churrerías across the country. It’s especially popular during cold weather.
5. Pimientos de Padrón
Pimientos de Padrón are small green peppers that make a popular Spanish tapas dish. You’ll love their simplicity and unique flavor.
To prepare them, fry the peppers in olive oil for a few minutes until they blister. Then sprinkle them with sea salt.
Most Padrón peppers are mild, but about one in ten can be spicy. This adds a fun element of surprise when you eat them.
Serve these peppers hot as a snack or appetizer. You can eat the whole pepper, except for the stem. They’re best enjoyed with a cold drink on a warm evening.
6. Pulpo a la Gallega
Pulpo a la Gallega is a classic Spanish dish from Galicia. You’ll love this tender octopus served with potatoes and paprika.
To make it, you boil the octopus until it’s soft. Then you cut it into small pieces.
You also cook and slice potatoes. Arrange the potatoes on a plate and top with the octopus pieces.
Drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle with coarse salt and sweet paprika for flavor.
This simple recipe lets the octopus shine. The contrast of textures and flavors makes it a favorite tapas dish.
7. Fabada Asturiana
Fabada Asturiana is a hearty Spanish bean stew from the Asturias region. You’ll love this comforting dish on cold days.
The main ingredients are large white beans, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage). Pork shoulder or bacon adds extra flavor.
To make fabada, soak the beans overnight. Then simmer them with the meats and spices like paprika and saffron.
The stew cooks slowly for several hours until the beans are tender and the flavors meld. Serve it hot with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.
8. Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas is a classic Spanish tapas dish you’ll love. It features crispy fried potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce.
To make it, cut potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Fry them until golden and crunchy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
For the sauce, sauté garlic and spicy peppers in olive oil. Add tomatoes, paprika, and vinegar. Simmer until thickened.
Drizzle the hot sauce over the crispy potatoes just before serving. For extra flavor, add a dollop of garlic aioli on top.
Patatas bravas make a great appetizer or side dish. They’re perfect for sharing with friends over drinks.
9. Cocido Madrileño
Cocido Madrileño is a hearty Spanish stew from Madrid. You’ll love this comforting dish on cold days. It’s packed with meat, vegetables, and chickpeas.
To make it, you soak chickpeas overnight. Then you cook various meats like beef, pork, and chorizo with bones for extra flavor. Add the chickpeas and vegetables like potatoes and cabbage.
The stew simmers for hours until everything is tender.
You can serve it in three parts: first the broth, then the vegetables, and finally the meat. This traditional way of eating Cocido is called “vuelcos.”
10. Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al Ajillo is a classic Spanish tapas dish. It features shrimp cooked in garlic-infused olive oil. This flavorful appetizer is quick and easy to make.
To prepare Gambas al Ajillo, you’ll need shrimp, garlic, olive oil, and spices. Common additions include paprika and white wine. The dish cooks in just minutes.
The shrimp turn out juicy and tender. They’re packed with garlicky flavor.
Serve Gambas al Ajillo with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious oil.
This dish is perfect for tapas parties or as a light meal. It’s best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan. Gambas al Ajillo showcases the simple, bold flavors of Spanish cuisine.
11. Quesada Pasiega
Quesada Pasiega is a tasty Spanish cheesecake from Cantabria. You’ll love this creamy dessert with its rich texture and subtle flavors.
To make it, you mix fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and flour. Add some lemon zest and cinnamon for extra flavor. Pour the batter into a buttered dish and bake until golden brown.
You can enjoy Quesada Pasiega warm or cold. It’s great on its own or with a spoonful of jam. This simple cake is perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Try making this Spanish treat at home. It’s easy to prepare and will impress your family and friends with its unique taste.
12. Crema Catalana
Crema Catalana is a creamy Spanish dessert similar to crème brûlée. It has a smooth custard base topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.
To make it, you’ll infuse milk with cinnamon and citrus zest. Then mix the milk with egg yolks and sugar to create a custard. Chill the custard until set.
Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize it with a kitchen torch or under the broiler. This creates a crisp, sweet crust that cracks when you dig in.
Crema Catalana is best enjoyed right after caramelizing the top. The contrast between the cool custard and warm, crunchy sugar makes it a delightful treat.
13. Bacalao al Pil Pil
Bacalao al Pil Pil is a classic Spanish dish that showcases salted cod in a garlic-infused sauce. To make it, you’ll need cod fillets, olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers.
Start by soaking the salted cod in water for at least 8 hours to remove excess salt. Pat it dry before cooking.
Heat olive oil in a pan and gently cook sliced garlic and chili peppers until golden. Remove them and set aside.
Add the cod to the hot oil and cook it slowly.
As it cooks, the fish releases its own oils, which mix with the olive oil to create the signature pil pil sauce.
Serve the bacalao hot, topped with the crispy garlic and chili peppers. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or potatoes.
14. Salmorejo Cordobés
Salmorejo Cordobés is a chilled tomato soup from Córdoba, Spain. You’ll love this refreshing dish on hot summer days.
To make it, blend ripe tomatoes with bread, garlic, and olive oil. Add a splash of sherry vinegar for tang. The result is a creamy, smooth soup with a vibrant red color.
Serve Salmorejo cold in bowls. Top it with chopped hard-boiled eggs and diced ham for extra flavor and texture. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil.
This simple recipe showcases the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine. It’s perfect as a light meal or appetizer. Give it a try for a taste of Andalusia!
15. Zarangollo Murciano
Zarangollo Murciano is a tasty Spanish dish from the Murcia region. It’s a simple yet flavorful scramble of eggs, zucchini, and onions.
To make it, you’ll need to thinly slice zucchini and onions. Fry them in olive oil until soft. Then add beaten eggs and stir until cooked.
Some recipes include potatoes for extra heartiness. You can season with salt and pepper to taste. Chives make a nice garnish if you want to add color.
This dish is quick to prepare and makes a great breakfast or light dinner. It’s a good way to use up summer zucchini. Try it for a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine.
16. Calçots con Salsa Romesco
Calçots con Salsa Romesco is a beloved Catalan dish that combines grilled spring onions with a flavorful sauce.
Calçots are a type of sweet, tender onion that’s typically grilled over an open flame until charred.
To prepare calçots, grill them on high heat until the outer layers are blackened. Wrap them in newspaper to steam for a few minutes. This makes peeling off the charred outer layers easier.
The star of this dish is the romesco sauce. You’ll need roasted tomatoes, garlic, nuts (usually almonds and hazelnuts), and red peppers. Blend these ingredients with olive oil, vinegar, and bread to create a rich, tangy sauce.
Serve the grilled calçots alongside the romesco sauce for dipping. This dish is often enjoyed as a communal meal, with everyone gathering around to peel and dip the onions.
17. Empanada Gallega
Empanada Gallega is a savory pie from Spain’s Galicia region. This large, flaky pastry is filled with tasty ingredients and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
The crust is made with wheat flour, butter or lard, white wine, and yeast. It has a bread-like texture that becomes crispy when baked.
Common fillings include tuna, onions, and peppers. You can also find versions with meat, seafood, or vegetables. The filling varies based on local preferences and available ingredients.
You can eat Empanada Gallega for any meal. It works well as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Try making it at home for a taste of Spanish cuisine.
18. Polvorones de Almendra
Polvorones de Almendra are traditional Spanish almond cookies often enjoyed during Christmas. These crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth treats are made with simple ingredients.
To make them, you’ll need flour, ground almonds, sugar, lard or butter, and cinnamon. Toast the flour and almonds in the oven for a nutty flavor. Mix the dry ingredients, then add softened lard or butter to form a crumbly dough.
Shape the dough into small balls or use a cookie cutter. Bake at a low temperature until set but not browned. Let them cool completely before touching, as they’re very delicate.
Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar. Wrap them in wax paper for gifting or serving. Enjoy these delicious Spanish delicacies with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
19. Mel i Mató
Mel i Mató is a simple yet delicious Catalan dessert. It combines fresh cheese with honey and nuts.
The main ingredient is mató, a soft unsalted cheese made from cow’s or goat’s milk. If you can’t find mató, ricotta works well as a substitute.
To make this dessert, place a scoop of mató on a plate. Drizzle it with fragrant honey like thyme, rosemary, or orange blossom. Sprinkle some walnuts on top for crunch.
You can customize Mel i Mató by adding fresh fruits or different types of nuts. It’s an easy, refreshing treat perfect for warm days.
20. Migas Extremeñas
Migas Extremeñas is a hearty dish from Spain’s Extremadura region. You’ll love this comforting meal made with stale bread, garlic, and chorizo.
To make it, cut stale white bread into small pieces. Soak them in water and salt.
Fry garlic and bacon in olive oil, then add the bread. Stir constantly as you cook the mixture.
It will become crumbly and golden brown. Add sweet paprika for flavor and color.
Serve your Migas Extremeñas hot. It’s often paired with fried eggs or grapes. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for cold days.
21. Rabo de Toro
Rabo de Toro is a classic Spanish dish that will transport you to the heart of Andalusia. This rich oxtail stew has roots in Roman times but became popular in Córdoba.
To make Rabo de Toro, you’ll need oxtails, vegetables, and red wine. Season the meat with salt and pepper, then dust it with flour.
Brown the oxtails in olive oil. Next, sauté onions, carrots, garlic, and tomatoes in the same pot.
Add red wine and beef stock, then simmer everything until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Serve your Rabo de Toro with potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for cold days and special occasions.
22. Arroz al Caldero
Arroz al Caldero is a tasty rice dish from southeastern Spain. It’s popular in the region between Valencia and Andalusia.
This dish is cooked in a special pot called a caldero. You make it with rice, fish stock, and seafood.
To prepare Arroz al Caldero, start by cooking onions and peppers in olive oil. Then add rice and toast it briefly.
Next, pour in warm fish stock and let the rice cook. Add your choice of seafood like shrimp, clams, or fish.
The result is a flavorful, soupy rice dish. It’s similar to paella but has more liquid. You’ll love the rich taste of the sea in every bite.
23. Chorizo al Vino
Chorizo al vino is a popular Spanish tapas dish. It’s made by cooking sliced chorizo in red wine. The dish is simple to prepare and takes about 30 minutes.
You’ll need raw Spanish chorizo, not the spicy Mexican type. Slice the chorizo and fry it in a pan. Add red wine, garlic, and bay leaves.
Let it simmer until the wine reduces. The result is a rich, flavorful dish.
The chorizo becomes tender and absorbs the wine’s taste. It’s best served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
This recipe is perfect for red wine lovers. It’s a great way to start a meal or enjoy as a snack with friends.
24. Almejas a la Marinera
Almejas a la Marinera is a tasty Spanish seafood dish from Galicia. It features clams in a creamy white wine sauce.
To make it, start by soaking the clams in salted water to remove sand. Then cook them in a pot with water and bay leaf until they open.
Fry chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add flour to thicken the sauce.
White wine gives it a rich flavor. The result is tender clams in a velvety sauce.
It’s often served as a tapa or appetizer. You can enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
25. Leche Frita
Leche frita, or “fried milk,” is a unique Spanish dessert. You’ll love this sweet treat with its crispy exterior and creamy inside.
To make leche frita, you first create a thick milk pudding. Mix milk with sugar, cornstarch, and flavorings like cinnamon and lemon peel. Cook this mixture until it thickens.
Pour the pudding into a dish and let it cool. Once firm, cut it into squares.
Coat each square in flour and egg, then fry until golden brown. Serve your leche frita warm, dusted with cinnamon sugar.
You can add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. This dessert is perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Cultural Significance of Spanish Cuisine
Spanish food is a big part of the country’s culture and history. It brings people together and shows off local traditions. Spanish cuisine has many unique flavors and cooking styles.
Regional Variations
Spain has many different regions, each with its own special dishes. In the north, seafood is popular. People there eat a lot of fish stews and grilled octopus.
The central area is known for roasted meats, like suckling pig. Southern Spain uses more olive oil and has Arabic influences in its cooking.
Paella comes from Valencia on the east coast. It’s a rice dish with seafood or meat. In Catalonia, you’ll find tomato bread and meat stews.
The Basque Country is famous for its pintxos, which are small snacks on toothpicks.
Each area’s food reflects its climate, history, and local ingredients. This variety makes Spanish cuisine very rich and interesting.
Traditional Ingredients
Spanish cooking uses many key ingredients. Olive oil is used in most dishes for cooking and flavoring.
Garlic and onions are the base of many recipes. Tomatoes are important too, especially in cold soups like gazpacho.
Herbs like parsley, oregano, and rosemary add flavor to Spanish food. Paprika, both sweet and spicy, is used a lot.
Ham, especially Iberian ham, is a prized food in Spain.
Other common ingredients include:
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- Saffron
- Almonds
- Cheese
These ingredients make up the core of Spanish cooking. They’ve been used for centuries and help give Spanish food its unique taste.
Cooking Techniques in Spanish Recipes
Spanish cuisine relies on a few key cooking methods that bring out rich flavors. These techniques help create the delicious dishes Spain is known for.
Use of Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple in Spanish cooking. You’ll use it to sauté vegetables, meat, and fish. It adds flavor and helps create a golden crust on foods.
To use olive oil properly:
• Heat it in a pan before adding ingredients • Use enough to coat the bottom of the pan • Choose extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor
Olive oil is also used raw in salads and to finish dishes. It gives food a smooth texture and nutty taste. You can drizzle it over bread, soups, and grilled meats.
Preparation of Sofrito
Sofrito is a flavor base used in many Spanish recipes. You make it by slowly cooking onions, garlic, and tomatoes in olive oil. Some versions add bell peppers or herbs.
To prepare sofrito:
- Chop onions and garlic finely
- Cook them in olive oil over low heat until soft
- Add diced tomatoes and simmer until thick
This mixture forms the start of stews, sauces, and rice dishes. It gives food a deep, sweet flavor. You can make extra sofrito and freeze it for later use.