Fresh, Local & Full of Flavor
With the mountainous terrain having prevented easy travel for centuries, Spanish food is highly regional. But while each region has its own distinct culinary traditions, there are a few things that unite Spanish food as a whole. The quality of the ingredients is always extremely important in Spanish cuisine and no matter which region of Spain you visit, the building blocks of nearly every Spanish recipe are simple: olive oil and garlic. Onions and herbs such as oregano, rosemary, and thyme are also frequently used in Spanish recipes. Meats are frequently incorporated, with a particular passion for ham and sausages – especially chorizo. Spanish cheeses, locally grown vegetables, eggs, nuts, and legumes all play a significant role in Spanish recipes as well. Fruit is eaten frequently and is a commonly enjoyed as a snack or as the final course of a meal. Cooking methods of the past are still often used today in Spain. Stewing is especially characteristic of Spanish cooking, but methods like roasting, frying, sauteing, and grilling are also often used. Interested in cooking Spanish food at home? We’ve rounded up the top five best Spanish recipes to make in your home kitchen!
#1 Paella
It wouldn’t be a list of the best Spanish recipes without paella! It's often considered the national dish of Spain by non-Spaniards, but Spaniards themselves tend to regard this dish as a regional specialty from the Valencian region. Paella Valenciana is often made with rabbit, chicken, artichokes, and green beans. However, there are many varieties of paella. The dish is commonly made with a mix of rice, saffron, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Be sure to choose Spanish rice – sometimes called “bomba” rice, calaspara rice, or arroz redonda – for the most authentic taste. The beauty of this dish is that it’s all cooked in one big sauté pan, so you won’t have to deal with tons of pots and pans to clean up afterwards. It’s also extremely flavorful and very versatile: Don’t like an ingredient? Leave it out or substitute an alternative! Ready to make your own paella at home?
#2 Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas is one of the most popular Spanish recipes out there. The dish pairs well with drinks with friends and is a staple offering at tapas restaurants. There are many Spanish recipes for patatas bravas, since each restaurant and family has their own unique spin on this Spanish classic. However, all the recipes share the same basic elements. Potatoes are cut into chunks and deep fried in olive oil. Then they are drizzled with bravas sauce (a delicious, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce). In many regions, garlic aioli is then drizzled on top of that, creating the perfect creamy, spicy, garlicky bite! This Spanish recipe is easy to follow and perfect for beginners, but is still flavorful enough for more experienced home chefs to appreciate. Ready to make your own?
#3 Gazpacho
We couldn’t make a list of the best Spanish recipes and leave off this classic! Gazpacho originated in the region of Andalucía but has become popular all over Spain. In fact, this recipe is renowned all over the world for its cooling, refreshing, and tangy taste. It’s the perfect way to beat the summer heat because you don’t have to heat up your stove. You simply blend all the ingredients together, including fresh tomatoes, cucumber, bread, bell pepper, garlic, onion, sherry vinegar, and spices! Then, you simply let the mixture chill for a few hours and serve it cold with your choice of toppings. Croutons, fresh herbs, freshly cracked black pepper, olive oil, cream, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and ham are all popular options. Ready to make this Spanish summer staple at home?
#4 Tortilla Española
Tortilla Española, sometimes called tortilla de patatas or tortilla de papas, translates to English as Spanish Omelette. This dish is made with a savory combination of potatoes, eggs, salt, oil, and sometimes onion. It’s filling, slightly creamy, and delicately flavored. In Spain, Tortilla Española is served either as a tapa or as a main dish alongside a baguette and salad, but the leftovers from this dish make a great breakfast or snack between meals! Ready to try this classic Spanish recipe for yourself?
#5 Turrón de Jijona
Turrón de Jijona is a sweet, soft type of nougat made with ground almonds and honey. The texture is similar to marzipan and the taste is characterized by the delicious almond and honey flavor. When preparing to make this Spanish recipe, be sure to select high-quality ingredients to get that authentic taste of Spain! This dessert is popular around Christmas and makes a great gift for friends and loved ones. However, it is also available outside of the Christmas season, so feel free to make it any time of year! Ready to try your hand at making this Spanish dessert?