From paella to churros to tapas, Spanish meals are wealthy and rooted in custom, boasting a few of the most flavorful and widespread dishes on the planet. When you’re searching for a style of Spain, you don’t must go very far. There are eating places popping up all around the world serving a few of the tastiest Spanish delicacies. Though consuming this complete record of conventional meals from Spain within the nation itself is likely to be finest, it’s not important.
From widespread and typical dishes that can make you say ‘delicioso!’ to the names of ones a lot much less well-known, let’s take a dive into the nation’s culinary scene. Which one’s will make your Spanish Meals Bucket Checklist?
1. Albondigas Soup
Albondigas Soup is a standard soup from Spain made with meatballs (albondigas), greens, and a flavorful broth. This hearty and filling soup is ideal for a winter meal, sometimes served with pan con tomate toast, and even crackers.
Recipe: Albondigas by Arman
2. Almejas A la Gaditana
Almejas a la Gaditana (clams in sherry sauce) is a typical Spanish dish from the southern area of Andalusia. The most typical methodology of getting ready the dish is to sauté the garlic in olive oil, add salt and black pepper, then the clams, wine, sherry, parsley, and chilies. It’s often served with a number of crusty bread to assist sop up the flavorful broth from the plate.
Recipe: Clams in Sherry Sauce (Almejas a la Gaditana) by Alexander Lobrano
3. Arroz con Leche
Arroz con leche is a scrumptious rice pudding loved by folks of all ages in Spain. Due to its easy elements and wealthy taste, it’s straightforward to see why this dish stays a well-liked dessert all through Spain and has stood the take a look at of time.
Recipe: Arroz Con Leche Recipe (Spanish Rice Pudding) by Lauren Aloise
4. Bacalao
Codfish that has been dried and salted is named “bacalao” in Spanish. It’s thought to have originated within the Basque area of Spain, the place it stays part of totally different dishes as we speak with its delicate, fishy sweetness.
A well-known recipe for bacalao is a Basque-style fish stew referred to as Bacalao a la Vizcaina. It options salted cod, potatoes, tomato sauce, white wine, and different herbs and spices.
Recipe: Bacalao a la Vizcaina – Spanish Salt Cod Stew by Michele Peterson
5. Basque Cheese Cake
Basque cheesecake is a kind of cake originating from the Basque Nation in Spain, sometimes made with eggs, cream cheese, and sugar. The combination is then baked in excessive warmth till it’s barely burnt however jiggly within the middle. This provides the cheesecake a touch of smoky taste and a extra caramelized taste in comparison with a traditional one.
6. Bocadillos
Bocadillos are small sandwiches sometimes made with an extended tubular barra de pan (which is sort of a Spanish model of a baguette.) The bread will be stuffed with varied elements, reminiscent of meats, cheeses, greens, and sauces. A few of the hottest varieties embody fried calamari, potato omelet, and ham & cheese.
7. Boquerones Fritos
Boquerones fritos are deep-fried anchovies, and a well-liked tapas dish. It’s made by coating anchovies in flour after which frying them in olive oil. The result’s a crispy, salty snack that’s excellent for having fun with with a glass of wine or beer.
Recipe: Spanish Fried Anchovies Recipe (Boquerones Fritos) by David Pope
8. Cachopo
There’s a well-liked dish in Spain’s province of Asturias referred to as cachopo. It consists of two thick slices of breaded, fried veal filled with totally different fillings like cheese and ham served with a facet of french fries.
In the present day, totally different variations of the dish exist utilizing fish, hen, or pork as a substitute of the normal veal.
Recipe: Cachopo Recipe by Recipes Jinny
9. Calcots
When you’ve ever been to Spain, you might have seen —and even eaten— a calcot. So, what precisely is it? It’s a kind of onion grown within the Catalonia area in northeastern Spain.
Calcots are often white or pale yellow and have a milder taste than most onions. They’re sometimes harvested within the spring and are sometimes grilled or roasted earlier than being eaten. Actually, there’s even an annual competition dedicated to grilled calcots, which takes place within the city of Valls, close to Barcelona.
Recipe: Grilled Calçots and Asparagus with Romesco Sauce by Saveur
10. Callos
When you’re an adventurous eater, then callos is likely to be one on your bizarre meals bucket record. It’s the Spanish time period for beef tripe, which is produced from a cow’s abdomen.
One widespread Spanish dish that makes use of callos is a dish originating from Madrid, Callos a la Madrileña. It’s historically made with beef tripe, chickpeas, and blood sausage.
Recipe: Callos Madrilenos (Madrid Model Tripe) by Unilever Meals
11. Carrillada
One other distinctive delicacy from Spain is carrillada, which often refers to beef, pork, or lamb cheeks. Sure, cheeks. Whereas it could be off-putting for some, it’s really fairly scrumptious and even melts in your mouth when cooked correctly.
The cheeks are braised in pink wine and different greens like carrots, onions and garlic. The mixture of the candy wine and the savory cheeks make for a really distinctive and scrumptious dish.
Recipe: Carrilladas De Cerdo Recipe – Spanish Braised Pork Cheeks by Amber S Hoffman
12. Chorizo
Chorizo is a kind of cured sausage sometimes produced from pork and seasoned with paprika. Attributable to its versatility and deliciousness it is likely one of the hottest elements in Spanish delicacies.
Recipe: How to make Spanish Chorizo: Dry Cured and Contemporary Varieties by Tracy Ariza
13. Churros
A world well-known pastry from Spain, churros is a kind of evenly sweetened fried-dough usually served with a dip, like dulce de leche. It’s sort of like a donut stick! Newer outlets are even poking holes down the center and stuffing them with issues a creamy chocolate and hazelnut. Yummy!
Recipe: Churros Recipe by Nagi
14. Cochinillo
Cochinillo is made by roasting a suckling pig till the pores and skin is crisp and the meat is cooked by. It’s sometimes a well-liked dish for celebrations and particular events, but it surely may also be loved as an informal meal when you’ve got the persistence to cook dinner it.
15. Crema Catalana
Any crème brulee followers on the market? Then, you’re going to like crema Catalana. Also called crema cremada in Catalan delicacies, crema catalana is a burnt custard dessert. It makes use of milk as one in all its elements and is flavored with cinnamon and lemon juice.
Recipe: Crema Catalana Recipe – Genuine Spanish Model by Lauren Aloise
16. Croquetas
Croquetas are a fried Spanish dish historically made with a thick béchamel sauce base blended with shredded hen, ham, or fish. The combination is then fashioned into small cylinders, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried till golden brown. Sure, please!
Recipe: Spanish Ham Croquettes (Croquetas De Jamón Serrano) by Lauren Aloise
17. El Arroz Negro
El arroz negro, or black rice, is a standard Valencian and Catalan dish that will get its distinctive shade from cuttlefish/squid ink. The ink is used to each add taste and shade to the white rice (often short-grain.) Different widespread elements in el arroz negro embody garlic, different seafood, and Cuban pepper.
18. Empanadas
Empanadas are smaller calzone-shaped, turnover-style stuffed pies stated to have originated in Galicia, Spain. They’re both baked or fried till crispy and golden brown. Fillings can embody something from floor beef and hen to seafood and greens, relying on regional desire. Empanada gallega is a well-liked variation in Spain, made with pork or tuna, pink/inexperienced peppers, and plenty of onions.
19. Escalivada
In search of a easy tapas dish or a hearty meal? The normal Spanish dish escalivada is certain to please. It’s principally roasted veggies that includes eggplants (my favourite!), bell peppers, and onions, that are roasted over an open flame till they’re delicate and barely charred. The greens are then peeled and served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Recipe: Simple Escalivada Recipe (Catalan Gradual-Roasted Greens) by Gus & Joaco
20. Fabada
Having fun with a scorching meal throughout winter is an effective way to really feel heat and comfortable inside, particularly with a bowl of fabada asturiana. This wealthy bean stew primarily consists of a kind of white beans referred to as fabes de la Granja. It’s then sluggish cooked with different elements like pork shoulder, blood sausage, chorizo, and paprika.
21. Fideuà
Fideuà is a seafood dish just like paella, the one exception being that it makes use of quick pasta noodles as a substitute of rice. Except for pasta noodles, it primarily makes use of white-fleshed fish (like monkfish) and shellfish after which seasoned with lemon.
The dish is often cooked in a casserole dish or paella pan over an open flame, which provides it a particular smoky taste. As for the pasta, it’s sauteed in inventory as a substitute of being boiled.
22. Frito Mallorquin
Frito mallorquin is a traditional Mallorcan dish consisting of lamb offal (lung, liver, and coronary heart) and totally different greens. If offals are too adventurous on your style, some toned-down variations use pork loins or seafood as a substitute.
Recipe: Frito Mallorquin by tapasonline
23. Gambas al Ajillo
One of many extra well-known Spanish dishes, gambas al ajillo is produced from prawns/shrimp sauteed in garlic and olive oil. It’s then garnished with contemporary parsley and served with bread for dipping.
Recipe: Gambas Al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp) by Suzy Karadsheh
24. Garbanzos Con Espinacas
Garbanzos con espinacas is a tasty Andalusian dish produced from two key elements: chickpeas (garbanzos) and spinach (espinacas). The stew is often flavored with herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and tomatoes.
Recipe: Spinach And Chickpeas (Espinacas Con Garbanzos) by Lauren Aloise
25. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a refreshing chilly soup made with blended contemporary greens. The most typical elements in gazpacho are tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, garlic, bread, olive oil, wine vinegar, and salt.
Recipe: Genuine Gazpacho Recipe – The Finest Spanish Gazpacho by Lauren Aloise
26. Iberian Ham
Relating to hams, one selection that reigns supreme is the world’s most costly ham: Jamón ibérico (Iberian ham). It’s produced from the hind legs of pure bred Black Iberian pigs (or a 50% cross breed with Duroc pigs,) that are cured for no less than two years to attain its distinct marbly style. The best high quality ones can price greater than $4000 (for one hind leg)!
When it’s lastly able to eat, the ham is thinly sliced and sometimes served with bread or olives. Iberian ham is prized for its distinctive taste, which has been described as nutty, salty, and barely candy.
27. Leche Frita
Leche frita is a scrumptious Spanish dessert manufactured from a pudding-like milk combination coated in flour and egg batter. It’s then fried and coated in sugar glaze and cinnamon earlier than serving.
With a crunchy coating and a delicate, creamy middle, leche frita is a scrumptious and distinctive Spanish dessert (or snack) that can certainly ship.
Recipe: Leche Frita Recipe – How To Make Scrumptious Spanish “Fried Milk” Dessert by Melissa Haun
28. Magdalenas
Magdalenas are tall, fluffy muffins with a lemon style that’s straightforward to arrange and goes nice with a scorching cup of cafe con leche.
They’ll both be candy or savory and are sometimes served for breakfast or as a snack. Candy magdalenas are often topped with sugar, whereas savory ones are often topped with cheese or ham.
Recipe: Magdalenas by Caroline’s Cooking
29. Marmitako
Marmitako is a tuna stew hailing from the Basque Nation and cooked in a pot with totally different elements like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. The dish’s title comes from the Spanish phrase marmita, which suggests ‘pot’ and the added suffix -ko, which (in its entirety) interprets to ‘from the pot.’
The thick texture of the stew is primarily a results of the starchy potatoes. Whereas it’s sometimes made with tuna, different forms of fish may also be used.
Recipe: Marmitako Recipe | Basque Tuna Stew by Lauren Aloise
30. Migas
A standard breakfast meals in Spain, migas is produced from stale/leftover bread or tortas blended with different elements reminiscent of chorizo, bacon, garlic, olive oil, and spices.
The stale bread is minimize into small items and fried in olive oil or pork/lamb fats. As soon as golden brown, chorizo, garlic, and spices are added. Regardless of being a high-calorie dish, migas makes for a terrific winter meals that’s tasty and easy to arrange.
Recipe: Spanish Migas With Chorizo-Garlic Pan Fried Bread&Chorizo Sausage by The Bossy Kitchen
31. Morcilla
In Spain, there’s a widespread number of blood sausage referred to as morcilla. It’s produced from pork blood, floor pork, onions, rice, and spices and is often grilled or fried. Probably the most well-known of the Spanish morcilla is morcilla de Burgos, which makes use of pork blood and fats, rice, onions, and salt.
Whereas it could sound like an odd meals to some, morcilla is a staple of Spanish delicacies and an important a part of many conventional dishes.
Recipe: Morcilla by MyRecipes
32. Murcian Salad
Murcian salad (ensalada murciana) is a standard dish from the area of Murcia in southeastern Spain. It consists of contemporary greens, together with tomatoes, onions, black olives, and eggs, dressed with olive oil and vinegar. It could even be spiced with garlic or chili peppers.
33. Natillas de Leche
A standard Spanish dessert just like pudding or custard, natillas de leche is made with milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s often served chilled and garnished with floor cinnamon or shaved chocolate.
Recipe: Natillas de Leche Recipe-Spanish Custard by Archana’s Kitchen
34. Oreja a la Plancha
Considered one of Madrid’s widespread distinctive tapas is oreja a la plancha. It consists of sliced or cubed pig’s ears grilled in olive oil with seasonings and spices. In Madrid, they add bacon bits, mushrooms, and lemon wedges to enrich the dish.
What makes it a favourite of many individuals is the distinction of textures between the crunchy cartilage and chewy pores and skin. Finest loved with a bottle of chilly beer on the facet.
35. Paella
Paella is likely one of the most well-known and widespread Spanish dishes on the planet, proudly coming from the Valencian area. Though totally different variations of the dish exist, one factor they’ve in widespread is they’re cooked in a particular giant pan over an open fireplace.
One of many conventional recipes is paella valenciana, which is produced from round-grain rice cooked with hen, rabbit, beans, tomatoes, and snails. Seafood paella (paella de marisco) can be widespread, and will be made with any kind of seafood, together with shrimp, lobster, and mussels.
36. Pan Con Tomate/Pa amb Tomàquet
Pa amb tomàquet (pan con tomate in Spanish,) is a standard dish from the Catalonia area. It’s made with bread that’s rubbed with garlic and tomato, then drizzled with olive oil. Yum! The bread is often grilled or toasted earlier than being topped with the tomato combination.
Recipe: Pan Con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread) by Suzy Karadsheh
37. Patatas Bravas
I feel we are able to all agree that all of us love us some fried potatoes. This subsequent one is a dish native to Spain referred to as patatas bravas (which suggests spicy potatoes.) These are principally fried cubed potatoes drizzled with a Spanish spicy tomato sauce referred to as salsa brava. Except for being a terrific snack and appetizer, additionally it is some of the widespread tapas on the market.
Recipe: Finest Patatas Bravas Recipe – Simple Spanish Fried Potatoes With Spicy Sauce by Melissa Haun
38. Pionono
Named after Pope Pius IX’s Spanish title, the Spanish pionono is a standard pastry from Santa Fe. You may consider it as one thing like a jelly roll soaked with totally different syrups and topped with some toasted cream. It’s pretty candy and has a pleasing texture, which the candy tooths in us will certainly love.
39. Pimientos de Padron
Pimientos de Padron (Padron pepper) is a one-of-a-kind pepper from Padron in northwestern Spain. What makes it so is that, in contrast to most peppers, the spiciness varies dramatically from every particular person pepper. They are saying that out of ten, one in all them could have that very spicy kick. It’s like a recreation of Russian roulette! As a tapas dish, it’s well-loved, particularly when fried in olive oil and dusted with coarse salt, and served with bread.
Recipe: Finest Padron Peppers Recipe – How To Prepare dinner Pimientos De Padron by Melissa Haun
40. Pinchos Morunos
A pincho moruno is a Spanish meat skewer just like a kebab. The meat often used for it’s pork and hen. Nonetheless, lamb or beef are additionally nice alternate options.
The skewers are coated in a combination of olive oil and totally different herbs and spices and are then grilled on either side. Get pleasure from it with some bread, lemon wedges, and wine.
Recipe: Pinchos Morunos by Corina Blum
41. Pinxtos & Montaditos
Pintxos & Montaditos are the cousins of tapas. Pintxos are a kind of small snack or appetizer that originated within the Basque area of Spain. They sometimes encompass a chunk of bread topped with one thing like meat, cheese, fish or greens.
Don’t miss taking a peak at our Pinxtos Bucket Checklist.
Montaditos are just like pintxos, however they’re made with a roll or baguette as a substitute of bread. Each pintxos and montaditos are often served with a toothpick or skewer to carry every thing collectively.
Among the finest issues about pintxos and montaditos is that they’re excellent for informal get togethers. Whether or not you’re at a bar with associates or at a celebration, it’s straightforward to seize one (or two) and luxuriate in. They’re additionally comparatively low cost, so you possibly can check out a bunch of various mixtures with out breaking the financial institution.
42. Pisto
The Spanish equal of imam bayildi, caponata, and ratatouille is named pisto. Though it may be discovered all through Spain, pisto is a local of the Murcia area.
It’s a hearty vegetable stew cooked with tomatoes, pink and inexperienced peppers, onions, eggplant, zucchini, and masses of olive oil. Contemporary, in-season veggies and high-quality olive oil, as with different Mediterranean vegetable stews, are important.
43. Puchero
Puchero is a hearty stew that has been part of the delicacies of many international locations, every with totally different recipes and elements that make the dish their very own.
In Spain, the soup’s base is made up of meat (hen, pork, beef, or veal), bacon, cured bones, and greens (often root and leafy ones.) It goes nicely with rice, noodles, bread, and chickpeas.
Recipe: Valencian Puchero Recipe – Winter Spanish Stew by Tracy Ariza
44. Pulpo a la Gallega
A traditional Galician meal is named Pulpo a la Gallega or Pulpo a Feira, which suggests “truthful type octopus” in Galician. It serves because the centerpiece of the celebrations honoring town of Lugo’s patron saint. In Spain, this meal is steadily served as a tapa, however additionally it is often supplied as a major course.
The preparation entails boiling, chopping, after which cooking the octopus in olive oil with paprika and salt.
Recipe: The best way to Make Pulpo a la Gallega by Laura Lynch
45. Queso Manchego
Queso manchego is a particular sort of cheese made in Spain’s La Mancha area. The milk used for the cheese comes from a breed of sheep referred to as Manchega, which can be native to the area. It’s usually served in tapas however may also be utilized in totally different meals reminiscent of plain bread.
The cheese’s taste is dependent upon how lengthy it has been aged and is available in totally different varieties: fresco (2 weeks), semicurado (3 weeks to 3-4 months), curado (3-6 months), and viejo (1-2 years). As for the style? It’s a pleasant stability between candy and savory with a crumbly, creamy texture.
46. Rabo De Toro
Rabo de toro is a traditional Spanish dish made with the tail of a bull. Though the elements fluctuate from every restaurant and area, it often entails a combination of oxtail, olive oil, carrots, celery, tomatoes, pink wine, aromatics, and spices.
Recipe: Spanish Bull Tail Stew (Rabo De Toro Recipe) by Lauren Aloise
47. Salmorejo
Salmorejo is a standard chilly soup from Spain made with tomatoes and bread. It’s just like gazpacho however thicker and creamier due to the additional olive oil and the kind of bread used (often pan de telera, a sort of agency bread).
It’s a unbelievable soup to have throughout the hotter months. It additionally pairs nicely with different tapas, reminiscent of shrimp fritters and croquetas.
48. Sangria
Sangria is one in all Spain’s hottest alcoholic drinks, and for good purpose. Whereas there are lots of variations of sangria, the traditional recipe requires pink wine, contemporary fruit, brandy, and a sweetener reminiscent of sugar or honey. This fruity wine-punch is an ideal drink to take pleasure in with associates throughout completely satisfied hour.
Recipe: Finest Conventional Spanish Sangria Recipe by Lauren Aloise
49. Tarta de Santiago
Probably the most distinctive and scrumptious desserts from Spain is Tarta de Santiago, or Spanish almond cake. This wealthy and flavorful cake is made with floor almonds, eggs, sugar, butter, and flour, and it’s historically flavored with lemon zest. Whether or not you take pleasure in it plain or adorned with fruit, this scrumptious cake is certain to go away an enduring impression.
50. Tortas de Aceite
Spanish tortas de aceite are some of the widespread forms of conventional Spanish cookies. They’re made with wheat flour, olive oil, almonds, sugar, sesame seeds, anise seeds, which provides them a novel taste and texture. The dough is often rolled out very skinny after which minimize into small squares or circles.
Recipe: Spanish Olive Oil Tortas ~ Tortas de Aceite by LC Editors
51. Tortilla Española
Spanish tortilla, or tortilla española, is a well-liked Spanish dish produced from eggs, potatoes, and generally onion. It’s generally referred to as a Spanish potato omelet.
The dish is extremely versatile; it may be served scorching, room temperature, and even chilly. It may also be minimize into bite-sized items and served as a tapa. Whether or not you’re searching for a fast snack or a hearty meal, tortilla española has bought you coated.
Recipe: Tortilla Española (Spanish Egg and Potato Omelette) Recipe by Daniel Gritzer
52. Turron
The Spanish turrón is a scrumptious nougat-like deal with often eaten by children of all ages as a dessert throughout Christmas. This selection makes use of a mix of honey, eggs, sugar, and doubtless, most crucially, toasted almonds. Additionally they have two forms of turrón in Spain: turrón blando (delicate, peanut butter texture) and turrón duro (arduous, like peanut brittle).
. . .
We hope this record of dishes has gotten your style buds and tummy yearning for some Spanish meals asap! Recognized for his or her intense flavors, lovely presentation, and wholesome elements, conventional Spanish delicacies is likely one of the finest on the planet. Buen provecho!
This put up could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. When you make a purchase order by my hyperlinks, I earn a fee that helps to maintain this weblog working—at no additional price to you. You may learn my full disclosure right here.
You May Additionally Like
Barcelona Bucket Checklist: 35 Issues to Do in Spain’s High Metropolis
Mallorca’s Cuevas del Drach: Dragon Caves in Spain
Spanish Pintxos (Pinchos) Bucket Checklist: 20 Finest Ones to Attempt + Recipes
The place to See the Absolute Finest Flamenco Exhibits in Barcelona
Take a Paella Cooking Class in Barcelona, Spain