Spanish cuisine is a delightful tapestry of flavors and traditions, known for its vibrant, fresh, and diverse dishes.
From the sunny coasts of Andalusia to the rugged landscapes of the Basque Country, these 50 Spanish recipes will have you wanting more.
1. Paella
Paella is Spain’s most famous dish, originating from Valencia.
This saffron-infused rice dish is traditionally made with a mix of seafood, chicken, rabbit, and sometimes vegetables.
2. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup from Andalusia, perfect for hot summer days.
Made with ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, garlic, and a splash of olive oil and vinegar.
3. Tortilla Española
Tortilla Española, or Spanish omelet, is a simple yet delicious dish made with eggs, potatoes, and onions.
It’s hearty and versatile, great for breakfast, lunch, or even a tapas spread.
4. Churros
Churros are a popular Spanish pastry, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
These fried dough sticks are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and traditionally served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce.
5. Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas is a beloved tapas dish consisting of fried potato cubes served with a spicy tomato sauce.
6. Croquetas
Croquetas are creamy, fried morsels usually filled with béchamel sauce mixed with ham, chicken, or cheese.
They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and incredibly addictive.
7. Pulpo a la Gallega
Pulpo a la Gallega, or Galician-style octopus, is a traditional dish from Galicia.
Tender octopus is sliced and served with paprika, olive oil, and sea salt, often on a bed of sliced potatoes.
8. Pimientos de Padrón
Pimientos de Padrón are small green peppers from Galicia, usually fried until blistered and sprinkled with sea salt.
Most are mild, but occasionally you’ll get a spicy one, making eating them a fun game of culinary roulette.
9. Empanadas
Empanadas are pastry pockets filled with various ingredients like tuna, chicken, or beef, often mixed with onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
They’re great for picnics, snacks, or light meals.
10. Albóndigas
Albóndigas are Spanish meatballs, usually made with a mix of beef and pork and served in a rich tomato sauce.
They’re tender and flavorful and make a perfect tapa or main course.
11. Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al Ajillo, or garlic shrimp, is a popular tapas dish.
Shrimp are sautéed in olive oil with lots of garlic, chili, and parsley, creating a dish that’s aromatic and full of flavor.
12. Fabada Asturiana
Fabada Asturiana is a hearty bean stew from Asturias.
It is made with large white beans, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pork, it’s a comforting and filling dish, perfect for colder weather.
13. Salmorejo
Salmorejo is a thicker, creamier cousin to gazpacho, hailing from Córdoba.
It is Made with tomatoes, bread, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, it’s often garnished with hard-boiled eggs and serrano ham.
14. Calamares a la Romana
Calamares a la Romana are deep-fried squid rings, similar to calamari.
They’re crispy, golden, and typically served with a wedge of lemon and aioli.
15. Fideuà
Fideuà is similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice.
It’s typically cooked with seafood and seasoned with saffron and paprika, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
16. Migas
Migas is a traditional dish made with leftover bread, garlic, and often chorizo or bacon.
It’s a rustic, comforting dish, perfect for breakfast or as a hearty side.
17. Pisto
Pisto is a Spanish version of ratatouille, made with tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and onions.
It’s a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold, as a main or a side.
18. Cocido Madrileño
Cocido Madrileño is a traditional chickpea-based stew from Madrid, featuring a variety of meats and vegetables.
It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days.
19. Crema Catalana
Crema Catalana is a creamy dessert similar to crème brûlée, but with a Spanish twist.
It’s flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest, and topped with a crunchy caramelized sugar crust.
20. Leche Frita
Leche Frita, or “fried milk,” is a unique Spanish dessert.
A thick milk pudding is cut into squares, breaded, and fried until golden, then dusted with cinnamon sugar.
It’s creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
21. Escalivada
Escalivada is a Catalan dish of roasted vegetables, typically eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
It’s simple, healthy, and delicious, often served as a tapa or a side dish.
22. Tarta de Santiago
Tarta de Santiago is a traditional almond cake from Galicia, often associated with the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
It’s moist, dense, and delicious, usually topped with powdered sugar and the cross of Saint James.
23. Callos a la Madrileña
Callos a la Madrileña is a traditional tripe stew from Madrid.
It’s rich and hearty, made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla, and seasoned with paprika and garlic.
24. Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Bacalao a la Vizcaína is a Basque dish featuring salt cod cooked in a rich tomato and red pepper sauce.
It’s flavorful and comforting, perfect for a hearty meal.
25. Jamón Ibérico
Jamón Ibérico is a type of cured ham from Spain, renowned for its rich flavor and delicate texture.
It’s typically served thinly sliced, as a tapa or appetizer.
26. Caldo Gallego
Caldo Gallego is a traditional Galician soup made with greens, potatoes, chorizo, and often turnips or beans.
It’s hearty, nutritious, and perfect for warming up on a cold day.
27. Pinchos Morunos
Pinchos Morunos are spicy marinated meat skewers, typically made with pork or lamb.
They’re flavorful and aromatic, often enjoyed as part of a tapas spread.
28. Horchata
Horchata is a refreshing drink made from ground tiger nuts, water, and sugar.
It’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
29. Chistorra
Chistorra is a type of fast-cured sausage from the Basque Country.
It’s similar to chorizo but thinner and often served grilled or fried, perfect for tapas or sandwiches.
30. Arroz con Leche
Arroz con Leche is a creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest.
It’s comforting and delicious, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
31. Pa amb Tomàquet
Pa amb Tomàquet is a simple yet delicious Catalan dish of bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt.
It’s often served with cured ham or cheese.
32. Montaditos
Montaditos are small sandwiches or open-faced toasts with various toppings like jamón, cheese, or anchovies.
They’re perfect for a quick snack or a tapas spread.
33. Almejas a la Marinera
Almejas a la Marinera are clams cooked in a rich tomato and white wine sauce, flavored with garlic and parsley.
They’re fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a light meal or tapa.
34. Chorizo a la Sidra
Chorizo a la Sidra is a simple yet flavorful dish of chorizo cooked in cider.
The cider adds a slight sweetness that complements the spicy, smoky chorizo perfectly.
35. Piquillos Rellenos
Piquillos Rellenos are roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with various fillings like seafood, meat, or cheese.
They’re sweet, smoky, and incredibly versatile.
36. Lentejas
Lentejas is a hearty lentil stew made with chorizo, carrots, potatoes, and sometimes greens.
It’s nutritious, filling, and perfect for a comforting meal.
37. Tarta de Queso
Tarta de Queso is a Spanish-style cheesecake, typically lighter and less sweet than its American counterpart.
It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
38. Boquerones en Vinagre
Boquerones en Vinagre are fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar, garlic, and parsley.
They’re a refreshing and flavorful tapa, perfect with a glass of cold beer.
39. Habas con Jamón
Habas con Jamón is a simple yet flavorful dish of broad beans sautéed with cured ham.
It’s a delicious and nutritious side of tapa.
40. Sopa de Ajo
Sopa de Ajo, or garlic soup, is a comforting dish made with garlic, bread, and sometimes poached eggs.
It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for warming up on a cold day.
41. Tarta de Manzana
Tarta de Manzana is a Spanish-style apple tart with a thin, buttery crust and a layer of sweet, caramelized apples.
42. Mejillones a la Marinera
Mejillones a la Marinera are mussels cooked in a rich tomato and white wine sauce, flavored with garlic and parsley.
43. Ensaladilla Rusa
Ensaladilla Rusa is a Spanish potato salad made with potatoes, peas, carrots, and often tuna, all mixed with mayonnaise.
It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect as a side dish or tapa.
44. Tostada con Tomate y Jamón
Tostada con Tomate y Jamón is a popular Spanish breakfast dish.
Toasted bread is topped with grated fresh tomatoes and slices of jamón ibérico, creating a simple yet delicious meal.
45. Salpicón de Marisco
Salpicón de Marisco is a refreshing seafood salad made with a mix of shrimp, mussels, and other shellfish, tossed with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a light vinaigrette.
46. Cordero Asado
Cordero Asado, or roast lamb, is a traditional dish often served for special occasions.
The lamb is typically marinated with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, then roasted until tender and flavorful.
47. Caldereta de Langosta
Caldereta de Langosta is a rich and flavorful lobster stew from Menorca.
Made with lobster, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of spices, it’s a luxurious and delicious dish.
48. Turrón
Turrón is a traditional Spanish nougat made with almonds and honey, often enjoyed during Christmas.
It’s sweet, nutty, and comes in both hard and soft varieties.
49. Piquillos Rellenos de Bacalao
Piquillos Rellenos de Bacalao are piquillo peppers stuffed with a creamy cod filling.
They’re sweet, smoky, and incredibly flavorful, perfect for a tapa or appetizer.
50. Rosquillas
Rosquillas are traditional Spanish doughnuts, often flavored with anise and dusted with powdered sugar.
They’re light, airy, and perfect for a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
