Oh my oh my oh my – colorful, festive, and all-around knockout Spanish cuisine is here, and this just might be the food that will get you to plan a get-together with family and friends with texture, flavor, and a little extra jazziness.
Let’s do this!
1. Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Okay, you are going to want to hear this. This next recipe needs just three ingredients. Yes, really!
We’re talking about sweet, juicy dates and creamy goat cheese, all wrapped up in bacon and baked until it’s perfectly crisp. How could that not be a winner?!
The combination of textures and flavors is just out of this world. You get the chewy dates, the soft cheese, and that smoky, crispy bacon all in one bite.
It’s so, so good. I’d recommend making at least double the recipe, even if it’s just for two people. Trust me on this.
2. Sopa De Lentejas
This is one of those Spanish classics you just have to make. Sopa de Lentejas, or lentil soup, is typically a lunchtime meal because it’s just so hearty and filling.
What’s really cool is that there are so many ways to make it; basically every family in Spain has its own special version! This particular recipe is packed with lentils, pork loin, Spanish chorizo, carrots, potatoes, celery, and garlic.
It is just so rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. A total must-make for soup season!
3. Calamares a La Romana
Calamares a la Romana is a snack that I could honestly eat all day long. It’s squid that’s been battered and deep-fried, and it is ridiculously addictive.
You get that amazing crispiness on the outside, but the inside is perfectly tender and chewy. It’s a dream! And making it is so simple.
You just need a basic flour batter, some squid, and a good amount of oil for frying. Coat the squid, fry it until it’s golden brown, and you are in business.
4. Arroz Con Pollo
Arroz con Pollo, or rice with chicken, is such a hearty and savory dish you can whip up whenever you want. And let’s be clear, this is not just some plain steamed rice and fried chicken. Not even close!
The rice is loaded up with vibrant veggies and super tender, juicy chicken thighs. YUM! Thanks to a little saffron, the rice gets that beautiful yellow color, just like a classic paella.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but that vibrant color makes it look even more delicious. Plus, it’s a total breeze to make, all in one pot, and it makes a huge amount!
5. Tomato and Butter Bean Dip
Are you looking for a new dip for your favorite chips? Well, stop looking, because this Tomato and Butter Bean Dip is everything.
Here’s what’s going on in this amazing dip: big white beans, tomato paste, garlic, olive oil, shallots, and paprika. If you can’t quite imagine the taste, let me tell you: it’s beyond good. It’s sweet, savory, rich, and buttery.
Oh my goodness. It doesn’t matter what you dip in it—pita chips, crusty bread, veggie sticks—everything is going to taste incredible.
6. Pan Con Tomate
Pan con Tomate is a fantastic breakfast dish. It’s basically toasted bread that gets loaded up with garlic and tomatoes, then finished with a drizzle of olive oil. So simple and so good!
You might have noticed that Spanish breakfasts tend to be on the lighter side, usually just some toast with coffee or juice. That’s why Pan con Tomate is such a perfect fit.
Not only is the flavor combination of tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil a total classic, but it’s a nutritious way to start the day, too.
7. Easy Spanish Octopus
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you’ve got to give this octopus recipe a try. It’s actually very simple, using just a handful of ingredients.
But if you’re new to cooking octopus, you’ll definitely want to read through the whole post to make sure you get it perfect. After all, nobody wants to end up with rubbery tentacles!
8. Watermelon Gazpacho
Watermelon gazpacho is the soup you need to cool you down on a hot summer day! It’s just so refreshing. I have to admit, when I first heard about it, I thought it would be a sweet soup. But surprise! It’s savory.
The watermelon adds just a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors perfectly.
This recipe makes a really big batch, which is great because the flavor gets even better over time. Just store the leftovers in the fridge and serve it whenever you need a treat.
9. Salmorejo (Cold Tomato Soup)
Salmorejo is a super popular Spanish soup made from tomatoes. Just like gazpacho, it’s served cold, which makes it an absolutely wonderful and refreshing dish for the summer.
It’s made with ripe tomatoes, sherry vinegar, olive oil, and bread, which gives it a much thicker texture than gazpacho. It’s often topped with Spanish cured ham, a boiled egg, and a piece of bread, turning it into a complete meal all by itself.
10. Spanish Spiced Almonds
I think we can all agree that roasted almonds are pretty incredible on their own. But this recipe takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness with just one simple addition.
Almendras fritas, or fried almonds, are a really popular snack in Spain, and I totally get why.
The almonds are seasoned with salt and Spanish smoked paprika, which gives them such an unbelievable flavor. Serve these up with a cold beer, and you’ve got the perfect happy hour snack.
11. Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas is a simple dish made with fried potato cubes. The potatoes get a little kick from a spicy sauce.
In this version, though, you’ll bake the potatoes instead of deep-frying them. But don’t worry, they still turn out incredibly crispy!
The secret is to par-boil them in water with a bit of baking soda first. The potatoes are flavored with a smoky brava sauce, which is a tomato-based sauce spiced with smoked Spanish paprika.
And it doesn’t stop there! It’s all topped off with a rich and creamy garlic aioli. YUM.
12. Spiced Spanish Hot Chocolate
When it comes to Spanish drinks, hot chocolate might be the most famous of all. It’s incredibly thick, sweet, and oh-so-chocolatey. It’s the perfect drink to get your morning started!
And here’s a little secret: the super-thick texture doesn’t come from cream or milk. It’s cornstarch! It makes sense when you think about it, since cornstarch is often used to thicken up sauces. What a great trick!
13. Red Sangria
A feast just isn’t complete without some wine! Sweet and fruity with a little bit of a punch, red sangria is my absolute favorite. While sangria is often linked to Spain, it actually has roots in France and England.
There is a similar, but simpler, drink that locals in Spain enjoy called tinto de verano. But no matter where it came from, red sangria is 100% delicious and so refreshing.
It’s also super easy to make! Just mix red wine, orange juice, and some fruit slices. That’s it!
14. Paella
We can’t talk about Spanish food without mentioning paella, right? It’s probably the most popular Spanish dish out there, and for good reason!
It’s a dish of soft, flavorful rice loaded with shrimp and lobster. Pure heaven. How can it not be? It gets its incredible flavor from saffron, which is the most expensive food in the world!
You might have seen complicated paella recipes before and felt a little intimidated. But don’t worry, this recipe is a simplified version of the classic. You can totally do this!
15. Spanish Pork Skewers
Pinchos Morunos is tender pork flavored with a mix of lemon, garlic, cumin, sweet paprika, coriander seeds, oregano, salt, turmeric, cayenne, and olive oil. The pieces of pork are put on skewers and then grilled until they’re perfectly charred.
As if that wasn’t amazing enough, the skewers are then dipped in Mojo Picon—a spicy, tangy sauce made with red chilies, vinegar, and olive oil. So much flavor!
16. Spanish Rice
Why would you ever serve boring steamed rice when you can turn it into this party-worthy Spanish rice? This fluffy rice is infused with tomato sauce, paprika, chili, and other amazing spices.
It is just jam-packed with flavor, and trust me, it’s completely irresistible. It tastes fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with chicken, salmon, or other tapas.
Best of all? It’s so easy to make! You literally just throw all the ingredients into a pot and wait. It’s an effortless recipe that’s perfect for a crowd.
17. Pimientos de Padrón
Pimientos de Padrón, or deep-fried Padrón peppers, are a simple appetizer that will blow you away. There’s really nothing fancy about this classic tapas dish—it’s just a basic fried pepper.
But don’t let that simplicity fool you; these peppers are absolutely incredible.
Pimientos de Padrón are small green peppers that were originally grown in Padrón, Spain, but now they’re grown in other places, too.
They are mostly mild, but every once in a while, you’ll get a super hot one! It’s like a little game of chance, and it’s totally worth it.
18. Pisto
Pisto is basically the Spanish version of ratatouille. It’s a very simple dish of stewed vegetables, and the secret to making it perfect is using high-quality ingredients.
When you’re making pisto, make sure to get the best produce you can find! This recipe calls for cooking each vegetable by itself. I know it sounds like a little more work, but trust me, the final result is so worth it.
19. Spanish Garlic Mushrooms
Champinones Al Ajillo, or Spanish garlic mushrooms, is a super popular tapas dish that’s often served at parties. The mix of mushrooms and garlic is already a winning combination, but what really takes this appetizer to the next level is the dry sherry.
The sweet sherry works so well with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms, creating a treat that is ridiculously yummy.
20. Marinated Carrots
While a lot of Spanish dishes feature rice and meat, it’s cool to know that the cuisine also has some great veggie options. Case in point: these marinated carrots. Vegetarians, this one’s for you!
Zanahorias alinadas, or marinated carrots, is a simple recipe where carrots are marinated in spices and garlic. The balance between the sweet carrots, pungent garlic, and earthy spices makes this dish so full of flavor.
21. Tortilla Española
Tortilla Española, or Spanish tortilla, is a hearty omelet that’s stuffed with potatoes. It’s such a simple combo, but it definitely hits the spot.
I mean, how can you go wrong with fluffy scrambled eggs filled with rich and tender fried potatoes? It’s just proof that you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to create a stunning dish.
You can eat it with rice or even use it as a filling for a sandwich. It’s amazing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
22. Spanish Chickpea Stew
Garbanzo con espinacas is a rich and flavorful tomato-based stew that’s loaded with chickpeas and spinach. It’s infused with cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, so it definitely packs some heat.
If you’re trying to eat healthy, this stew is perfect for you. Chickpeas, spinach, and tomatoes are all packed with vitamins and nutrients, so it’s not only delicious but also really good for you.
Serve it with a bowl of brown rice for a healthy and hearty meal.