Want to whisk family and friends away on a trip without ever leaving your home?
Then try out these easy Spanish recipes.
Bursting with color and lots of zest, there’s something for everyone.
Get ready to explore these 24 Spanish recipes that’ll have you saying “olé”!
1. Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas, otherwise referred to as patatas a la brava, is a simple dish of fried spuds. The fried bits then get a kick with a spicy sauce. However, this version sees you baking instead of frying, but trust me, you will still get some crispy results!
The key is to boil them in water with baking soda! To amp up the flavour, you’ll add a smoky brava sauce, which is a tomato sauce punched up with smoked paprika. As a perfect finish, you need a rich and creamy garlic aioli to crown it all.
2. Easy Spanish Octopus
If you are truly feeling adventurous, try this octopus recipe today.
Though the recipe is easy and calls for just a few ingredients, it can still be a little tricky if you have not done it before, so be sure to read the whole post to get it just right. You do not want those tentacles ending up rubbery!
3. Sopa De Lentejas
Another well-loved classic is sopa de lentejas, or lentil soup. It is quite the staple for lunch. There are seemingly endless ways to make lentil soup, each city and even each home has their own spin!
In this version, you bring together lentils, pork loin, Spanish chorizo, plus carrots, potatoes, celery, and garlic. What you end up with is richness, loads of flavour, and a truly hearty delight!
4. Spanish Pork Skewers
Pinchos Morunos is nothing short of tender pork that’s loaded up with lemon, garlic, cumin, sweet paprika, coriander seeds, oregano, salt, turmeric, cayenne, and olive oil. The pork gets skewered and grilled until charred.
As if that wasn’t enough, they then get plunged into Mojo Picon, which is a tangy sauce made with red chilies, vinegar, and olive oil.
5. Paella
You just cannot have a list of Spanish dishes without mentioning paella, the most famous of them all! Soft and flavourful rice that is paired with shrimp and lobster is all you need in life. This paella is truly heavenly.
Infused with saffron, you simply cannot resist. You have probably seen recipes for paella and gave up because they were complicated, but do not fear, as this is a simplified version of the revered classic.
6. Spanish Rice
You will never serve boring white rice again when you transform it into this fantastic Spanish rice. Fluffy white rice is kicked up a notch with tomato sauce, paprika, chili, and whatever other spices you love. The finished rice is bursting with flavor, and it’s just impossible to resist!
It just sings on its own, or with chicken, salmon, or even tapas. Best of all, this treat is too easy to make, just toss everything in a pot, and wait, making it effortless to feed a crowd.
7. Marinated Carrots
Though Spanish dishes are often built around rice and meat, there are great veggie entrees. Take these marinated carrots as a perfect example. This is just the thing if you are vegetarian!
These zanahorias alinadas, or marinated carrots, feature spices and garlic. The sweet carrots mix beautifully with the garlic, making this one excellent side!
8. Tortilla Española
The revered Tortilla Española is a hearty omelet that features potatoes. What a brilliant pairing! I mean, who doesn’t love eggs and fried potatoes?
Here is solid proof that you can keep things simple and still make something impressive. Try this Spanish tortilla with rice, or in a sandwich. You can serve this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a winner.
9. Watermelon Gazpacho
Have a truly refreshing experience with this watermelon gazpacho on a hot day. I had always thought gazpacho would be sweet, but was delighted to find it was savoury! The watermelon gives just a hint of sweetness that creates a wonderful balance.
This recipe makes a whole bunch of gazpacho, and trust me, that’s great, since it only gets better as time goes on. Tuck any extra into the fridge and serve it whenever.
10. Tomato and Butter Bean Dip
In search of a new dip to pair with your favorite chips? This tomato and butter bean dip will become a staple.
To create this marvel, you’ll need big white beans, tomato paste, garlic, olive oil, shallots, and paprika. It’s going to be rich and oh so buttery. Grab pita chips, bread, crackers, or even carrots, everything tastes mind-blowingly great in this dip.
11. Pisto
The pisto recipe is the Spanish riff on ratatouille. What a simple stew of veggies! The real key to perfecting it lies in the ingredients.
Be sure to go for the very best you can get! This recipe sees each vegetable being cooked separately. Sure, there is more to do, but rest assured you will be rewarded at the end!
12. Calamares a La Romana
One tremendously addictive snack is calamares a la Romana, or battered and deep-fried squid, and you will find them all over Spain and all over the world, too! They are crisp on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside. I could happily snack on these all day long.
Plus, they are just so easy to make. Just grab some flour, squid, and some oil. Simply coat in batter and fry until golden.
13. Spanish Spiced Almonds
It’s probably no surprise to hear that roasted almonds are a hit. But this recipe cranks things up to a new level of amazingness with a simple trick! Almendras fritas are a well-known treat in Spain, with truly excellent reason!
The seasoned almonds feature Spanish smoked paprika for some unbelievable flavour. Make these for friends with a chilled beer, and it is happy hour.
14. Pimientos de Padrón
A truly simple appetizer that will grab you is pimientos de Padrón, otherwise known as deep-fried Padrón peppers. There’s nothing fancy about this tapas dish, just a really basic deep-fried pepper. But it is oh-so-amazing.
Pimientos de Padrón are small, green peppers from Padron, Spain, however they now grow in other areas too. They are mostly mild, however there is the odd spicy one in the mix, making things all the more interesting.
15. Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Check out this dish that features just three ingredients and some skewers. Sweet dates and creamy goat cheese get wrapped in bacon and baked until crisp. What’s not to love?
The contrasting textures and flavours create utter perfection. One bite creates a beautiful harmony in your mouth. The flavours are so good you’ll be making triple batches, even if it is just for you!
16. Spiced Spanish Hot Chocolate
If you are looking for Spanish drinks, you cannot beat some hot chocolate. Super thick, sweet, and bursting with chocolatey flavour, it’s just what you need to start the day right.
Want the secret that makes this Spanish hot chocolate super thick? It’s cornstarch! It’s often used to thicken sauces, so it works wonders here.
17. Salmorejo (Cold Tomato Soup)
The incredibly popular Salmorejo is another Spanish soup that features tomato. As with gazpacho, this one gets served cold, making it the perfect dish for those warmer months.
This soup is made with ripe tomatoes, sherry vinegar, olive oil, and bread, giving it more body than gazpacho. Top it off with cured ham and an egg for a filling treat!
18. Arroz Con Pollo
Arroz con pollo is a hearty and super savoury dish you can whip up any time. It is no ordinary rice and chicken dish, this treat is full of colorful vegetables and tender chicken thighs. The rice gets its colour thanks to saffron, and its bright hue makes it so inviting.
Best of all, it is quick and easy to put together, coming together in just one pot while making enough to feed everyone!
19. Ensalada Mixta (Mixed Salad)
Despite being referred to as just a mixed salad, there is nothing basic at all here. It’s all you could ask for in one with eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onions, carrots, baby corn, tuna, asparagus, artichokes, and olives.
Just imagine all the vibrant colours and flavour! It is evidence that healthy food is anything but boring.
20. Spanish Garlic Mushrooms
Champinones Al Ajillo are often served at gatherings. Mushrooms and garlic are a truly winning pair.
Even better though is the dry sherry. It elevates the flavour of the appetizer, giving you a ridiculously delicious combo. I am certain you will be serving these up time and again!
21. Pan Con Tomate
Pan con Tomate sees toasted bread topped with garlic and tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil, a treat often served for breakfast.
As you may have noticed, the Spanish tend not to do big breakfasts, usually just a combo of toast and coffee. But with its fresh flavours, it is a great and tasty way to start the day!
22. Spanish Chickpea Stew
This stew features chickpeas and spinach in a tomato base that just bursts with flavour. Thanks to the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, it sure packs a punch.
Chickpeas, spinach, and tomatoes are the perfect combo of vitamins and nutrients, so you can enjoy something yummy while getting some goodness, too. Serve with rice for an even more hearty meal.
23. Red Sangria
You cannot have a feast without wine! This sweet and fruity red sangria is my favorite way to indulge.
While sangria is very closely linked to Spain, it in fact started in France and England. Regardless of where it came from, sangria is amazing and also easy to throw together, just mix red wine, orange juice, and your favourite fruit slices, and you are all set.