Spain Cuisine
Europe • Southern Europe
75 iconic dishes
Signature Spain Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(18)
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
A classic Basque dish featuring salt cod simmered in a rich, sweet red pepper sauce. Traditionally served during Christmas Eve celebrations.
Bacalao al Ajoarriero
A hearty Navarrese salt cod dish featuring tender potatoes, sweet peppers, and a rich garlic-tomato sauce. Traditionally prepared by muleteers (ajoarrieros) for sustenance on long journeys.
Bacalao al Pil Pil
A classic Basque dish featuring salt cod gently cooked in olive oil, which then emulsifies with the released cod gelatin to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce. The 'pil pil' sound refers to the gentle bubbling of the oil during the emulsification process.
Calçots con Romesco
A beloved Catalan tradition, calçots are sweet spring onions grilled over an open flame until beautifully charred, then served with a rich, nutty Romesco sauce. This dish is a quintessential winter gathering and celebration.
Cochinillo Asado (Segovian Roast Suckling Pig)
A quintessential Spanish celebration dish from Segovia, this roast suckling pig is renowned for its incredibly tender meat and shatteringly crisp skin. The young age of the pig is crucial for achieving this delicate texture.
Cordero Asado Castellano (Castilian Roast Lamb)
A quintessential dish from Castile, this traditional roast lamb, often cooked in a wood-fired oven, showcases the rich flavor of young, tender lamb. Its simplicity allows the quality of the meat to shine.
Empanada Gallega
A traditional Galician savory pie, this large empanada features a rich tuna and vegetable filling encased in a tender, oil-based dough, baked to golden perfection.
Empanada Gallega de Atún
A hearty and flavorful Galician tuna pie, traditionally made for festivals and feasts. This large, savory pie is filled with tender tuna, sweet peppers, and onions, all encased in a golden, flaky pastry.
Fideuà
Fideuà is a traditional Valencian seafood dish, similar to paella but made with short, thin noodles (fideuà) instead of rice. It's a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal, often considered Valencia's other 'rice-pan' masterpiece, showcasing the region's rich maritime heritage.
Gazpacho Andaluz
A quintessential Andalusian cold tomato soup, this refreshing gazpacho is a vibrant blend of ripe tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and softened bread, perfect for a hot summer day. It's best served ice-cold.
Patatas a la Importancia
Patatas a la Importancia, or 'important potatoes,' is a classic Spanish tapa featuring thick-cut, egg-battered fried potatoes simmered in a fragrant saffron and garlic sauce. Despite its humble ingredients, it's a dish of surprising elegance and flavor.
Patatas Revolconas (Shepherd's Mashed Potatoes)
A hearty and rustic mashed potato dish from Extremadura, Spain. Characterized by its vibrant red hue from pimentón (paprika) and rich flavor, often served as a tapa or a comforting side. Traditionally made with simple ingredients, it's a true taste of shepherd's fare.
Pimientos Rellenos de Carne
A hearty and classic Spanish home-cooking dish featuring tender red bell peppers generously stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatics, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
Pollo al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Chicken)
A classic Spanish dish featuring tender chicken pieces pan-fried and simmered in a generous amount of garlic-infused olive oil, with a splash of white wine and aromatic bay leaves. Simple, rustic, and incredibly flavorful.
Presa Ibérica
Presa Ibérica, a premium cut from the shoulder of acorn-fed Iberian pigs, is celebrated for its exquisite marbling and rich, nutty flavor. This recipe focuses on simple grilling to highlight its natural qualities.
Revuelto de Ajetes (Spanish Scrambled Eggs with Wild Garlic Shoots)
A classic Spanish springtime dish featuring silky, creamy scrambled eggs gently cooked with tender young wild garlic shoots. This revuelto is a testament to simple ingredients and refined technique, offering a delicate yet flavorful experience.
Suquet de Peix
A traditional Catalan fisherman's stew featuring a medley of mixed fish simmered in a rich, saffron-infused potato broth. A true taste of coastal Catalunya.
Tumbet
A classic Mallorcan layered vegetable dish featuring thinly sliced and fried eggplant, potatoes, and roasted red peppers, all bound together with a rich tomato sauce. It's a delightful and hearty vegetarian main or side.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(32)
Ajo Blanco (Spanish White Gazpacho)
A refreshing and elegant cold soup from Andalusia, Spain, featuring blanched almonds, garlic, and stale bread. Perfect for a light summer starter or appetizer.
Albóndigas en Salsa (Spanish Meatballs in Almond-Saffron Sauce)
Tender, flavorful Spanish meatballs simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce made with ground almonds and a hint of saffron. A classic tapas dish perfect for sharing.
Almejas a la Marinera (Spanish Clams in White Wine)
A classic Spanish tapa, these clams are quickly steamed in a fragrant broth of garlic, olive oil, white wine, and fresh parsley. The resulting briny, garlicky sauce is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.
Calamares a la Romana (Spanish Fried Squid Rings)
Crispy, golden-fried squid rings, a quintessential Spanish tapa and a beloved filling for bocadillos (sandwiches). This recipe delivers perfectly tender squid encased in a light, crunchy batter.
Chistorra a la Sidra (Basque Sausage in Cider)
A classic Basque pintxo featuring thin, flavorful chistorra sausage simmered and then pan-fried in hard cider until caramelized and slightly crisp. The cider's subtle sweetness and acidity beautifully complement the rich, savory sausage.
Coca de Recapte
A traditional Catalan vegetable flatbread, often referred to as a 'harvest bread' due to its seasonal vegetable toppings. This recipe features a flavorful escalivada of roasted eggplant and peppers, sweet caramelized onions, and savory anchovies on a rustic dough base.
Croquetas de Jamón
Authentic Spanish ham croquettes featuring a rich, creamy béchamel sauce infused with finely diced Jamón Serrano, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and fried to a perfect golden brown. A quintessential Spanish tapa.
Ensaladilla Rusa
A classic Spanish potato salad, Ensaladilla Rusa, features tender diced vegetables and flaked tuna bound together with creamy mayonnaise. It's a staple in Spanish tapas bars and a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
Escalivada
A classic Catalan dish of smoky, tender roasted vegetables, typically eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, dressed simply with olive oil and garlic. It's a celebration of charred flavors and natural sweetness.
Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)
A quintessential Spanish tapas dish featuring plump shrimp sizzling in a generous amount of garlic-infused olive oil, accented with a touch of chili. Perfect for dipping crusty bread and enjoying immediately.
Gambas en Gabardina (Spanish Prawns in Batter)
Classic Spanish tapas featuring succulent prawns coated in a light, crispy beer batter and fried to golden perfection. Best served immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Gazpacho Andaluz
A refreshing and vibrant cold soup from Andalusia, Spain. This classic gazpacho is made by blending ripe tomatoes with cucumber, green bell pepper, stale bread, garlic, sherry vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. It's the perfect dish for a hot summer day.
Habas con Jamón (Fava Beans with Ham)
A classic Spanish tapa featuring tender fava beans gently cooked with savory Jamón Serrano, aromatic garlic, and a splash of white wine. Perfect for spring gatherings.
Huevos Rotos
Huevos Rotos, meaning 'broken eggs', is a classic Spanish tapa or bar food. It features crispy fried potatoes topped with perfectly fried eggs with runny yolks, and savory jamón serrano. The eggs are traditionally broken at the table, hence the name.
Jamón Ibérico
Jamón Ibérico, often referred to as 'the king of cured meats,' is a Spanish dry-cured ham made from the meat of black Iberian pigs. These pigs are typically acorn-fed ('de bellota'), which imparts a rich, nutty flavor and a distinctively marbled, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the ham. This recipe focuses on presenting the ham in its purest, most exquisite form.
Mejillones Tigre (Spicy Stuffed Mussels)
A classic Spanish tapas dish featuring mussels stuffed with a rich, savory béchamel filling, breaded, and deep-fried to a golden crisp. These 'tiger mussels' are a delightful explosion of flavor and texture.
Navajas a la Plancha (Grilled Razor Clams)
A classic Galician delicacy, these razor clams are quickly seared on a very hot griddle (plancha) with garlic and parsley, resulting in a tender, flavorful seafood dish. The key is high heat and minimal cooking time to preserve their delicate texture.
Oreja a la Plancha (Grilled Pig's Ear)
A classic Spanish bar snack, this dish features tender, simmered pig's ears grilled to a delightful crisp, seasoned with paprika and garlic. The combination of chewy cartilage and crispy rendered fat offers a unique textural experience, perfect for sharing with a cold drink.
Pa amb Tomàquet (Catalan Tomato Bread)
Pa amb Tomàquet, meaning 'bread with tomato,' is a quintessential Catalan tapa. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish where crusty bread is rubbed with ripe tomato, garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and seasoned with salt. It's the perfect base for other toppings or enjoyed on its own.
Patatas Bravas
Classic Spanish Patatas Bravas – crispy fried potatoes served with a smoky, spicy bravas sauce and a creamy garlic aioli. A quintessential tapas bar appetizer.
Pimientos Asados (Roasted Red Peppers)
Fire-roasted red bell peppers, peeled and marinated in a simple dressing of garlic, olive oil, and sherry vinegar. This classic Spanish tapa is best served at room temperature and is even better the next day.
Pimientos de Padrón (Blistered Padrón Peppers)
A classic Galician tapa, these small green peppers are blistered in hot olive oil until tender and slightly charred, then generously seasoned with flaky sea salt. Enjoy the thrill of the 'Russian roulette' – some peppers are mild, while others pack a surprising spicy punch!
Pimientos Rellenos (Spanish Stuffed Peppers)
A classic Basque specialty, these piquillo peppers are gently stuffed with a rich, flaked salt cod filling, then simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce. The sweetness of the piquillo peppers perfectly complements the savory cod.
Pincho de Tortilla (Spanish Potato Omelette Pintxo)
A classic Spanish pintxo featuring a thick slice of potato and onion omelette (tortilla española) served on a piece of crusty bread, secured with a toothpick. This is a quintessential bite found in Basque bars.
Pulpo á Feira (Galician-Style Octopus)
A classic Galician dish, Pulpo á Feira features incredibly tender octopus, simply dressed with olive oil, paprika, and coarse salt. Traditionally served at fairs, it's a celebration of fresh seafood and bold flavors.
Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-Style Octopus)
A classic Galician dish featuring incredibly tender octopus served over thinly sliced potatoes, generously seasoned with smoky Spanish paprika and high-quality olive oil. Simple, elegant, and deeply flavorful.
Salmorejo
A thick, creamy, and vibrant cold tomato soup from Córdoba, Spain. It's a richer, more substantial cousin to gazpacho, traditionally garnished with finely diced jamón serrano and hard-boiled egg.
Secreto Ibérico
Secreto Ibérico is an intensely marbled cut of pork from the Iberian pig, renowned for its rich flavor and tender texture. This recipe focuses on grilling it to perfection to highlight its natural qualities.
Solomillo al Whisky
A classic Andalusian pork tenderloin dish featuring tender medallions bathed in a rich, creamy whisky sauce. A beloved specialty from Seville.
Tigres (Spicy Stuffed Mussels)
A popular Spanish tapa, 'Tigres' are mussels stuffed with a rich, spicy béchamel sauce infused with chorizo, then breaded and fried to a golden crisp. The name 'Tigres' (tigers) refers to their spicy kick.
Tortilla Española (Spanish Potato Omelette)
Spain's iconic potato omelette - layers of tender, slow-cooked potatoes and onions bound with eggs into a thick, golden cake. A staple of tapas and a comforting meal.
Txangurro (Basque Stuffed Spider Crab)
A classic Basque Country delicacy, Txangurro features succulent spider crab meat mixed with aromatic vegetables, flamed with brandy, and baked in its own shell until golden and bubbling. This dish is a true celebration of the sea.
🍲Soup Dishes(11)
Arroz Caldoso (Spanish Soupy Rice)
Arroz Caldoso is a comforting and flavorful Spanish rice dish, characterized by its soupy, brothy consistency. It's a versatile dish that can be made with various proteins like seafood, chicken, or rabbit, and is perfect for a hearty meal.
Caldo Gallego
A hearty and comforting Galician white bean soup, perfect for a chilly day. This traditional dish features tender white beans, nutrient-rich greens, potatoes, and savory pork.
Callos a la Madrileña
A classic Madrid stew featuring tender beef tripe slow-cooked with smoky chorizo, rich morcilla (blood sausage), and a paprika-infused tomato sauce, enriched with tender chickpeas. This is a hearty and traditional dish, perfect for a comforting meal.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty and traditional Madrid chickpea stew, famously served in three distinct courses: the flavorful broth with noodles, the tender chickpeas and vegetables, and finally the succulent meats. A true winter ritual in the Spanish capital.
Fabada Asturiana
A hearty and traditional Asturian bean stew, featuring tender white beans simmered with flavorful chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and rich pork belly. This is ultimate mountain comfort food, perfect for a cold day.
Marmitako (Basque Tuna Stew)
A hearty and flavorful Basque tuna stew, traditionally prepared by fishermen along the Cantabrian coast. This one-pot meal features tender chunks of fresh tuna braised with potatoes, sweet peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Pisto Manchego
Pisto Manchego is a rustic Spanish vegetable stew, often referred to as La Mancha's answer to ratatouille. It features a medley of tender, slow-cooked vegetables, primarily tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini, simmered to a rich, flavorful consistency. It's traditionally served as a main course or a side dish, often crowned with a perfectly fried egg.
Pollo al Chilindron
A classic Aragonese dish featuring tender chicken braised in a rich sauce of tomatoes, sweet peppers, and savory Serrano ham. This hearty stew is full of flavor and comforting.
Pote Gallego
A hearty and traditional Galician stew, Pote Gallego, featuring tender white beans, tender chunks of pork, smoky chorizo, and soft potatoes, all simmered with nutrient-rich greens. This is a deeply satisfying winter comfort food.
Rabo de Toro (Braised Oxtail)
A classic Andalusian dish featuring oxtail slow-cooked in red wine until meltingly tender. Traditionally associated with bullfighting feasts, this rich and flavorful stew is a true taste of southern Spain.
Samfaina (Catalan Vegetable Stew)
A rustic and flavorful Catalan vegetable stew, similar to ratatouille, featuring tender, slow-cooked vegetables in a rich tomato base. It's a versatile side dish perfect with grilled meats, fish, or even as a light main course.
🥔Side Dishes(5)
Arroz al Horno (Valencian Baked Rice)
A traditional Valencian dish, Arroz al Horno, meaning 'baked rice', is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal typically enjoyed on Thursdays. It features rice baked with tender pork ribs, savory morcilla (blood sausage), chickpeas, and a whole head of garlic, resulting in a wonderfully crispy top.
Arroz Negro (Spanish Black Rice)
Arroz Negro is a visually striking and deeply flavorful Spanish rice dish, renowned for its dramatic black hue imparted by squid ink. It offers a unique briny taste of the sea, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
Fabes con Almejas (Asturian White Beans with Clams)
A classic Asturian dish featuring tender, creamy large white beans (fabes) simmered with fresh clams in their own briny liquor, enhanced with garlic and parsley. This recipe balances the richness of the beans with the delicate flavor of the sea.
Judiones de la Granja (Segovian Giant Beans)
A hearty and comforting Segovian stew featuring massive white beans (judiones) slow-cooked with flavorful chorizo, morcilla, and pork belly. A true taste of mountain comfort.
Paella Valenciana
Valencia's iconic rice dish, traditionally cooked with rabbit, chicken, and beans in a wide, shallow paella pan over an open flame. The goal is to achieve a perfectly toasted rice crust at the bottom, known as 'socarrat'.
🍰Dessert Dishes(5)
Churros con Chocolate
Authentic Spanish fried dough pastry, ridged and crispy, served with a thick, rich hot chocolate dipping sauce. A classic Madrid breakfast or treat.
Crema Catalana
Crema Catalana, meaning 'Catalan cream,' is a traditional Spanish dessert that predates its French counterpart, crème brûlée. It features a rich, citrus and cinnamon-infused custard base topped with a brittle, caramelized sugar crust.
Flan Español
A classic Spanish caramel custard, featuring a silky smooth egg custard base topped with a rich, dark caramel sauce. It's the perfect elegant dessert to conclude any meal.
Leche Frita (Fried Milk)
A beloved Spanish dessert, Leche Frita features a rich, thick milk custard infused with citrus and spice, chilled until firm, cut into portions, coated, and then deep-fried to a golden crisp. It's dusted with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and is traditionally served warm.
Tarta de Santiago
A traditional Galician flourless almond cake, famously decorated with the Cross of Saint James. This dense, moist cake is a perfect finale for any meal, especially after a long journey.
🍞Bread Dishes(2)
Migas (Spanish Fried Breadcrumbs)
Migas is a rustic Spanish dish traditionally made by shepherds, using stale bread as a base, fried with flavorful ingredients like chorizo and peppers. It's a hearty and satisfying breakfast or light meal.
Migas Extremeñas
Migas Extremeñas, a rustic and flavorful dish from the Extremadura region of Spain, features fried breadcrumbs enriched with savory pork belly, spicy chorizo, and aromatic garlic. Traditionally a shepherd's meal, it's hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare. The addition of sweet grapes provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
🫙Sauce Dishes(2)
Rape a la Marinera (Monkfish in Seafood Sauce)
A classic Spanish coastal dish featuring firm monkfish fillets simmered in a rich seafood sauce with clams, shrimp, white wine, and aromatic vegetables. Monkfish, often called 'poor man's lobster' for its texture, absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Salsa Romesco
A classic Catalan sauce made from roasted peppers, nuts, and tomatoes. This vibrant and flavorful condiment is traditionally served with grilled spring onions (calçots) but is also excellent with grilled fish, meats, or as a dip.