10+ Spanish Recipes Authentic Spain: Delightful Dishes to Bring Home the Taste of Spain

Spanish cuisine has rich flavors and diverse ingredients. Discovering authentic Spanish recipes allows you to explore the vibrant tastes that define the country’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re craving simple tapas or hearty main dishes, there is so much to enjoy and create in your own kitchen.

The dishes often reflect the local culture and history, making each recipe unique. As you try these recipes, you’ll find that they celebrate quality ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, bringing the essence of Spain right to your table.

Patatas Bravas

Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish dish that’s easy to make. The dish features crispy potatoes served with a delicious spicy sauce. It’s perfect for sharing or as a tasty snack.

To start, you’ll need to peel and cut your potatoes into cubes. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown. This usually takes about 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

For the sauce, mix minced garlic, spicy pepper, and smoked paprika in olive oil. Cook this mixture until it’s fragrant. Then, you can add tomato sauce and a bit of vinegar for extra flavor.

Serve your crispy potatoes topped with the spicy sauce. You can also drizzle with garlic aioli for extra creaminess.

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 spicy pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cube the potatoes.
2. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a pan.
3. Fry the potatoes until golden brown.
4. In another pan, heat olive oil and add garlic, spicy pepper, and paprika.
5. Add tomato sauce and vinegar. Stir well.
6. Serve potatoes with the sauce on top.

Paella Valenciana

Paella Valenciana is a famous dish from Spain, known for its vibrant colors and rich flavors. This dish typically features chicken, rabbit, and a variety of vegetables.

To start making Paella Valenciana, you’ll need a special wide and shallow pan called a paella pan. This helps the rice cook evenly.

You begin by heating olive oil in the paella pan over medium-high heat. Then, add chicken and rabbit until they are nicely browned. After that, move the meat to the sides and add tomatoes, green beans, and other vegetables.

For the rice, Bomba is the best choice since it absorbs flavors well. Once you add the rice, let it cook without stirring, allowing a crispy layer to form on the bottom.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Bomba rice
• 1 chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 rabbit, cut into pieces
• 2 cups green beans
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in the paella pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and rabbit; brown for about 10 minutes.
3. Move meat to the sides and add chopped tomatoes and green beans.
4. Stir in Bomba rice; season with salt.
5. Pour in enough water to cover the rice.
6. Cook without stirring until rice is done, about 20 minutes.

3) Gazpacho Andaluz

Gazpacho Andaluz is a classic cold soup from southern Spain, perfect for hot summer days. This refreshing dish combines tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, and garlic. It’s full of flavor and very easy to make.

To prepare this dish, all you need to do is blend the ingredients until smooth. Serve it chilled for the best taste. Many people enjoy gazpacho as a light meal or appetizer.

This dish is not just tasty; it’s also healthy and full of vitamins. You can add bread to thicken it or drizzle olive oil for extra richness. Whether you’re having a picnic or a casual dinner, gazpacho is a wonderful choice.

Ingredients

• 6 ripe tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.
2. Add the chopped vegetables to a blender.
3. Include garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt.
4. Blend until smooth, adding water for desired consistency.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

4) Tortilla Española

Tortilla Española, also known as Tortilla de Patatas, is a classic Spanish dish. You can find it served in homes and restaurants across Spain. This dish features eggs, potatoes, and often onions, making it a comforting favorite.

Making tortilla is simple and requires just a few ingredients. The result is a thick, filling omelet that can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s common to enjoy it as a tapa or a hearty meal.

For the best taste, use high-quality olive oil and fresh ingredients. With a little care, you can master the technique of flipping the tortilla.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 2 medium waxy potatoes
• 1 large onion (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the potatoes thinly.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add potatoes and cook until soft, about 10-15 minutes.
4. If using, add sliced onions and cook until translucent.
5. Beat the eggs in a bowl and add the potato mixture.
6. Pour the mixture back into the skillet on low heat.
7. Cook for about 5 minutes until set.
8. Flip the tortilla using a plate to cook the other side for another 5 minutes.
9. Slide onto a plate, slice, and enjoy.

5) Pimientos de Padrón

Pimientos de Padrón are a simple and delicious Spanish tapas dish. These small green peppers are known for their unique flavor and fun surprise. Most are mild, but occasionally you’ll find a spicy one!

You only need a few ingredients to prepare this tasty dish. Fresh Padrón peppers are the star of the show, and cooking them is quick and easy. You can enjoy them as a starter or a snack.

To get started, heat some olive oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add the peppers and cook until they blister. This usually takes just a few minutes. Sprinkle with salt and serve right away.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) Padrón peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Add Padrón peppers in a single layer.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes until they blister, turning occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Serve hot.

6) Jamón Ibérico

Jamón Ibérico is one of Spain’s most famous delicacies. This cured ham comes from the Iberico black pig, raised mainly in Spain and Portugal. The rich flavor and unique texture make it a favorite for many.

To enjoy Jamón Ibérico, slice it thinly and serve it on a platter. Pair it with crusty bread and cheese for a delightful tapas spread. It can also enhance sandwiches and salads with its savory taste.

If you want to try making it at home, here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 whole Iberian ham leg (bone-in, skin-on)
• 3 tablespoons coarse sea salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by rinsing the ham leg under cold water.
2. Pat it dry and rub the sea salt all over the meat.
3. Place the ham in a cool, dry place.
4. Let it cure for at least 12 months, depending on your taste preference.

7) Churros with Chocolate

Churros with chocolate is a beloved treat in Spain. You can enjoy these sweet, crispy pastries for breakfast or as a snack. They are often dipped in thick, rich chocolate sauce, making them a delightful experience.

To make churros, you start by mixing flour, water, and a pinch of salt. After frying them until golden brown, they become perfectly crunchy on the outside.

Serve your churros hot, with a bowl of warm chocolate sauce for dipping. The chocolate’s creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the churro’s crispiness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat water, sugar, salt, and butter until boiling.
2. Remove from heat and stir in flour until a dough forms.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Pipe the dough into hot oil and fry until golden.
5. Serve with warm chocolate sauce for dipping.

Pulpo a la Gallega

Pulpo a la Gallega is a traditional Spanish dish from the region of Galicia. It features tender octopus served with simple yet flavorful ingredients. You will enjoy its unique taste and texture.

To make this dish, start by cooking the octopus until it is tender. This can take around 30 minutes in salted water at a boil. After it’s cooked, slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Drizzle high-quality olive oil over the octopus. Then, sprinkle coarse sea salt and sweet paprika for added flavor. This classic combination results in a dish that is both simple and delicious.

Serve Pulpo a la Gallega on a bed of boiled potatoes if you like. This adds a hearty element to your meal. Enjoy this dish with friends and family for a truly authentic experience.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (around 900 grams) octopus
• 4 medium potatoes
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Coarse sea salt
• Sweet paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the octopus to the boiling water and cook for about 30 minutes until tender.
3. Remove the octopus and let it cool. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Boil the potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Arrange the octopus and potatoes on a plate.
6. Drizzle olive oil over them and sprinkle with salt and paprika.

9) Fabada Asturiana

Fabada Asturiana is a traditional Spanish bean stew from the Asturias region. It’s known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This dish is perfect for warming up on a cold day.

In Fabada, you will find large white beans called fabes, along with chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and tocino (pork belly). The combination creates a filling and comforting meal.

Cooking this dish does not take too long. You can prepare it in about 30 minutes if you use canned beans. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

To make your Fabada Asturiana, you will need:

Ingredients:

• 1 can of large white beans (fabes)
• 1 chorizo sausage
• 1 morcilla (blood sausage)
• 100g tocino (pork belly)
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
2. Add diced chorizo, morcilla, and tocino to the pot.
3. Stir in the white beans and paprika.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

10) Caldo Gallego

Caldo Gallego is a traditional soup from Galicia, Spain. It is known for its comforting and hearty flavors, perfect for chilly days. This dish often features turnip greens, potatoes, white beans, and meats like chorizo or ham.

To make Caldo Gallego, you start by simmering your ingredients together. You can enjoy this soup as a main meal or a lovely starter. It’s both simple and satisfying.

You might find yourself returning to this recipe every winter. The combination of ingredients makes for a nutritious and delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups turnip greens
• 1 large potato, diced
• 1 cup white beans, cooked
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces chorizo or ham, sliced
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat some oil. Sauté onion and garlic until they are soft.
2. Add the chorizo or ham, and cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil.
4. Add potatoes and white beans. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in turnip greens and cook for another 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.