The following are the recipes we recommend that cooks who are new to Spanish cuisine try. This list includes dishes that are some of the most typical or representative of the Spanish kitchen, or the most famous. Below each dish is a short description.
Tortilla Española - Spanish Omelet
The "tortilla española" has to be the number most common Spanish dish. If it is not number one, it must be a close second. If you have visited Spain, you've seen it in cafes and "tapas" bars everywhere. Thankfully, "tortilla española" or "tortilla de patata" as it is also called, is not a difficult dish, but it does take a little practice to turn it over without spilling.
Gazpacho - Andalusian Cold Tomato Soup
This dish is called a "soup" for lack of a better term. With fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, oil and vinegar to name a few, it counts as a serving of vegetables. Like a soup, it can be served in a bowl, although it can be served like a cold beverage in a tall glass with ice.
Paella de Marisco - Spanish Seafood Rice Recipe
"Paella" is the most internationally known dish of Spain. It originated on the farms of Valencia as a dish for the midday meal, made over open flame right in fields and has evolved into the most well-known Spanish dish inside and outside of Spain. It comes in many varieties now, including seafood and vegetarian. "Paella de Marisco" is probably the most popular version.
Alioli Sauce - Garlic Mayonnaise
"Alioli" is a garlic mayonnaise sauce, originating in Cataluna and served with many different dishes and as an ingredient in many more. If you are a beginner to Spanish food preparation, try preparing the simple "patatas con alioli" or "potatoes with alioli sauce" as a "tapa."Empanadas Gallegas - Galician Turnovers
There is no more perfect travelling food than "empanadas" or the small version called "empanadillas." They are tasty turnovers filled with different fillings. The traditional filling for these turnovers is tuna or ground meat and spices. Originating in Galicia province, "empanadas" are extremely popular all over Spain and Latin America.
Gambas al Ajillo - Shrimp in Garlic
Gambas al Ajillo - Shrimp in Garlic (2006) Lisa Sierra
One of the most common "tapas" of Spain, "Gambas al Ajillo" is quick, easy and FULL of garlic flavor. Your guests will be asking for the recipe after the first bite and only you will know how simple it was to prepare.
Cordero Asado - Roast Lamb
Tender suckling lamb roast is a favorite dish of the region of Castilla, in Central Spain. It is roasted until crispy on the outside and so tender on the inside that it almost falls off the bone. It requires no special cooking utensils and is very, very easy.Cochinillo Asado - Roast Suckling Pig
Cochinillo Asado - Roast Suckling Pig Segovia, Spain
"Cochinillo Asado" or Roast Suckling Pig is one of the most typical dishes in the cuisine of Castilla. The city of Segovia is famous for this dish, where the pigs are roasted until the meat is so tender that it is cut with plates! "Cochinillo Asado" is eaten everywhere - from the smallest village to the largest cities and practically has a cult following!
Simple Fabada Asturiana - Simple Asturian Bean and Sausage Casserole
Simple Fabada Asturiana - Simple Asturian Bean and Sausage Casserole
"Fabada Asturiana" is a typical dish from Asturias, made with beans, sausage, ham, meat and tomatoes. If you don't have the time or all the ingredients, try this simplified "fabada" recipe, which does not require overnight soaking, takes half the cooking time and only a few ingredients.
