Glossary of Spanish Cooking Terms
Find definitions, explanations, and a pronunciation guide for cooking methods, ingredients, foods and food-related terms that will help improve your understanding of Spanish food and cooking.
A la Marinera
Common style of cooking in Spanish cuisine, "A la Marinera" is cooked with white wine, onions and sometimes tomatoes.
Common style of cooking in Spanish cuisine, "A la Marinera" is cooked with white wine, onions and sometimes tomatoes.
A la Parrilla
Charcoal grilled. Also known as a la brasa
Charcoal grilled. Also known as a la brasa
A la Plancha
Grilled on a metal plate.
Grilled on a metal plate.
Al Ajillo
Fried or Sauted with Garlic.
Fried or Sauted with Garlic.
Al Pil-pil
Al Pil-pil means that the item has been prepare in a particular kind of sauce, originating in the Basque country.
Al Pil-pil means that the item has been prepare in a particular kind of sauce, originating in the Basque country.
Al Vapor
Spanish for "steamed."
Spanish for "steamed."
Alioli
An emulsion sauce made with garlic and olive oil. Eggs are usually added for stability. It is like a garlic mayonnaise.
An emulsion sauce made with garlic and olive oil. Eggs are usually added for stability. It is like a garlic mayonnaise.
Asado
This simply means "roast" or "roasted."
This simply means "roast" or "roasted."
Bocadillo
Sandwich on a Baguette.
Sandwich on a Baguette.
Cafe con Leche
"Cafe con Leche" is a coffee drink, similar to a "Latte."
"Cafe con Leche" is a coffee drink, similar to a "Latte."
Carne
Spanish for "Meat" and can refer to beef, pork and lamb.
Spanish for "Meat" and can refer to beef, pork and lamb.
Cazuela
This simply means "casserole" or "saucepan."
This simply means "casserole" or "saucepan."
Cocido
Cocidos are eaten all over Spain. What are they?
Cocidos are eaten all over Spain. What are they?
Desayuno
Spanish for "breakfast."
Spanish for "breakfast."
Dulces
"Dulces" is the Spanish term for sweets.
"Dulces" is the Spanish term for sweets.
Entremeses
"Entremeses" are also listed on menus as "entrantes."
"Entremeses" are also listed on menus as "entrantes."
Estofado
Stewed or "pot-roasted."
Stewed or "pot-roasted."
Jamon
Ham, a very popular food in Spain.
Ham, a very popular food in Spain.
La Cena
"La Cena" is dinner in Spain and is served in the late evening hours.
"La Cena" is dinner in Spain and is served in the late evening hours.
La Comida
"La comida" or "the meal" is the biggest meal of the day in Spain.
"La comida" or "the meal" is the biggest meal of the day in Spain.
Marisco
Spanish for "Seafood" or "Shellfish".
Spanish for "Seafood" or "Shellfish".
Menu del Dia
The "Menu del Dia" is the most economical way to eat in Spain.
The "Menu del Dia" is the most economical way to eat in Spain.
Merienda
Snack eaten in the afternoon, around "tea time."
Snack eaten in the afternoon, around "tea time."
Morcilla
Spanish Blood Sausage
Spanish Blood Sausage
Paleta
Paleta - Cured Pork Shoulder
Paleta - Cured Pork Shoulder
Pescado
Fish.
Fish.
Plato Principal
Main Course.
Main Course.
Postre
Dessert.
Dessert.
Primer Plato
The "first course" of a Spanish Meal.
The "first course" of a Spanish Meal.
Segundo Plato
The second course or “main” course of the Spanish meal.
The second course or “main” course of the Spanish meal.
Tortilla
In Spain, refers to an egg omelet.
In Spain, refers to an egg omelet.
Turron
Spanish candy traditionally made from almonds and honey and eaten at Christmas.
Spanish candy traditionally made from almonds and honey and eaten at Christmas.
Vino Tinto
Red wine.
Red wine.