A Travel to Spain not only greets you to beautiful places with some of the most striking architecture but also some of the most delicious dishes ever to grace your plate. Each region has its traditional dishes and cooking techniques that would overwhelm you with a variety of flavors. Whether enjoyed in a humble tapas bar in Andalusia or a Catalan restaurant awarded three Michelin stars, the food from Spain cuisine is an explosion of colors, aromas, and Mediterranean flavors. We know that on your travel there you will have trouble deciding what to order, so let us help you out.
Some Of The Best Dishes in Spain
Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a Spanish delicacy that originated from the southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula. This staple of Andalusian cuisine is generally made from tomatoes, cucumber, onion, garlic, a little olive oil, wine vinegar, salt, and sometimes (rarely) ham. Warm or cold, soup, salad, or even stew, this dish is perfect for a late, refreshing lunch in the sizzling south of Spain. This soup is most famous for being served cold, which may come as a shock to many but in the searing heat of a Seville summer, the attraction becomes clear.
Paella
A traditional rice dish originating in Valencia Paella is perhaps the most famous Spanish dish of all. In Spain, there are three common types of paella: Paella Valenciana, Seafood Paella and Paella Mixta. Ingredients for paella Valenciana include chicken or rabbit, saffron, runner beans, and butter beans, for Seafood Paella it is rice, seafood, and seasoning and Paella Mixta is a freestyle mixture usually made of rice, chicken, seafood (including clams), vegetables, olive oil, saffron, and other spices. The star of any type of Paella is the rice which is ideally the bomba or Calasparra varieties grown on Spain’s east coast, known to be particularly good for absorbing flavors.
Tapas
If you visit Spain and do not try their famous your trip would be incomplete. Not a particular type of food tapas are little meals that Spaniards eat any time of the day or night, anywhere. Tapas are part of the Spanish culture, so much so that there is a verb in Spanish “tapear”, which means “eating tapas”. In Spain, tapas can include practically anything―from a chunk of tuna, a cocktail onion, and an olive skewered on a long toothpick, to piping hot chorizo sausage served in a small clay dish, to a gourmet slow-cooked beef cheek served over a sweet potato puree. Cities like Madrid, Granada, and even Barcelona provide tourists Tapas for free every time you order a drink in a pub.
Tortilla Espanola
One of the most popular dishes in Spain Tortilla Española, or Spanish tortilla is made with just eggs and potatoes but some add onions as well. The potatoes and onions are slow fried in olive oil then mixed with the beaten eggs for the flavors to mix before cooking. In this basic mixture, you can add chorizo, ham, spinach, courgettes to spice things up. A perfect appetizer Tortilla Espanola is often served as a tapa but you can order it any time of day.
Croquetas
Another famous food in Spain that makes its way in the snacks and appetizers section are Croquetas crunchy and delicious fried ball of bechamel sauce, mixed with other ingredients like fish and sometimes vegetables, ground meat, or seafood. Though originated from France in the 17th-century Croquettes have evolved to cater to the taste of countries across the world and are not just limited to France or Spain. Make sure they are always made to order because cold Croquetas are not appetizing.
Gambas al Ajillo
One of the most savory, flavorful dishes in Spain Gambas al Ajillo is garlic shrimp. But do not let the simple nature of the dish fool you because of one of the most delicious and popular dishes in Spain. The main ingredients are shrimp, garlic, and olive oil, and most recipes include dry sherry, sweet Spanish paprika, fresh lemon juice, and parsley, and together are heavenly.
Patatas Bravas
Chunks of fried potato made with sweet and spicy pimentón (Spanish paprika), olive oil, flour, and stock are mostly eaten as a snack or appetizer. The dish also has various evolved versions based on regional food preferences. The above recipe is mainly followed in Madrid, but some people add garlic, some a dash of fino sherry, while few selfishly keep their secret ingredients to themselves.
Pollo al Ajillo
Pollo Al Ajillo is a dish made with love and passion by the grandmothers of Spain and perhaps the reason why it will be the best garlic chicken you will ever have. A simple dish cooked with unpeeled garlic cloves fried in olive oil, chunky chicken pieces, and some rosemary, thyme, and dry sherry it’s a classic Spanish recipe that will give you a rich flavor of the Spanish produce. There is no definitive recipe for this dish but this dish is much loved all over Spain.
Turron
An almond nougat, Spaniards devour massive amounts of turron at Christmas. made in the small town of Jijona in the province of Alicante the recipe calls for using locally-grown almonds mixed with honey and egg white. There are two basic types – a soft, smooth version, called Jijona, and hard Alicante turrón, which contains pieces of almond.
Churros
Churros are very popular in Spain and can be found in many cafes and churrerías, or even from street vendors. Served for breakfast or as a snack or dessert they are cylindrical ropes of fried dough, rolled in cinnamon and sugar and often served with a cup of warm chocolate for dipping. They are delicious and addictive and their crunchy-sweet doughy goodness is hard to resist. in Madrid or Sevilla you will find yourself standing in long lines for a plate of churros as in Sevilla they are considered a mid-afternoon snack.
Also Read: Essential Spain Travel Tips To Know Before You Go
Tons Of Flavor On Your Plate
Spain has an incredibly rich food culture. Food is such a big part of Spanish culture, and the variety of food options available to you will blow your mind. The country has a variety of dishes that are a must-try on your vacation. From tasty tapas to superb seafood and traditional roasts, food in Spain is all about making the most of the best local produce. These may be a few of the must-try but when you visit you will have a world of flavor served on your plate. So make sure to experience them as much as you can.
