One of the most vibrant countries in the world, Spain is a traveller’s delight. Rich in culture, arts, and traditions, Spain is an experience to be lived through. Whether you’re on a quick trip across the country or plan to spend some weeks exploring, Spain is perfect either way and one of the things that makes it so happens to be Spanish food.
While there are some dishes from Spanish cuisine which are well known, for example, paella, churros, or even tortillas, there are many that are yet to be discovered by the rest of us.
Like many big countries, with different regions, Spain also has a variety of dishes, from different cooking styles and regional influences that demand to be experienced once. On one hand Spanish cuisine has Mediterranean influence in regions like Andalusia and it is visible in the extensive use of olive oil there, on the other, there is also the Canary Islands, which apart from their proximity to African countries, were also an important point in the journey to the Americas and with their trans-Atlantic trade routes, happen to be cultural melting points, and then there’s Catalonia with its simple, rural cuisine which makes good use of the agricultural wealth in the region. Here’s a quick list.
1. Seafood paella
If you know anything about Spanish food, we’re sure you know about paella. Originating from the Valencian region, paella is traditionally made with short-grain rice, olive oil, meat, saffron or a substitute, tomato, beans, salt and water. But apart from this classic version, Spanish cuisine has many variants of paella, out of which seafood paella really stands out. Not only because of the flavours but also because of the colour. A key ingredient in the seafood paella happens to be the squid ink, which gives it a charcoal colour and a distinct taste. Paella is also an interesting dish from Spanish cuisine for people who like to cook as it is cooked over an open fire, fueled by orange and pine branches and pine cones. This produces an aromatic smoke which infuses the paella. Did your mouth start watering yet?
2. Tortilla Española
This is another of the Spanish cuisine dishes that are quite famous around the world and routinely get counted as one of the best egg dishes to try. The Spanish tortilla is easy to prep, and the best part is that it goes with everything, and can be consumed any time of the day. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, or snacks with your evening coffee, a Spanish tortilla goes with it all. The key ingredients in the Spanish tortilla are egg, potato, olive oil, and depending on who you ask, sometimes onions. The eggs are frothed for that thick fluffy inside, which we think, explains very well the popularity of this Spanish food item.
3. Pollo al Ajillo
This is another of the dishes in Spanish cuisine that come together with very less ingredients. The Spanish version of garlic chicken is made in nearly every home in the country, and recipes are passed down generations and much cherished. Generally, the idea is to slow-cook chicken in garlic and white wine, and depending on personal preferences, you might find it garnished with sweet chillies, a drizzle of lemon juice, or finely chopped parsley. Simple, and wholesome!
4. Gazpacho
Like many other countries in the region, winters can be quite harsh in Spain, and summers are when you get bountiful produce of vegetables. It then only makes sense that the Spanish food in summer has brilliant dishes like Gazpacho. A simple, no-nonsense chilled soup made from fresh tomatoes, vegetables, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar, Gazpacho is much loved, and you can even find it packed in the supermarket. We do recommend having it fresh, however, to best savour the flavours and freshness of this dish. Spanish summer in a glass? Gazpacho.
5. Turrón
If you thought we’d only talk about savoury dishes when it came to Spanish food, Turrón is here to challenge that. Rooted in South Spain, this dessert is a must-have around Christmas time. That said, you can find Turrón all year round. This dessert is also quite easy to whip as it only takes egg whites, honey, and toasted nuts to make. The texture can vary from place to place. Some places serve soft and chewy Turrón while others make it crunchy.
6. Migos
If you are somebody who is interested only in famous Spanish food items, you should stop reading beyond this point. If you are, however, somebody who loves exploring the local food to understand the place and culture better, the fun has just started, and believe us, Spanish cuisine won’t disappoint.
Migos is a fine example of underrated Spanish food. Basically bread crumbs stir-fried with different vegetables, depending on the region you’re in, Migos is comfort food. Odds are that you’ll have to befriend a Spaniard to taste this.
7. Leche frita
In the list of fun Spanish food, Leche Frita was obviously going to find space. Translating to fried milk, this dish originates from the North of Spain and is made by cooking milk and sugar with flour till it thickens. It is then portioned and fried to give it this stunning golden crust. Dusted with cinnamon thereafter, Leche Frita is a must-have when it comes to Spanish food.
8. Pimientos de Padron
We can’t talk about Spanish food, and then not talk about Spanish tapas. Tapas are basically appetisers, generally served beer, and depending on how lucky you got, can also be free when you order alcohol at bars across the country.
Pimientos de Padron are peppers that are fried in olive oil and garnished with a drizzle of lemon juice and sea salt flakes. The fun apart from this Spanish tapas dish is that out of all the mild peppers you will have, chances are that there’s gonna be one fiery piece, and the surprise element makes it even better.