Typical Spanish food: most popular dishes

Gastronomy has a crucial role in fully immersing you in the culture of a country, and if there is one thing Spain stands out for, it is its rich and diverse cuisine. Thus, in this article you will be able to immerse yourself in the world of typical Spanish food, explore its most popular dishes and be fascinated by the very different flavors.

You can read this article in Spanish, just click here.

Paella

Let’s begin with one of the most famous dishes of Spanish gastronomy: paella. This emblematic dish of Spanish cuisine has its origins in the Valencian Community.

It is a dish whose base is rice and exploits flavors that represent the culinary diversity of the country. This delicious mixture of rice, vegetables and seafood or meat is cooked with saffron and other spices. A true delight of Spanish gastronomy.

Tortilla de patata

Another classic at any Spanish table. The potato omelette is a perfect mixture of potatoes and eggs, cooked to perfection until it is creamy on the inside and golden brown on the outside.

It is a simple, delicious, and essential dish in any compilation of typical Spanish food. Although the original recipe is with potatoes and eggs, but you can cook an omelette incorporating different ingredients such as cheese, chorizo, or truffle. In addition, in Spain there is a debate as to whether the tortilla is better with or without onion.

Croquetas

Croquettes are considered an authentic jewel of Spanish gastronomy. They are small balls of bechamel sauce mixed with ingredients such as ham, chicken, cod, cheese, or spinach. Although you can use any ingredient you prefer.

These croquetas are breaded and fried until they get a golden and crunchy layer. The croquettes are delicious, creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside, and are a culinary addiction that will leave you wanting more.

Gazpacho

To refresh the palate, nothing better than gazpacho. This cold soup is made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, garlic, and onion. It is a true explosion of freshness, ideal for hot summer days.

Very similar to this dish, you can find the salmorejo. Salmorejo, unlike gazpacho, has a thicker texture. It is a cold cream based on tomato, bread, olive oil and garlic. It is usually garnished with hard-boiled egg and Serrano ham. A refreshing and nutritious delight.

Pulpo a la gallega

In Galicia you can find an exquisite and very popular dish: pulpo (octopus). Galician style octopus is typically served cooked on a potato base. It is then sliced, sprinkled with paprika and drizzled with olive oil.

It is another typical Spanish dish that mixes flavors and will make you love the tender texture of the octopus.

Calamares a la romana

Continuing with seafood, calamares a la romana is a very popular dish. It consists of slices of squid in batter and fried to obtain a crunchy texture. They are usually accompanied by aioli sauce and are a real delicacy.

In addition, in Madrid is very typical the bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich), so you can choose between a portion of squid or a sandwich.

Cocido madrileño

This traditional Madrilenian dish is a comforting stew that combines chickpeas, pork, beef, and chorizo. There are many ways to eat it, since in each house it is made in a different way, but it is composed of a soup dish with noodles, chickpeas, and meat.

Each region has its own version, but the cocido madrileño is a classic that has endured over time. You can also find cocido montañés, cocido andaluz or cocido extremeño.

Fabada asturiana

Originally from Asturias, fabada is a robust and comforting stew. This typical Spanish dish combines fabes (white beans), chorizo, black pudding, bacon and, sometimes, pork.

Asturian fabada is cooked slowly and is a dish for lovers of intense flavors and the creamy texture of legumes.

Pisto

This dish is called pisto and it is like the French’s dish ratatouille. The pisto is a vegetable stew made with tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions and sometimes eggs. It can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.

A healthy and delicious option to combine with a fried egg or rice, but you can even eat it alone.

Cochinillo asado

The last dish is typical of Segovia and is a real gem for meat lovers. The suckling pig, a young suckling pig, is roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat tender and juicy. Accompanied by roasted potatoes, it is a gastronomic experience not to be missed.

Although these are only 10 dishes, in Spanish gastronomy there are many more with different ingredients that you will surely fall in love with. For example: jamón serrano (serrano ham), cachopo, patatas bravas, migas, prawns with garlic or papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes). Even sweet dishes such as the famous churros with chocolate, crema catalana or tarta de Santiago.

Typical Spanish food is a true feast for the senses. It mixes from the most intense flavors to the creamiest or sweetest options. Each dish tells a story of tradition and passion.

Dare to try these flavors and discover the culinary richness of Spain, also, if you want to improve in the language, do not hesitate to sign up for an intensive Spanish course with don Quijote. We have schools in different parts of the country for you to try Spanish gastronomy and improve your level of Spanish.