10+ Spanish Recipes Authentic Spain: Discover the True Flavors of Traditional Cuisine

Spanish cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and rich traditions. When you explore authentic Spanish recipes, you’ll find a variety of dishes that reflect the country’s diverse regions and cultures. Getting to know these authentic recipes allows you to bring a taste of Spain into your own kitchen.

From paella to tortilla Española, each dish tells a story of its origins and the people who made them. As you try these recipes, you can experience the warmth and hospitality that Spanish culture is famous for, making cooking a fun and rewarding adventure.

1) Paella Valenciana

Paella Valenciana is a famous dish from Spain, known for its rich flavors and colorful presentation. This dish is traditionally made with rice, saffron, and a mix of proteins. Chicken and rabbit are common, giving it a unique taste.

To start, you’ll want to use a paella pan for the best results. These pans allow the rice to cook evenly and develop a nice crust on the bottom.

The key ingredients are rice, chicken, rabbit, green beans, tomatoes, saffron, and olive oil. Don’t forget the spices, as they really enhance the dish!

Ingredients

• 1 cup bomba rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 rabbit, cut into pieces
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon saffron
• 4 cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a paella pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Add chicken and rabbit; cook until browned.
3. Stir in green beans and tomato.
4. Add the rice, saffron, and broth; stir to combine.
5. Cook without stirring for about 20 minutes.
6. Let it rest before serving.

2) Tortilla Española

Tortilla Española, also known as Spanish omelette, is a popular dish in Spain. It is made with simple ingredients: eggs, potatoes, and onion. This dish is savory and can be enjoyed any time of day.

To make it, you’ll need to slice the potatoes and onions. Then, cook them in olive oil until soft. Mix them with beaten eggs and cook in a frying pan until set. A golden crust is key to a delicious tortilla.

You can serve it hot or cold, making it flexible for meals or snacks.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 3 medium potatoes
• 1 large onion
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes and onion.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Cook the potatoes and onions until soft, about 15 minutes.
4. Drain excess oil and mix with beaten eggs.
5. Pour the mixture back into the skillet.
6. Cook until set on one side, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 5-7 minutes.
8. Serve warm or allow to cool before slicing.

3) Gazpacho Andaluz

Gazpacho Andaluz is a refreshing cold soup that hails from Spain’s Andalusia region. It is made with fresh ingredients, making it perfect for hot days. This dish is flavorful and easy to prepare.

You will need ripe tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and bread for texture. The soup is typically served chilled, highlighting the bright flavors of the vegetables.

To make it, blend your ingredients until smooth and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Serve it with crunchy toppings like diced vegetables or croutons for added texture.

Ingredients

• 10 ripe tomatoes
• 1 small cucumber
• 1 small green bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Optional: bread for thickness

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper.
2. Add all ingredients to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Serve cold, topped with diced veggies if desired.

4) Patatas Bravas

Patatas bravas are a popular Spanish dish of crispy fried potatoes. They are often served as a tapa, meaning they are perfect for sharing. The potatoes are cut into cubes, fried until golden, and paired with a spicy sauce.

To make them, you need solid potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward. You can fry them, or for a healthier option, bake them in the oven.

The sauce, called salsa brava, usually contains tomatoes, garlic, and spices. It gives delightful heat and flavor to the potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 kg potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward)
• 50 ml light olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 head of garlic
• 1-2 tsp paprika
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cube the potatoes.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/180°C).
3. Fry the potatoes until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
4. In another pan, sauté garlic, then add tomatoes and paprika.
5. Cook for 10 minutes to make the salsa brava.
6. Serve the hot potatoes with the sauce on top.

5) Churros with Chocolate

Churros with chocolate is a classic Spanish treat that many love. These fried dough sticks are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are usually sprinkled with sugar and served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce.

To make churros, you’ll need a simple dough made from flour, water, sugar, and butter. After frying them, dip the churros in the warm, thick chocolate for an indulgent experience.

This dessert is popular in Spain, particularly for breakfast. Enjoying churros with chocolate is a delightful way to savor Spanish culture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat water, sugar, salt, and butter until it boils.
2. Stir in the flour until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
4. Pipe the dough into the oil and fry until golden brown.
5. Melt chocolate with milk in a pan to create the dipping sauce.
6. Serve churros hot with chocolate sauce. Enjoy!

6) Fabada Asturiana

Fabada Asturiana is a delicious Spanish stew from the Asturias region. It features white beans, often called fabes, along with a variety of pork. This dish is hearty and perfect for chilly days.

You will usually find chorizo and blood sausage in this stew. These meats add rich flavors that make this dish stand out. The dish is simple to prepare and is filling enough for a cozy dinner.

To make Fabada, you slow-cook the beans and meats together. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a great way to experience authentic Spanish cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) white beans (fabes)
• 8 ounces (225g) chorizo
• 8 ounces (225g) blood sausage (morcilla)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) water

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak beans overnight in water.
2. Drain beans and place them in a large pot.
3. Add meats, onion, garlic, and water to the pot.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer.
5. Cook for about 2 hours until beans are tender.
6. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper before serving.

7) Pulpo a la Gallega

Pulpo a la Gallega is a classic Spanish dish from Galicia. It features tender octopus, perfectly cooked and seasoned to bring out its natural flavors. The dish is often served on a wooden platter.

To prepare, you will need fresh octopus, boiled potatoes, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Drizzle the octopus with olive oil and finish with coarse salt for that authentic taste.

This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to impress your friends at your next dinner party.

Ingredients

• 1 octopus (about 2 kg)
• 1 kg of potatoes
• Coarse salt
• Smoked paprika (pimentón)
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the octopus and simmer for about 25-30 minutes.
3. Remove the octopus and let it cool.
4. Slice the octopus into rounds.
5. Boil the potatoes until tender, then slice them.
6. Arrange the potatoes and octopus on a platter.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika and salt.

8) Albóndigas in Tomato Sauce

Albóndigas are tasty Spanish meatballs that are often enjoyed in a rich tomato sauce. They are perfect for a cozy meal or as part of a tapas spread.

To make them, you will combine ground meat with spices, form them into balls, and cook them in a flavorful sauce. This dish is not only comforting but also full of flavor.

You can serve Albóndigas with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. They are great for sharing and will surely impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into small balls.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
4. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides.
5. Add tomato sauce to the pan and let simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

9) Romesco Sauce

Romesco sauce is a flavorful dip from Catalonia, Spain. It has roasted tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. This sauce adds a delicious twist to many dishes.

You can serve Romesco with grilled meats, fish, or even vegetables. It pairs well with anything you want to give a hearty flavor. Making it is simple and quick.

The mixture is usually blended until smooth, creating a rich and nutty texture. You can adjust the ingredients based on your taste.

Ingredients

• 3 medium tomatoes
• 1 head of garlic
• 2 ñora peppers (or substitute with dried peppers)
• 1/2 cup almonds or hazelnuts
• 1 slice of bread (optional)
• Olive oil
• Vinegar
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast the tomatoes and garlic in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
2. Soak the ñora peppers in hot water until soft, then remove seeds.
3. In a blender, combine roasted tomatoes, garlic, soaked peppers, nuts, and bread.
4. Add olive oil, vinegar, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth.

10) Empanadas Gallegas

Empanadas Gallegas are a delicious Spanish dish from the region of Galicia. They are savory pies filled with a mix of meat, fish, or vegetables, wrapped in a flaky crust. This dish is often enjoyed as a snack or main meal.

To make them, you will need flour, olive oil, and various fillings like tuna, onions, and peppers. These pies are perfect for sharing with friends and family at gatherings.

Ingredients

• 500g plain flour
• 100ml olive oil
• 100ml white wine
• 100ml whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• Filling (tuna, peppers, onions, or other ingredients)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Then, add olive oil, white wine, and milk.
3. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth.
4. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
5. Now, prepare the filling ingredients.
6. After, roll out the dough and cut it into circles.
7. Place the filling on one half of the circle.
8. Then, fold and seal the edges.
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
10. Enjoy your empanadas!