If you’re a foodie looking to explore new flavors and cuisines, then Spanish gastronomy should definitely be on your radar.
In this post, we’ll provide 30 examples of the best Spanish recipes, from hearty stews and soups to savory tapas dishes and sweet desserts.
Are you ready to embark on this culinary journey? Then, grab your apron and get ready to discover some of the best Spanish recipes from Andalucia.
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Best Spanish Recipes for Winter
1. Caldo Gallego
Caldo gallego is a tasty and one of the best Spanish recipes for winter from Galicia.
It is usually made using white beans, chopped tomatoes, diced potatoes, turnips, collard greens, some pork meat, and chorizo.
To prepare it at home and get the best Spanish flavors, we just need to boil all these ingredients together for at least two hours.
Caldo gallego is just eaten in winter because it is ideal to warm us up on cold days.
Get the recipe: Healthy Caldo Gallego Soup Recipe
2. Spanish Oxtail Stew Recipe
Rabo de toro estofado is a regional dish from Córdoba. Oxtail stew is characterized by the flavorful and tenderness of its slow-cooked meat.
This stew can be eaten throughout the year because it is not a soupy plate. Its preparation requires searing the oxtails in a saucepan with a splash of olive oil.
Then, we just need to add some diced onions, carrots, red bell peppers, tomato, and wine. It is time to let all these ingredients boil together for 3 hours over low heat.
Get the recipe: Best Spanish Oxtail Stew Recipe
3. Fabada Asturiana Recipe
Fabada asturiana is a typical stew from Asturias, that is enjoyed throughout the year, but it is especially popular during the colder months.
Best Spanish recipes like these are often served as a main course and accompanied by crusty bread and a glass of Asturian cider.
The dish is typically made with large white beans, pork shoulder, chorizo, black pudding, and ham hock or bacon.
The dish is typically slow-cooked, allowing the flavors of the ingredients to meld together and create a rich, hearty dish.
Get the recipe: Comforting Fabada Asturiana Recipe
4. Spanish Fish Soup
Spanish fish soup is a flavorful and hearty dish, often enjoyed as the main course, that is also one of the most popular dishes from Spain.
The exact recipe can vary depending on the region, but common ingredients include onions, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, and fish such as cod, hake, or monkfish.
To prepare it at home, we have to sauté chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes in olive oil.
The last step is to add diced potatoes, fish, and water to the pot.
Get the recipe: Easy Spanish Fish Soup Recipe
5. Spanish Braised Pork Cheeks
Spanish braised pork cheeks are a traditional Spanish dish that is popular in many regions of the country and one of the best Spanish recipes for cold days.
The dish consists of pork cheeks that have been slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce until they are tender and juicy.
We can accompany this dish with some roasted or Spanish mashed potatoes, and a vegetable such as sautéed spinach or roasted carrots.
Get the recipe: Tender Braised Pork Cheeks from Spain
6. Crunchy Spanish Turron
Turrón de Alicante is a traditional Spanish nougat made with raw almonds, honey, sugar, and egg white.
As best Spanish recipes in the dessert category, this treat is served during the Christmas season in Spain.
To prepare it at home, we need to toast the almonds in the oven and beat an egg white.
Then, we should put some sugar and honey in a saucepan and heat over low heat until the liquid boils.
The last step is to pour in the saucepan the whipped egg white and the almonds and mix. Once the turron has hardened, we just have to cut it into pieces and enjoy it.
Get the recipe: Crunchy Spanish Turron – Turrón d’Alicante
7. Pumpkin Chorizo Soup from Spain
Pumpkin chorizo soup is a traditional Spanish cooking recipe from the 19th century that we will find in any Spanish menu.
If we want to cook the best version of this soup, we will have to sautee some onions, garlic, and chorizo in a pot.
After that, we should add some pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder.
This tasty pumpkin chorizo soup is ideal in winter because it is a comforting and delicious meal.
Get the recipe: Irresistible Pumpkin Chorizo Soup from Spain
8. Spanish Bread Soup Recipe
One of the most famous vegetarian Spanish dishes made with bread is sopa de ajo.
To make Spanish bread soup at home, we need to use a few stale slices of bread and soak them in water until soft.
Then, we should pour them inside a pot with some garlic, paprika powder, chicken broth, and olive oil.
Once all the ingredients are ready, we are going to pour them into a food processor to achieve the texture we want.
Spanish bread soup is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a simple and satisfying meal.
Get the recipe: Healthy Spanish Bread Soup Recipe
9. Mantecados from Spain
One of the most popular desserts at Christmas is mantecados, which are similar to shortbread cookies because they have a crumbly texture and a buttery taste.
To homemade the dough, we need to mix flour, sugar, and butter. If we want to improve their flavor, we can just add some cinnamon, lemon zest, or crushed almonds.
Mantecados are often served with other traditional Spanish sweets like polvorones.
Get the recipe: Irresistible Mantecados from Spain (Christmas Cookie Recipe)
Best Spanish Recipes for Spring
10. Spanish Calamari Rings
Calamari rings are one of the tastiest Spanish tapas recipes made from sliced pieces of squid that have been coated in breadcrumbs and then deep-fried until crispy.
These rings are typically served as an appetizer or snack, often accompanied by dipping sauces and is one of the best Spanish recipes to start the spring.
In some regions of Spain, such as Andalusia, calamari is traditionally served as a main course during the Semana Santa festivities.
Get the recipe: Fried Spanish Calamari Recipe
11. Spanish Vegetarian Empanadas
Spanish vegetarian empanadas are typically made by filling a pastry dough with a vegetable mixture that is baked or fried until golden brown.
This filling can vary depending on the region and the season, but some of the most common ingredients are spinach, peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and cheese.
Vegetarian empanadas are a popular dish in Spain, especially in the northern regions of Galicia and Asturias, where they are often served as a snack or a light meal.
Get the recipe: Tasty Vegetarian Empanadas Recipe
12. Chickpea And Spinach Stew
Chickpea and spinach stew is a popular vegetarian dish and one of the best Spanish recipes because it is a hearty and nutritious dish that is also a traditional dish for Easter.
As the name suggests, it is made from chickpeas and spinach, along with a variety of other ingredients such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices.
To make the stew, the chickpeas are first soaked overnight and then cooked until tender. Spinach is added to the pot along with sautéed onions and garlic.
The mixture is then simmered with tomatoes and spices such as cumin, paprika, and turmeric to add flavor.
Get the recipe: Aromatic Spanish Chickpea Stew
13. Bacalao Croquettes
Bacalao was a common food for Spanish sailors during long sea voyages, and it eventually became a popular ingredient in Spanish cuisine.
Today, bacalao croquettes are a classic tapa in Spanish cuisine and are often served in bars and restaurants.
Cod croquettes are fried balls made from codfish, mashed potatoes, and other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and parsley.
The mixture is formed into small balls, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried.
Get the recipe: Best Bacalao Croquettes Recipe Ever
14. Torrijas
Torrijas are a traditional Spanish dessert made from fried slices of stale bread that have been soaked in a mixture of milk, sugar, and eggs.
It’s one of the best Spanish recipes when it come to desserts because they are served at Easter.
This recipe for Torrijas has been a part of Spanish cuisine for centuries, and it is particularly associated with the regions of Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia, where it is eaten particularly during Holy Week.
It is thought that originally torrijas were a way to avoid wasting stale bread.
Get the recipe: Delicious Torrijas Recipe
15. Buñelos De Viento
Buñuelos de viento are a popular dessert or snack during holidays and special occasions, particularly during Christmas and Easter.
The translation of buñuelos de viento is ‘wind fritters’, which refers to their light and airy texture.
To prepare them at home, you need to make the dough by using flour, eggs, and milk. Then, you need to fry them and fill them with whipped cream or custard cream.
Get the recipe: Authentic Spanish Buñuelos Recipe
16. Garbanzos con bacalao
Garbanzos con bacalao is a nutritious and flavorful Spanish lunch often served as a main course, that is popular throughout Spain.
It is particularly eaten in coastal regions where fish is abundant. To make garbanzos con bacalao at home, you need to cook chickpeas till tender with codfish, sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
Best Spanish Recipes for Summer
17. Classic Gazpacho
Spanish gazpacho is a cold soup that originated in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia.
Gazpacho is typically served as a light and refreshing appetizer or as a first course, particularly in summer.
To make gazpacho, we need to blend together some ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, and garlic.
The puree is then combined with olive oil, vinegar, and water, and seasoned with salt and pepper.
The soup should be chilled in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight and once you’ve tasted it you’ll understand why it’s one of the best Spanish recipes for summer.
Get the recipe: Classic Andalusian Gazpacho Recipe
18. Pipirrana Salad
Pipirrana salad is a refreshing and healthy dish from Andalusia, that is often served as a side dish or as a light lunch during the hot summer months.
To prepare this, we just need to chop into small pieces some ripe tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cucumbers, radishes, and carrots.
Then, we will mix all these ingredients together with olive oil, vinegar, and salt.
Get the recipe: Refreshing Pipirrana Salad Recipe
19. Boquerones in Vinagre
Boquerones en vinagre is a traditional Spanish tapa made with marinated anchovy fillets and usually served with some bread or crackers.
To prepare this serving at home, we will have to soak boquerones in vinegar for several hours.
Then, the fillets are drained and marinated in olive oil, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.
Get the recipe: Boquerones en Vinagre from Spain
20. Spanish Flan Recipe
Spanish flan is a creamy custard dessert with caramel topping for which you only need a few ingredients, like eggs, milk, and sugar.
The Spanish flan is a dessert similar to creme brulee or panna cotta and it’s usually baked in a water bath to ensure its famous creamy and silky texture.
Once baked, the flan is chilled in the refrigerator overnight because it should be eaten cold to make the most of its flavor.
Get the recipe: Homemade Spanish Flan Recipe
21. Tinto De Verano
Tinto de verano is a popular Spanish drink, particularly in the southern regions during hot summer days. It is often enjoyed while eating some traditional tapas or grilled meats.
This refreshing alcoholic drink is made with red wine, carbonated water, and lemon or lime juice.
It is usually served in big jars to share with lots of ice cubes to keep this fruity drink cold.
Get the recipe: Easy Tinto De Verano Recipe
22. Espetos Recipe – Grilled Sardines
Espetos are a traditional Spanish seafood dish typical of Malaga.
These are an important part of the culinary heritage of Andalusia and are closely tied to the region’s cultural traditions and way of life.
Espetos are called moragas in Cádiz and aspetus in Galicia.
Espetos are skewered sardines that are cooked over an open flame, usually on the beach sand, on a long and thin stick, making the the best Spanish recipes for summertime.
The fish used to make the espetos must be inside an ice box for an hour to ensure they don’t get broken when you cook them.
Get the recipe: Espetos Recipe – Andalucia’s Tasty Grilled Sardines
23. Watermelon Gazpacho
Watermelon gazpacho is a modern twist on the traditional Spanish gazpacho, which is an ideal Spanish dinner.
It is a delicious, refreshing, and healthy alternative to traditional soups and salads.
If we want to make this at home, we must blend some watermelon, cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato.
Then, we just have to place the mixture inside the refrigerator and serve it when it is cold.
Get the recipe: Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe
Best Spanish Recipes for Autumn
24. Chorizo Paella
Chorizo paella is the best Spanish food made with rice and it can be considered a flavorful variation of the classic paella.
To prepare this at home, we will need a paellero, which is a large shallow pan.
Inside the paellero, we will place some rice, chorizo, chicken, shrimp, mussels, and peas and we will let those ingredients boil together in meat or fish broth until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
To get the perfect rice texture, you will need to use double the volume of stock than rice.
Get the recipe: Rich Chorizo Paella Recipe from Spain
25. Pumpkin Flan Cake from Spain
Spanish pumpkin flan cake, also known as flan de calabaza, combines a pumpkin cake base with a layer of flan.
As pumpkins are harvested in autumn and winter, it is a seasonal dessert that will definitely impress our guests.
If we want to cook it at home, we will have to prepare a pumpkin cake base that we will top with a mixture of eggs, condensed milk, pumpkin puree, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg blended together to create the flan layer.
Get the recipe: Tasty Pumpkin Flan Cake from Spain
26. Albondigas
Albóndigas are meatballs made with ground beef, pork, or a combination of both, along with other ingredients such as breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and sometimes rice.
These Spanish meatballs are served with a flavorful and tasty tomato sauce and you can Albondigas can prepare them either as a main course or as tapas.
To make them, we need to place the albóndigas in a frying pan and when these are well-cooked, we can add some tomato sauce.
Get the recipe: Albondigas – Spanish Meatballs Recipe
27. Spanish Chestnut Soup
Sopa de castañas is a warm and creamy soup typical of Galicia and Asturias. This is a seasonal soup because chestnuts can just be eaten in autumn.
To prepare Spanish chestnut soup, we need to roast and peel some chestnuts. Then, we have to boil them with diced onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes.
After that, these ingredients should be blended all together and seasoned with salt and pepper.
Following these simple steps, we will get a great starter or a light main course.
Get the recipe: Comforting Spanish Chestnut Soup
28. Huesos De Santos
Huesos de Santo, which means ‘Saint’s Bones’, is a traditional bone-shaped Spanish dessert that is commonly served during the All Saints’ Day celebration in Spain.
This pastry consists of a long tube-shaped marzipan, which is filled with sweetened egg yolks or sweet potato.
One of the best things about huesos de santo is that these are gluten and lactose-free because their only ingredients are: sugar, almonds, eggs, and sweet potatoes.
Get the recipe: Huesos de Santo Recipe [Easy Spanish Saint’s Bones]
29. Pestinos
Pestiños is a popular dessert in many regions of Spain, particularly in Andalusia, where they are often enjoyed alongside other traditional Christmas treats such as polvorones and mantecados.
If we are willing to prepare the best Spanish pestiños we will need to mix flour, olive oil, and anise liqueur.
The resulting dough is rolled out and cut into small diamond-shaped pieces.
We can serve it with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and our guests will definitely fall in love with this dessert!
Get the recipe: Delicious Pestiños Recipe
30. Spanish Migas Recipe
Migas is a popular Spanish dish from rural areas of Spain, which was supposed to avoid wasting leftover bread.
To elaborate migas at home, we will have to moisten with water some bread crumbs.
After that, we need to fry them along with diced garlic, chorizo, peppers, and other vegetables.
In Andalusia, migas is often made with chorizo and peppers, while in Castilla y León, it is commonly served with fried eggs and bacon.
In Catalonia, migas may be made with a variety of meats and vegetables, including mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.
Get the recipe: Traditional Spanish Migas Recipe
Short FAQ about One Year of Best Spanish Recipes
What is Spanish traditional food?
Traditional Spanish food consists of a wide variety of dishes that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Easy Spanish dishes include classic servings such as potato omelet, gazpacho, and paella.
What are 4 popular Spanish dishes?
Four popular Spanish dishes are croquetas, patatas bravas, gazpacho, and meatballs.
These Spanish starters are easily found in bars and restaurants in all major cities.
What is a typical dinner in Spain?
Spanish dinners often begin with a variety of small plates called tapas, which can include cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other appetizers.
The main course typically includes a meat or seafood dish served with vegetables or rice, followed by dessert and coffee.
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