Famous Spanish Cuisines 
Ideas and Recipes

Spanish cuisine is known for its diversity and cultural influence. People in Spain are passionate about their food and enjoy long meals with family and friends. Spanish cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, African, and Arabic influences.

The most famous Spanish dishes are paella, tortilla Española, gazpacho, and croquetas. Paella is a traditional rice dish with saffron and different types of seafood or meat. Tortilla Española is a traditional omelet made with potatoes, onions, and eggs. Gazpacho is a cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and bread. Croquetas are fried balls or cylinders filled with ham, cheese, or chicken.

In addition to these famous dishes, Spain is also renowned for its cured meats, cheeses, and wines. The Iberian ham (Jamón Ibérico) is a delicacy enjoyed by Spaniards and visitors alike. Other cured meats include chorizo and salami. Spanish cheeses like Manchego and Mahón are popular worldwide.

Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, there are plenty of Spanish recipes you can try at home. Here are some popular Spanish recipes you can try:

Patatas Bravas

Crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

For the potatoes

- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper

For the sauce

- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, salt and pepper until coated evenly.

3. Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway.

5. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Add in the paprika and cayenne pepper, and stir well.

7. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and lower the heat to medium-low.

8. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

9. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve the potatoes hot with the spicy tomato sauce drizzled on top.

You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for extra flavor and presentation. Enjoy!

Albóndigas

meatballs in tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil for frying

For the tomato sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, parsley and egg.

2. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mix well until all ingredients are combined evenly.

4. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter.

5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

6. Add the meatballs and fry until browned all over, about 5 minutes.

7. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

8. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if necessary.

9. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.

10. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper to the skillet.

11. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes.

12. Add the broth and bring the sauce to a boil.

13. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

14. Add the meatballs back into the skillet with the tomato sauce.

15. Cover the skillet and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.

16. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice or pasta.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Spanish Albóndigas!

Salmorejo

A thicker version of gazpacho, perfect for dipping bread.

Ingredients:

- 4 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and seeded
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (from stale bread)
- Chopped hard-boiled egg and sliced Spanish ham (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cut the tomatoes into large chunks and place them in a blender or food processor.

2. Add the garlic, olive oil, sherry vinegar, and salt to the blender.

3. Puree the mixture until smooth.

4. Add the bread crumbs to the blender and puree again until the mixture is completely smooth.

5. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

6. To serve, ladle the chilled soup into bowls and top with chopped hard-boiled egg and sliced Spanish ham, if desired.

7. Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the top of each bowl.

Enjoy your refreshing and authentic Andalusian Salmorejo!

Pollo al ajillo

Chicken in a garlic and white wine sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 10 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

6. Add the flour to the skillet and stir to combine.

7. Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan.

8. Add the chicken broth, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine.

9. Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the garlic sauce on top of the chicken.

10. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

11. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a serving platter.

12. Bring the garlic sauce to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

13. Pour the garlic sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.

Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic Pollo al Ajillo!

In conclusion, Spain has a rich and diverse culinary heritage, and their foods are full of flavor and passion. With its combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and complex techniques, Spanish cuisine is a feast for the senses. So, why not try some Spanish recipes yourself and experience the passion of Spanish cuisine in your own home? Check out Supermarket Italy’s online grocery store and have your favorite groceries delivered to your door to cook up your favorite Spanish cuisine recipe