Thinking of serving classic tapas for appetizers or as a main dish? Or do you just want to whip up something quick that’s packed with authentic Spanish flavors? We got you covered with this list of easy and traditional Spanish recipes — take your pick and try them in the comfort of your own home!
Spanish cuisine can be characterized by dishes packed with complex flavors — it feels like a smack in the face. 🙂
While common ingredients like sherry vinegar and smoked paprika are used in the entire country, expect to see variations in how each region (or town) prepares these classic Spanish dishes.
Oh! If you’re thinking you can’t try some of these Spanish recipes because sherry vinegar is not available where you live? No problem — check out these excellent sherry vinegar substitutes.
Traditional Spanish Appetizers (Tapas)
Pimientos de Padron (Spanish Fried Padron Peppers)
These are peppers that grow in Galicia, the Northwestern part of Spain. Depending on the month, we were told that these peppers can be spicy or mild.
The good ones that I’ve tried are so mild (and delicious!); one serving of this classic Spanish dish is not enough for me.
A word of caution, though. These are best served straight out of the pan, so be careful; they can be HOT!
Another appetizer that can be served at room temperature
There is no need for you to wait for the mushroom season to enjoy this Spanish dish. Button mushrooms (also known as champignons) would always turn out great.
Pair this with grilled meat and some wine, and you’re good to go.
If you’ve been to Barcelona, this is probably the first Spanish tapa you have been served (aside from Jamon Iberico).
Customarily served with aioli, patatas bravas are fried potatoes served with a punchy, flavor-packed sauce (bravas).
These potatoes are traditionally parboiled, then fried till you get those crunchy edges.
The best part of preparing this classic Spanish dish at home is controlling how spicy or smoky you want the sauce to be. Yum!
Spanish Marinated Eggplant and Peppers
A perfect balance of smoky and sweet is what you get from this dish.
Spanish marinated eggplant and peppers is one of those appetizers that kicks-off your taste buds for the entire meal.
Best enjoyed at room temperature, with slices of crusty bread.
Easy Spanish Dinner Recipes
Pollo al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Chicken)
Are you one of those garlic-haters? This dish might change your mind.
Once mixed with sherry, the garlic becomes sweet, with the flavor of the herbs.
I’ve seen pollo all ajillo served as an appetizer, but I prefer to have it as a main dish — the critical point is to keep the bones in the chicken.
You don’t believe me? Give it a try and see for yourself. 🙂
You simply cannot ask for better comfort food than this.
Fall-off-the-bone meat and covered in thick, creamy, slightly sweet sauce. You must try it to judge for yourself.
Oh! Make sure you’ve got tons of bread with every plate of Spanish beef stew — trust me, you’ll need it!
Spanish Sweet & Sticky Chicken Wings
I dare you not to lick your fingers when eating these wings. 🙂
Unlike most of the savory dishes on the list, you need to use the sweet type of sherry for making Spanish sweet and sticky wings.
Coated with the sweet goodness of the sherry and the smokiness of the paprika, you will not be able to stop eating these chicken wings.
Get those table wipes ready!
Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach and Chickpeas)
More common in the Andalucía region of Spain, I usually enjoy this tapa as a light lunch or dinner at home.
It doesn’t matter if you use baby spinach or regular spinach for this traditional Spanish recipe; the outcome would always be deliciously filling.
The garbanzos take on all the flavor of the smoked paprika and the sherry vinegar — pure contrast of flavor and texture in every bite.
Spanish Chorizo and Chickpea Stew
You would think that you’ve been simmering this dish for hours because of the explosion of flavors.
Nope, this chorizo and chickpea stew only takes thirty minutes to cook.
Perfect for those weeknights that you are just too tired and hungry to prepare anything — an easy Spanish recipe that delivers a punch. Simply delicious.
Authentic Spanish Sweets
Magdalenas (Traditional Spanish Muffins)
Traditionally served for breakfast, these Spanish cupcakes are also great for snacks or light dessert.
And don’t worry, you don’t need to look for special ingredients to prepare these magdalenas. I bet you already have them in your pantry at this very moment.
With a handful of kitchen staples, a bit of resting time, and you can all enjoy these soft, delicious, lemon-packed Spanish muffins.
Polvorones (Spanish Christmas Cookies)
These are traditional Christmas cookies that are made from ground, blanched almonds.
Nah, just do what I do and make them the whole year-round.
They’re so good, you would not be able to wait until Christmas to have them. 🙂
So, what are you waiting for? Give these traditional Spanish recipes a try now!
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