If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, then Spain is the place to be. From Paella to Churros, the country is home to some of the most delicious and unique dishes in the world. Here are 10 of the best foods to eat in Spain that you simply must try:
10- Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that is sure to please. It is a savory mix of rice, vegetables, and seafood. The rice is cooked in a flavorful broth, and the vegetables and seafood are added to the mix. The result is a delicious and filling meal. To make the perfect paella, start with a good quality Spanish-style rice. Add a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers. For the seafood, use mussels, shrimp, and squid. Finish by adding some saffron and a pinch of salt. Cook the paella slowly over low heat until the rice is tender. Serve with a dollop of aioli and a glass of Spanish wine. Enjoy the flavors of Spain with this classic dish!
9- Gazpacho
Gazpacho, a traditional Spanish soup, is a must-try for any food lover visiting Spain. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, and olive oil, it’s a refreshing and flavorful summer dish. The soup is usually served cold, making it an ideal snack on a hot day. For a more filling meal, you can add bread or hard-boiled eggs. For a truly Spanish experience, pair the gazpacho with a glass of sangria or a cold beer. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a mid-day snack, gazpacho is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that you won’t want to miss.
8- Croquetas
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Croquetas are a delicious Spanish treat. Perfectly fried to golden perfection, these savory fritters are a must-have for any Spanish feast. Made with a variety of ingredients such as ham, chicken, fish, cheese, and vegetables, croquetas can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal. The classic version is usually made with bechamel sauce, which is a creamy white sauce made with butter and flour. The croqueta is then coated in breadcrumbs and fried in hot oil.
The result is a crunchy and flavorful delight. For a more adventurous version, try a version with jamon serrano, the famous Spanish cured ham. With its salty and savory flavor, it adds a unique twist to the classic croqueta. If you’re feeling extra daring, try a version with a wild mushroom or truffle filling. No matter what ingredients you choose, croquetas are sure to be a hit at your next Spanish gathering.
7- Patatas Bravas
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Patatas Bravas are a classic Spanish dish. They are a must-try for any food lover visiting Spain. Made with potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The potatoes are diced and fried until golden-brown. Then, they are topped with a spicy tomato sauce. The combination of the spicy sauce and the crispy potatoes is unbeatable. Enjoy Patatas Bravas with a glass of sangria for a truly Spanish experience. This dish is best when served hot and fresh. The contrast between the hot sauce and the crunchy potatoes is a delight for the senses. For a unique twist, try adding other ingredients such as chorizo, bacon, and onions. Patatas Bravas are perfect for a snack or as a side dish to a larger meal. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, you’re sure to be delighted by this classic Spanish dish.
6- Jamón Ibérico
Jamón Ibérico, a type of cured ham, is a must-try when visiting Spain. Originating in the Iberian Peninsula, the ham is made from pigs that are fed a natural diet of acorns, herbs, and grasses. This unique diet makes the pork incredibly flavorful and rich in color. The curing process is long and complex, and involves rubbing the ham with salt, aging it, and then air-drying it for up to three years. The result is a flavourful, delicately textured piece of meat that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. Jamón Ibérico is often served as a tapa, thinly sliced and served alongside olives, cheese, and crusty bread. It can also be used as an ingredient in dishes such as paella and tortilla española. No visit to Spain is complete without trying Jamón Ibérico!
5- Churros
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Churros are a delicious snack found throughout Spain. Made of deep-fried dough and sprinkled with sugar, they are a traditional treat that no trip to Spain is complete without. Originating in Spain, churros are a popular breakfast food, but they can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether dipped in hot chocolate or enjoyed on their own, churros make a delicious snack. To experience the best churros in Spain, head to a churrería, which is a cafe specializing in churros and hot chocolate.
Here, you can enjoy freshly-made churros that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can also find these tasty treats in most bakeries and cafes. For an even more unique experience, try the churros rellenos, which are filled with a creamy custard or chocolate. But whatever way you choose to have them, churros are sure to be a highlight of your trip to Spain.
4- Tortilla Española
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Tortilla Española is one of the most popular dishes in Spain. It’s a savory potato-based dish made with eggs, onions, and olive oil. It’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. To make a traditional Tortilla Española, start by slicing the potatoes into thin rounds. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the potatoes and onions. Cook until the potatoes are slightly browned and the onions are softened. Beat the eggs in a bowl, then add the potatoes and onions. Cook until the eggs are set, then use a spatula to flip the omelette. Cook on the other side until it’s golden brown. Serve the Tortilla Española warm or cold; it’s delicious either way. Enjoy it with a side of fresh tomatoes and a glass of Spanish red wine. Bon appetit!
3- Calamari
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If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, then you must try the calamari in Spain. This exquisite dish is made using fresh squid, fried to perfection and served with a variety of sauces and sides. Calamari is a classic Spanish dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.The squid is lightly battered, giving it a light and crisp texture. The flavor is subtle and delicate, yet full of complexity. The outer layer of the calamari is crunchy and the interior is tender and juicy.
The sauce that accompanies the dish is usually a combination of garlic, olive oil, white wine and herbs. This creates a rich, flavorful combination that will have you coming back for more.Not only is calamari in Spain delicious, but it is also healthy. Also Squid is low in fat and a great source of protein. Plus, it is an excellent source of vitamin B-12, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.
2- Pulpo a la Gallega
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Pulpo a la Gallega is an iconic Spanish dish featuring boiled octopus served with potatoes, paprika, and olive oil. Deliciously savory and deeply satisfying, it’s a must-have when visiting Spain. To get the best experience, start by selecting the freshest octopus possible. Boil it until tender, and then cut into bite-sized pieces. Mix with boiled potatoes, a generous sprinkle of flavorful paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm and enjoy the unique taste of Pulpo a la Gallega! It’s a classic Spanish dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. For an even bigger flavor kick, add some garlic cloves or a splash of white wine. Whatever you do, don’t forget to savor every bite. Pulpo a la Gallega is a dish that’s sure to take your taste buds on a culinary journey around Spain.
1- Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al Ajillo, a classic Spanish tapa, is one of the best dishes to eat in Spain. Made from garlic, chili peppers, and shrimp, it is a savory and flavorful dish. To start, the shrimp are sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers. The garlic and peppers give the shrimp a nice spicy kick. The shrimp is then cooked until it is crispy and cooked through. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please. To ensure the best flavor, it is important to use fresh shrimp and high-quality olive oil. To top it off, the dish is often served with fresh lemon wedges, adding a touch of acidity to balance the flavors. Gambas al Ajillo is a delicious and easy-to-make Spanish tapa that is sure to please.
