Spaniards love to eat, and anyone who has ever spent some time in Spain, either on holiday or living in the country, will know that socialising around the table with Spanish cuisine is a big part of life. So, if you want to bring the flavours of Spain to your home and dine like a Spaniard, these traditional Spanish dishes are a great place to start. Let’s have a look at 7 easy Spanish recipes to make at home so that you don't have to miss out on traditional Spanish food. Dine at home like a pro with this easy Spanish dishes!
Easy Spanish recipes
Easy Spanish recipes offer a delightful way to explore the rich flavours and culinary traditions of Spain. From simple tapas to hearty comfort food, these dishes highlight fresh ingredients and bold seasonings. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, these recipes bring the warmth and vibrancy of Spanish cuisine straight to your kitchen, making it easy to enjoy authentic Spanish meals at home.
Pan con tomate
This beloved Spanish breakfast, often enjoyed in local bars and cafés, is simple to recreate in the comfort of your home. Made with just bread, olive oil, tomatoes, and a pinch of salt, it’s the perfect quick and satisfying dish. Start by drizzling extra virgin olive oil over toasted bread, then generously spread a mixture of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and salt. For an added touch, include some Spanish ham. To complete the experience, enjoy it with a rich café con leche for an authentic Spanish breakfast at home.
Tortilla de patatas
Bring the authentic flavours of Spain into your kitchen with a traditional Tortilla de Patatas, a classic Spanish omelette that’s both simple and delicious. Made with just a few ingredients—potatoes, eggs, olive oil, and salt—this dish is a staple in Spanish homes and can easily be recreated at home. While some variations include onions, chorizo, peppers, or cheese, purists argue that the simplest version is the most authentic.
To prepare, slice or cube the potatoes (and onions if you prefer), then fry them gently in olive oil until golden but not fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the pan, sprinkle with salt, and let them cool slightly. Beat the eggs, then mix them with the potatoes. Return the mixture to the pan with a bit more oil, allowing it to cook gently. Flip the omelette to ensure both sides are golden and firm. In just a few steps, you’ll have a perfect Tortilla de Patatas to enjoy with family and friends.
Croquetas
Creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside—there's nothing quite like a traditional Spanish croquette! While Spain offers a variety of croquetas, from cod to mushroom, the Iberian ham croquette stands out as the most iconic. The rich, salty ham blends perfectly with the creamy béchamel filling, creating a delicious bite. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients like flour, milk, ham, onions, butter, oil, eggs, breadcrumbs, and a touch of nutmeg for seasoning.
The process is straightforward, though a bit time-consuming. Start by making a thick béchamel sauce with fried onions, flour, butter, milk, and nutmeg for seasoning. Once the sauce has cooled, shape it into croquette logs and coat them in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Fry the croquettes in hot oil until golden and crispy, and you'll have one of Spain's most beloved tapas to enjoy.
Migas de pan
Migas, a dish with humble origins, was once a hearty breakfast for impoverished farmers due to its high energy content. Today, it is more commonly served as a lunchtime starter.
The name "migas" translates to "breadcrumbs," reflecting the dish’s main ingredient: stale bread. This simple recipe can be made with pantry staples, traditionally including garlic, chorizo, and red or green peppers. The preparation is quick and easy: crumble the stale bread, lightly moisten it with water, and fry it in olive oil with your chosen ingredients. For an authentic Spanish touch, top the dish with a softly fried egg or some fresh grapes to complete the experience.
Patatas Bravas
If there’s one quintessential tapa in Spain, alongside the tortilla de patatas, it’s patatas bravas. A staple in bars and at social gatherings, this dish pairs perfectly with both beer and wine. While every bar and restaurant might offer a slightly different version, the core of patatas bravas remains the same: crispy potatoes topped with a flavourful red or orange sauce with a hint of spice. Though you can easily buy bravas sauce at the supermarket, making your own at home will elevate the dish to a whole new level.
So, what goes into bravas sauce? True to the simplicity of Spanish cooking, the ingredients are basic, and the sauce is quick to prepare. The most authentic recipes call for olive oil, salt, pimentón (smoked paprika), stock, and a touch of flour for thickening. Contrary to popular belief, the classic sauce doesn’t contain tomato. To make it, heat the flour with paprika and salt, then gradually add the olive oil until the sauce takes on a rich orange hue. Stir in the stock and simmer until thickened. Pour this delicious sauce over crispy fried potatoes and enjoy one of Spain’s most beloved dishes right at home.
Berenjenas fritas con miel
Fried aubergine with honey, sometimes drizzled with balsamic vinegar, is a popular dish in Spain, often served as a tapa or starter. Known as berenjenas fritas con miel, it offers a delightful mix of sweet and savoury flavours that’s easy to prepare at home.
To make this crispy dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients: aubergine, milk, salt, pepper, flour, olive oil, and honey. Start by cutting the aubergine into sticks or rounds and soaking them in milk for about 30 minutes to reduce bitterness. After drying, coat them in flour, salt, and pepper, then fry in olive oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and drizzle with honey. Serve immediately for a simple yet delicious Spanish treat!
Arroz con leche
To finish your traditional Spanish feast, nothing beats a sweet touch like arroz con leche, Spain’s take on rice pudding. When it comes to famous Spanish desserts, this creamy, comforting dish is undoubtedly near the top.
Arroz con leche combines the perfect balance of cinnamon, sugar, silky rice, and a hint of citrus. Everyone loves rice pudding, and in Spain, each region has its own variation, all claiming to be the best.
This dessert is easy to make with ingredients like rice, milk, sugar, and spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon for an authentic flavour. Simply bring the milk to a boil with the cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon, then gradually add the rice and sugar. Let the mixture simmer until the rice is tender and the pudding is rich and creamy. Arroz con leche is the perfect dessert for the whole family to enjoy.
What is a normal Spanish dinner?
A typical Spanish dinner is often a lighter, more relaxed affair compared to lunch, with meals typically served later in the evening—usually around 9 or 10 pm. It often consists of smaller dishes rather than a large, formal meal. A typical Spanish dinner might include a variety of tapas such as jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, or tortilla de patatas, followed by a simple main dish like grilled fish, a light salad, or a small portion of paella.
Spanish dinner party menu
Want to put your Spanish cooking skills to the test? What better way to host your friends for a Spanish themed dinner party. A Spanish dinner party menu offers a delightful journey through the rich and varied flavours of Spain. Start with a selection of tapas mentioned above, such as patatas bravas, tortilla de patatas, and crispy berenjenas fritas con miel to whet your guests' appetites. For the main course, serve a classic paella or a rich lamb tagine, paired with a refreshing salad. Finish the meal with a sweet treat like arroz con leche or churros con chocolate. Don’t forget to complement the meal with Spanish wines, such as a crisp Albariño or a robust Rioja, for the perfect touch of authenticity.