If you can’t holiday in Spain, the next best thing is cooking yourself up a delicious homemade Spanish feast. Spanish cuisine is famous for its hearty flavours and use of fresh produce. Replicating famous Spanish dishes is reasonably easy to do in your own home, and your friends and family will love you for it!
Read on to learn a little more about the Spanish philosophy behind food and discover some simple recipes you can try yourself at home, like patatas bravas — or potatoes with a spicy brava sauce.
The story behind Spanish food
Spanish food is quite varied and has been influenced over thousands of years by the many travellers who have passed through the country. Today, you can still see the influence of the Greeks, Romans, and those who came from the Middle East.
Spain is a fertile land for crops. National dishes prize fresh food and strong, vibrant flavours. With extensive coastlines, seafood also plays a major role in many traditional meals.
Spanish settlers arriving in North and South America brought ingredients back to their homeland that are now associated with Spanish cuisine. Capsicums, tomatoes, and peppers are not native to Spain but these ingredients immediately spring to mind when we think of Spanish food.
As is the case with many European countries, Spanish food is also about sharing conversation and experiences with family and friends.
Traditional Spanish meals
Upon visiting a restaurant in Spain, you would expect to see any of the following meals:
Paella: Perhaps the best known Spanish dish, paella is a rice dish that originates in Valencia. Paella may include chicken, seafood, and vegetables, but the most important ingredient is the rice spiced with saffron.
Patatas bravas: Tapas is the broad term used to describe finger food in Spain. It’s often served at bars to accompany alcohol or as an entree in restaurants. Perhaps the most popular tapas meal is patatas bravas, which is fried potatoes served with a spicy brava sauce. Delicious!
Pisto: You’ve heard of ratatouille but have you heard of its Spanish counterpart, pisto? Pisto is a hearty vegetable soup that usually includes onion, garlic, capsicum, zucchini, tomato, and sometimes fried eggs or chorizo.
Tortilla espanola: Also known as a Spanish omelette, few dishes are as simple as this one. Simply combine potato and onion in the fry pan, add some beaten eggs and top with your choice of chorizo, ham, spinach, and fresh herbs for a tasty lunch option.
Churros: If you’re looking for a traditional sweet dish to end your feast with, churros are definitely the answer. The dough is simple, made from only flour, water and salt. The bite-sized fingers are fried, covered in sugar and cinnamon, and served with a side of hot chocolate. Yum!
Patatas bravas recipe
We thought we’d finish up with a simple recipe for potato bravas that will have your family and friends begging for more! Serve with a selection of Spanish beers and wine for the true tapas experience.
Ingredients:
- 1kg potatoes
- Jar of brava sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200℃.
- Peel your potatoes and rinse thoroughly, drying with a paper towel.
- Cut your potatoes into small bite-sized pieces.
- Add the potatoes to an oven dish and coat with plenty of oil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for approximately 45 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving with a side of brava sauce — enjoy!
With thousands of Spanish recipes out there for you to try, have fun exploring this hearty and delicious cuisine.
