Kitchens around the world
Spanish Recipes
Olive oil, garlic, and smoky paprika. Spanish recipes bring shareable plates and hearty one-pot meals to your table.
About Spanish
Spanish cooking uses olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, saffron, and smoked paprika. Rice, beans, potatoes, seafood, and cured meats are common. Small plates called tapas are made for sharing.
Many dishes are cooked in one pan or pot, like paella and stews. Spanish flavors are smoky and savory, which sets them apart from the herb-forward Greek and Italian styles. It also sits apart from Mexican food, although the two share some history.
Questions folks ask
What is paella?
Paella is a rice dish cooked in a wide pan with saffron and meat, seafood, or vegetables.
What are tapas?
Tapas are small dishes served to share, like potatoes, olives, or little bites of meat or seafood.
Is Spanish food the same as Mexican food?
No. They are different cuisines with their own ingredients and flavors, though they share some history.
Kitchen tips
- Use real smoked paprika, which gives a deeper flavor than regular.
- Don't stir paella once the rice is simmering, so a crisp layer can form.
- Cook garlic gently so it doesn't burn.
- Use a wide, shallow pan for rice dishes.
- Let tortilla rest a few minutes before slicing.