Traditional Spanish Recipes
It’s no surprise that Spanish cuisine is renowned around the world. From paella to churros, there’s something for everyone. Spain has a rich tapestry of culture and tradition, which is why some of its dishes have been around for centuries. Here’s a selection of traditional Spanish recipes your whole family will love.
Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a classic Spanish dish that originates from the region of Andalusia in southern Spain. This cold soup is refreshing and packed full of flavour, making it an ideal meal for the summer months. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes
– 1 red pepper
– 1 Spanish onion
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 3 slices of bread
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 2 tablespoons of sherry vinegar
– ½ cucumber
– 2 cups of cold water
Instructions:
1. Roughly chop the tomatoes, pepper, onion and garlic and place in a blender or food processor.
2. Break up the bread and add to the blender along with the olive oil, salt and sherry vinegar.
3. Peel and finely dice the cucumber and add to the blender.
4. Blend the ingredients until they form a paste.
5. Add the cold water and blend again until a smooth texture is achieved.
6. Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover and leave to chill in the fridge for one hour.
7. Serve chilled and garnish with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and some chopped chives.
Enjoy!
Tortilla Española
Tortilla Española, or Spanish omelette, is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is traditionally made with just eggs, potatoes and onion, fried in olive oil, and makes a great side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 potatoes, diced
– 1 large onion, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan.
3. Add the potatoes and onion and cook over a medium heat until soft and golden.
4. Lower the heat and pour in the eggs.
5. Move the pan around to ensure the egg covers the entire surface.
6. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10-15 minutes.
7. When the egg has set, slide the tortilla onto a plate and flip over to cook the other side.
8. Place onto a large plate and cut into wedges.
Enjoy!
Cochinillo Asado
Cochinillo Asado is a roasted suckling pig, which is very popular in Spain as it is traditionally cooked for special occasions. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
– 1 whole suckling pig (around 2kg)
– 500ml white wine
– 2 tablespoons of salt
– 2 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper
– 4 bay leaves
– 2 tablespoons of dried thyme
– 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary
– 6 cloves of garlic, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. Wash the pig and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place the pig in a large roasting dish.
4. Mix together the white wine, salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, garlic and olive oil and pour over the pig.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 1-1.5 hours, basting with the cooking juices from time to time.
6. To test if the pig is cooked, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the meat – if the juices run clear, then it’s cooked.
7. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Spanish cuisine has so much to offer, from simple dishes like Gazpacho, to more sophisticated ones like Cochinillo Asado. These traditional recipes will bring a taste of Spain into your home and delight your taste buds too. Buen provecho!
