If there’s one thing Spain knows how to do better than most, it’s cooking food that hits the soul.
Spanish recipes bring together rustic flavors, bold spices, and hearty ingredients that tell stories of grandmothers’ kitchens, countryside gatherings, and seaside memories.
The food is colorful, punchy, and packed with flavor—and honestly, once you try it, there’s no going back.
We picked out some of the best Spanish recipes you need to try at least once in your life.
Whether you’re after something cozy, like a slow-cooked stew, or you’re craving a sunny seafood dish that makes you feel like you’re lounging on the coast of Valencia, we got you.
Get ready for big flavors, easy instructions, and a serious urge to drop everything and cook.
1. Spanish Chicken Paella
Ingredients:
- 2 cups short-grain rice (like Bomba or Arborio)
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How to Make It: In a large paella pan or wide skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Toss in the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Add garlic, green beans, and bell pepper, letting everything sizzle until soft.
Sprinkle in the paprika and saffron. Add the rice and stir to coat in all those golden oils.
Slowly pour in the broth and simmer without stirring. Once the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is cooked (around 20 minutes), let it rest before serving.
Why did this make it to our list
Spanish chicken paella is the OG of comfort food. It’s a one-pan wonder, packed with bold flavor and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and let’s be honest, there’s something magical about that crispy bottom layer of rice.
2. Patatas Bravas
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Brava Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp white vinegar
How to Make It: Boil the potatoes for 10 minutes, drain, then pat dry. Toss them with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
Roast at 425°F for about 30 minutes until crispy. While that’s cooking, heat a small pan with olive oil, add garlic, then stir in the tomato sauce, paprika, and vinegar.
Simmer for 5 minutes. Drizzle the sauce over the hot potatoes.
Why we chose it
Patatas Bravas might look simple, but they slap hard. The crispy potatoes and smoky-spicy sauce combo is addictive. It’s like the Spanish version of loaded fries—just way classier.
3. Spanish Omelette (Tortilla Española)
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Olive oil for frying
How to Make It: Heat oil in a pan and fry the potatoes until soft but not brown.
Add onions halfway through. Drain excess oil. Beat the eggs with salt and add the cooked potato-onion mix.
Pour everything back into the pan and cook slowly on low heat. Flip it once (use a plate to help) and cook until the center sets.
Why we selected it
This dish is humble but hearty. Every bite tastes like a memory of home. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
And the way it balances creamy eggs with tender potatoes? Straight-up genius.
4. Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced thin
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Toss in the garlic and chili flakes, cooking just until the garlic starts to turn golden.
Add shrimp and season with salt. Sauté until pink and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes). Sprinkle parsley on top and serve hot.
Why we chose it
Gambas al Ajillo is that dish you make when you wanna impress without breaking a sweat.
It smells amazing, cooks in minutes, and tastes like something you’d eat at a seaside café in Spain.
5. Spanish Lentil Stew (Lentejas)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 small potato, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It: Heat oil in a pot. Add onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
Add potatoes and paprika, then stir in lentils and broth. Simmer for 30-35 minutes or until lentils are tender. Season and serve warm.
Why we selected it
It’s cozy in a bowl. Spanish lentil stew is like a warm hug on a rainy day. It’s loaded with earthy flavor, good-for-you stuff, and just enough spice to keep things lively.
6. Pan con Tomate (Tomato Bread)
Ingredients:
- 4 slices crusty bread
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Toast the bread slices. Rub the garlic clove over each slice. Cut the tomatoes in half and grate them into a bowl.
Spoon the tomato pulp onto the bread, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
Why did this make it to our list
Pan con tomate is the ultimate snack-meets-breakfast situation. It’s rustic, fresh, and packed with flavor from just a few ingredients. Honestly, it’s Spanish simplicity at its finest.
7. Spanish Chickpea Spinach Stew (Espinacas con Garbanzos)
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 4 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It: Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add cumin and paprika.
Toss in chickpeas and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and chickpeas are heated through. Season and serve.
Why we chose it
This dish is healthy, hearty, and totally satisfying. It proves that Spanish recipes can be both comforting and clean-eating friendly.
Plus, it’s super quick to throw together.
8. Spanish Rice (Arroz a la Española)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups chicken or veggie broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Heat oil in a saucepan. Add onion, tomato, and bell pepper. Cook until soft.
Stir in rice and paprika. Add broth, bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is fluffy.
Why we selected it
This isn’t your basic side dish. Spanish rice is packed with flavor and makes any meal feel more special.
It’s colorful, cozy, and always a hit on the dinner table.
9. Spanish Garlic Soup (Sopa de Ajo)
Ingredients:
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 slices day-old bread, cubed
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Heat olive oil in a pot. Add garlic and cook until golden. Toss in bread cubes and paprika.
Stir until bread is crisp. Add broth and simmer for 10 minutes. Crack in eggs and poach for 3 minutes. Serve hot.
Why did this make it to our list
Garlic soup may sound basic, but it’s anything but. It’s the definition of comfort food—rich, warm, and surprisingly filling. A real under-the-radar gem in Spanish cooking.
10. Spanish Baked Fish (Pescado al Horno)
Ingredients:
- 2 white fish fillets (like cod or haddock)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place fish in a baking dish. Top with sliced veggies.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
Why we selected it
This dish is light, flaky, and flavorful. Spanish baked fish brings the Mediterranean vibe to your plate without needing fancy ingredients. It’s fresh, easy, and seriously good.
11. Spanish Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup short-grain rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
How to Make It: In a saucepan, combine rice, milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest.
Simmer on low heat, stirring often, for 30-35 minutes until rice is soft and pudding-like. Stir in sugar and cook 5 more minutes.
Remove cinnamon and zest before serving.
Why did this make it to our list
Spanish rice pudding is straight-up nostalgic. It’s creamy, a little sweet, and packed with cozy vibes.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like everything’s gonna be alright.
Conclusion
Spanish cuisine is all about flavor, comfort, and soul. Every one of these traditional Spanish recipes brings something special to the table, from bold spices to feel-good textures.
If you’re looking to shake up your meal routine with something warm, hearty, and seriously delicious, these dishes have got your back.
Ready to get cookin’? Bookmark this list, grab your grocery bags, and start your Spanish kitchen adventure today!