Spanish cuisine is definitely being showcased by its up-and-coming chefs. Further, its importance on the world food stage is gathering momentum as it is being recognized as one of the top cuisines in the world. Spanish cuisine is very regional as the geography and the climate varies in different parts of this large country, and this impacts the available ingredients and even the cooking methods. To the Spanish, a meal is a social event, and many of the dishes have evolved over many years and been handed down through the generations. The top-selling Spanish cookbook, 1080, by Simone and Inés Ortega, mother and daughter, is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to cook Spanish dishes. It is packed with useful tips about alternative ingredients and methods that can be used. here is a list of most popular Spanish dishes.
1. Tapas
Today, it is not uncommon for one to enjoy a main meal comprising of many small tapas (taster) dishes. But long ago, tapas dishes were served as appetizers. There are several theories about the origin of tapas. It is said that innkeepers began serving tapas dishes to travelers who were illiterate and could not read the menu! Another theory is that tapas (which means “to cover”) evolved when sherry makers would serve their sherry covered with a slice of salty ham on bread to make their customers thirsty, and thus order more sherry! Today, tapas can be enjoyed not only in bars across Spain, but worldwide in many top restaurants. Tapas still consist of a small portion to be shared, and the dishes can be cold (such as olives, ham, and cheese), or cooked (including squid, cuttlefish, and fried chorizo). You can choose multiple varieties, order however many you would like, and enjoy them over an evening of socializing.
2. Tortilla Española – Spanish Omelette
This wonderful omelette is a main dish in itself, and because of its thickness, is really like a cross between an omelette and a quiche! The main ingredients for a Spanish Omelette are potatoes, onions, and eggs, but many other ingredients – including chorizo (smoked sausage), spinach, and courgettes (zucchini) – are often added.
3. Paella
Paella has its roots in the Albufera lagoon area of Valencia where the Moors began rice cultivation in the 10th century. Housewives there have made it for centuries, using the bomba rice that is one of two varieties grown in the region. The dish gets its name from the paelle – the large, flat-bottomed, two-handled cooking pan that the dish is cooked in. Originally, paella was made using chicken and duck with white beans and snails. Today, a variety of different paellas are made, such as vegetarian, and the most popular – seafood – made with chicken, prawns, mussels, squid and peas with golden rice colored with saffron. In Barcelona, the rice is often colored grey with squid ink. Many consider paella to be the Spanish national dish – except the Spanish, who think of it as a regional specialty!
4. Croquettes
Found in bars and restaurants all over Spain, croquettes Spanish style are not just deep fried potatoes, but are made with a variety of ingredients. They are a popular tapas dish, and many chefs closely guard their secret recipes that have been handed down through the generations. Croquetas can be made from ham, cheese, and mushrooms. There are also versions made from fish in a bechamel sauce which is covered in breadcrumbs before frying and served with delicious queso de cabrales made from Spanish blue-veined cheese.
5. Empanadas
If you speak Spanish you may already know what to expect when you order it. The verb empanar literally means “to wrap in bread”, which should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect with an empanada. This famous Spanish dish is sometimes served like piece of pie or wrapped up completely like a calzone. Empanadas are savory, filling, and one of Spain’s best comfort foods. The flaky crust gives way to a flavorful, sautéed stuffing of anything from chorizo, to sardines, to peppers. There is plenty of variety when it comes to empanadas, but it’s the slow-cooked onion sauce that gives the dish its trademark taste.
Spanish food 