Our full guide on the most popular dinners to try in Spain or for you to try to cook at home.
For us these recipes are the most popular in Spain and a must to try for dinner and even for lunch and tapa you can have them.
The best Spanish food to try, Breakfast in Spain, and vegetarian food in Spain
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Most Popular Dinners in Spain
1. Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish originating from Valencia. It’s a flavorful rice dish cooked with various ingredients like seafood, chicken, rabbit, vegetables, and saffron.
Ingredients:
2 cups Bomba or Arborio rice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large tomato, grated or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm water)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup white wine (optional)
1/2 pound chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 pound rabbit meat, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound mussels, cleaned
1/2 pound clams, cleaned
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients
Soak saffron threads in warm water. Clean the seafood.
Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Add chicken (and rabbit if using) pieces and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add grated tomato or crushed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens.
Add the Rice and Spices
Stir in rice, smoked paprika, and soaked saffron (including the water). Cook for 2 minutes. Add white wine, if using, and cook until mostly evaporated.
Add Broth and Meat
Pour in chicken broth and return the meat to the pan. Arrange green beans on top. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add Seafood and Vegetables
Nestle shrimp, mussels, and clams into the rice. Add peas. Cook until the rice is tender and the seafood is cooked (about 10-15 minutes).
Final Touches
If too much liquid remains, increase heat briefly to evaporate. Let the paella rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat.
Serve
Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot.
Use high-quality saffron for authentic flavor. Aim for a crispy socarrat (bottom layer of rice) by increasing the heat towards the end of cooking.
Calories: Approximately 470-550 calories per serving (assuming 6 servings).
Read here how to make Paella
2. Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelette)
Tortilla Española is a traditional Spanish dish made with eggs, potatoes, and onions.
Ingredients:
6 large eggs
4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Thinly slice the onion.
Cook the Potatoes and Onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender but not browned (about 15-20 minutes). Drain excess oil.
Mix with Eggs
Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Add cooked potatoes and onions to the eggs, and mix gently. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Tortilla
Heat a small amount of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture. Cook until the edges start to set, then reduce heat to low and cook until almost set (about 10 minutes).
Flip and Finish Cooking
Place a large plate over the skillet and carefully flip the tortilla onto the plate. Slide the tortilla back into the skillet to cook the other side until fully set (about 5 minutes).
Serve
Let the tortilla cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Ensure potatoes are cooked through but not browned. Let the tortilla rest before slicing for easier serving.
Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
Read here how to make Spanish omelette
3. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a cold Spanish soup made from blended vegetables. It’s refreshing and perfect for hot weather.
Ingredients:
6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups tomato juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic.
Blend the Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, garlic, tomato juice, olive oil, and vinegar. Blend until smooth.
Season and Chill
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve
Pour the chilled gazpacho into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor. Adjust seasoning after chilling as flavors develop over time.
Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
Read here how to make Gazpacho
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.