Spanish Food

In Spain, the main meal of the day is la comida/el almuerzo in the early afternoon. Typically, it consists of el primer plato – the first course, el segundo plato – the second course, el postre – dessert, el café – coffee. On the table there will be bread, wine and water. In Spain people have lunch later (14:00-16:00hrs) and dinner is normally later than the rest of Europe as well (21:00-23:00hrs).

El desayuno Breakfast
El almuerzo Lunch / the mid-day meal
La cena Evening meal
La merienda Snack
La bebida Drink
El postre Dessert
La comida Food / lunch / meal
¡Buen provecho! Enjoy your meal!

1. La paella is one of the most famous dishes in Spain. It originates from the area of Valencia. The traditional paella from this area is called la paella valenciana. La paella is prepared in a very big pan called la paellera and it is often cooked outside in the open air during picnics and day trips. It is a mixture of rice (el arroz), meat such as chicken (el pollo) or rabbit (el conejo), seafood (los mariscos) and vegetables (las verduras). The rice of la paella is usually yellow because saffron (el azafrán) is added. El azafrán is a commonly-used spice in Spanish cookery. It produces a very strong dye.
2. La tortilla española, also called la tortilla de patatas is a potato omelette. When you are preparing it, you have to toss the omelette so that it can be cooked on the other side. The omelette is thick and round. It is normally served in triangular slices, rather like a cake. La tortilla is also used in sandwiches. This sandwich is called el bocadillo de tortilla de patatas.
3. El gazpacho What better way to cool down during a hot Spanish summer than with a cool bowl of gazpacho? Usually served as an appetizer, this chilled tomato soup definitely packs a punch. To make it, simply blend up some fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs, and serve it with toasted bread for a low-calorie dish crammed full of vitamins. The idea of eating cold tomato soup might sound a little odd to some foreigners, but once you’ve enjoyed a traditionally made gazpacho on a hot summer’s day you’ll be hooked! For a twist, add some bread to create the Andalusian favourite, salmorejo.
4. Tapas are small plates, or appetizers and originated in Spain; the Spanish prefer to eat while drinking, so establishments would offer tapas for free for drinkers to pair with their wine or beer. The tapas generally were snacks such as almonds, olives or cubes of sheep’s milk cheese. Today, the tapas menu has expanded to include a variety of both hot and cold dishes, and there are restaurants throughout the world that are dedicated to selling these small plates.

La paella

La tortilla española

El gazpacho

Tapas

Spanish Food

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