Spanish Cooking Cusine

Many Spanish foods now use the same cooking techniques and items, as they did a few hundred years ago. The mountainous terrain made travel difficult in the past, which contributed to the wide range of foods found in Spanish cuisine. Other authentic Spanish recipes originated from European and American influences, and were added to the Spanish fare. An important factor to consider is that food in Spain is usually very fresh, abundant and packed with flavor.

The most basic food ingredients of most Spanish meals are, olive oil and garlic. However, because Spain has very distinct geographical regions, settled by different peoples and cultural groups, the regional cuisines can very different. Many times, the only common ingredients found in meals prepared around various locations, are olive oil and garlic.

Here is a list of typical ingredients and foods commonly used in Spain:

Organic olive oil - Spanish recipes typically need either pure olive oil or lard, but mainly olive oil is used. Extra virgin olive oil is worth the additional cost. Spain is a leading producer of olive oil; and olives are a produce grown over the southern regions of Spain.

Ham - otherwise called, jamón is a prized food.

Fish & Seafood - Because Spain is encircled on three sides by water, fresh seafood is always plentiful in the local markets, and is usually consumed daily. Everything from halibut to shrimp and in many cases octopus is found, as well as on food menus in restaurants.

Cheeses - Wonderful cheeses of many varieties can be found in Spain. Spanish cheeses are made from sheep, cow, goat milk, or a combination between the milk groups. Varities may be aged cheeses, such as the manchego from La Mancha, the soft creamy cheeses, including tetilla from Galicia, and everything in between. Cheese might be eaten as a tapa (snack), in addition to other meals.

Sausages - Spanish people love sausage, especially chorizo, a pork sausage created using paprika. Again, there are many kinds of chorizo, from fresh and soft in texture, to smoked and aged varieties. Local markets provide a variety to choose from; yet many Spanish families choose to make their favorite kinds of sausage.

Beef, Lamb and Pork - The 3 meats are commonly used, and may be roasted, grilled over the coals, or sautéed in a sauce.

Eggs - Eggs are usually eaten daily, either fried, deviled, or in a Spanish omelet. They are a mainstay ingredient of many recipes, including desserts. They are cooked in a variety of ways.

Vegetables and fruits - Spanish people tend to eat lots of fruit as appetizers, or dessert dishes. A fresh fruit bowl sits in nearly every kitchen. Simple salads and sautéed vegetables are eaten daily. Popular vegetables in many meals are eggplant and zucchini.

Legumes - Beans of many kinds are ingested regularly.

Nuts - Spain is a big producer of almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Almond-based and milk-based desserts have become very trendy. Turron, the almond nougat candy eaten at Christmas, has become famous. Hazelnuts, are the most popular nuts to be used with chocolate.

Herbs and Spices - Garlic, onions and fresh herbs such as oregano, rosemary and thyme are widely-used in cooking, but garlic is by far, the most popular choice.

For more cooking tips on Spain as well as other cultural favorites drop by for a visit.


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Valerie Garner is an avid photographer and writer with a passion to help families reduce stress and maximize the joy of living. Visit today for more information Authentic Spanish Recipes and Stock and Fine Art Photos