Knowra Spanish cuisine Spanish cuisine Spanish cuisine comprises the culinary traditions of Spain, marked by strong regional variation and ingredients such as olive oil, seafood, cured meats, and rice.
Olive oil : A fat extracted from olives and widely used in cooking, especially around the Mediterranean. It is a foundational cooking fat in many Spanish kitchens.
Paella : A Spanish rice dish traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan, with ingredients varying by region. Its rice, saffron, and pan technique embody a famous Valencian tradition.
Al-Andalus : The Muslim-ruled territories of the Iberian Peninsula from the eighth century until the late fifteenth century. Its agricultural and culinary legacies shaped ingredients and techniques in Spanish cooking.
Basque cuisine : The culinary traditions of the Basque Country, known for seafood, preserved foods, and distinctive restaurant culture. It is a particularly distinctive regional tradition within Spain’s broader cuisine.
Sofrito : A slowly cooked mixture of aromatics, commonly including onion, garlic, and tomato, used as a flavor base. Many Spanish stews and rice dishes begin with this cooked aromatic base.
Gazpacho : A chilled Spanish soup, commonly made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and bread. This Andalusian dish turns summer produce into a defining cold soup.
Columbian exchange : The transfer of plants, animals, people, and diseases between the Americas and Afro-Eurasia after 1492. Tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes entered Iberian cooking through this exchange.
Catalan cuisine : The culinary traditions of Catalonia, combining Mediterranean ingredients with distinctive sauces and seasonal dishes. Its local cooking demonstrates the cuisine’s strong regional character.
Jamón ibérico : A cured ham made from Iberian pigs, often raised on acorns and cured for an extended period. This prized cured meat expresses Spain’s tradition of preserving pork.
Tortilla española : A thick Spanish omelette made primarily with eggs and potatoes, sometimes including onion. Its simple ingredients and place in bars and homes make it a national staple.
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