There’s one particular Spanish food I always look forward to when I’m visiting Spain. It’s something no tapas spread is ever complete without – and no, I’m not talking about sangria (though sangria always has a place at my table).
Of course, I make an effort to try the regional delicacies wherever I travel, but there’s one thing my belly cries for when it knows I’m going to Spain.
Iberian ham, or JamónIbérico,is part of the culture and tradition of Spain’s people, inextricably woven into the history of Spanish gastronomy.
I ate it at every meal last time I was in Spain, on a trip around the best places to visit in Costa del Sol, and always try to bring some back as a gift. It never quite makes it into the mouths of its intended receivers, though…
On a recent day exploring Malaga, I was lucky enough to do an Iberian ham tasting session and got to learn all about the different varieties.
It really underlined how passionate the Spanish are about their cured meats – probably more passionate than the Brits when it comes to proper brews or roast dinners.
I learned that carving is an art form and that not all Iberian ham is equal; the quality varies depending on how the animal is reared and how ‘pure’ it is.
It took a few bites, but once it was pointed out to me I couldtotallytaste the difference.
I spent a lot of time reading different Spanish recipe books and thinking back to family holidays to Spain, where I’ve tried Iberian ham in various restaurants. I wanted to create the ultimate Spanish tapas night with all authentic dishes.
We whacked the heating up high so it felt like we really were living la Viva Españaand got cooking.I do love a themed feast night!
Spanish tapas recipe ideas
Here are some easy recipes you can copy to create your own Spanish tapas at home, if you’re dreaming of a five nights in Ibiza but can only afford a trip to Asda.
Gambas Al Ajillo
This dish is sosimple but so delicious.Fry fresh prawns in chopped garlic, salt, pepper and crushed chilli flakes.
Try to ignore the smell, which will make you want to scoff the lot as soon as they’re done.
Serve sizzling in the pan with fresh crusty bread.
Spanish tortilla
Fry finely sliced potatoes and onions in a pan for around 25 mins, and add beaten eggs. Cook for another 20 minutes or so to form a firm omelette. Can be served hot or cold.
Spanish tortilla always reminds me of a school trip to San Sebastian when I was a kid, where our host gave us tortilla sandwiches in our packed lunch every day.
Pan con tomate
Not technically Spanish, this is actually a typical Catalonian tapathat’s known in Catalonia as paamptomàquet. It’sonly as good as the ingredients you use.
Fresh vine tomatoes chopped and mixed with finely chopped garlic, a generous glug of olive oil, salt and pepper. Spoon over big chunks of toasted bread.
I hammed mine up with some slithers of Iberian ham and can 100% recommend.
Meat and cheese board
I probably don’t need to tell you how to assemble a cheeseboard, but here’s what we put on ours: Manchego cheese (to tie in with our Spanish theme), the rest of the baguette from our tomato bread recipe, grapes, oranges, mini peppers, Iberian ham and other cured meats and cheeses.
Perfect for when you’re too full to eat another thing, but want something to pick at long after the hot dishes have disappeared.
Ham-wrapped bites
I’m not sure if there’s a name for these lazy recipes, but I also wrapped slithers of Iberian ham around grilled peaches and fresh melon, drizzled with honey and served in my best bowl.
Ham croquetas
Croquetas should be on every tapas spread, but I feel like we often forget about them in the UK. BBC Good Food has an easy recipe.
Canarian potatoes
This is a relatively new foodie discovery for me, but you simply must try Canarian potatoes if you ever find yourself in the islands.
There are so many fun things to do in Tenerife, but it’s still the food that stands out to me!
This is an easy recipe to recreate at home, but you’ll need to serve the potatoes with Canarian mojo sauce if you want it to be authentic.
You can read my guide to the best places to eat in Tenerife for more Canarian food inspiration. I’ve listed all the local food you need to order while you’re there!
Extras for your at-home Spanish tapas night
We served everything as it was ready and scattered the table with assorted little bowls of marinated olives, crips and nuts for people to graze on over the sangria.
If you’re really committing to the Spanish night theme, you can order all sorts of Spanish party decorations here.
Stick on a Spanish playlist and hunker down for a feast!
Spain travel inspiration
Find out where to find authentic Spanish food in Benidorm
The best day trips from Benidorm
20 Fun things to do in Benidorm
What to do in Ronda, Andalucia
What to do in Costa del Sol
What to do if you have one day in Malaga
My 10 day Europe backpacking itinerary
Read all of my Spain travel guides
I love the Mediterranean diet, don’t you?! What are your favourite Spanish dishes?
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