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Most of the Spanish cuisine has influence from its environment, history and tradition of the locals. When it comes to halal food, you can find an extensive list of options or dishes with the ingredients that you want or what suits your tastes.
We’ve picked out 9 Authentic Spanish dishes that are a must-try for every Muslim traveler during they staycation in Spain.
1. Gazpacho
Gazpacho, also called Andalusian gazpacho, is a cold soup made of raw, blended vegetables. The main ingredients for this refreshing soup are usually tomato, onion, garlic, cucumber, olive oil and a little bread. Normally eaten cold as it a great way to cool down and survive the Spanish summer, the dish is perfectly suitable to be eaten warm or with a warm side dish.
2. Patata
Spaniards use potatoes in almost all of their dishes. It would be surprising to see a dish made without the inclusion of potato, olive oil and bread as one of the main ingredients. Here are the principle potato dish standard in Spain:
Tortilla Española
A favorite of home cooks and tapas bars in Spain, tortilla Española (or tortilla de patatas) is a tender, lightly runny omelet filled with olive oil-poached potatoes. It is often served at room temperature as a tapa.
Patata Bravas
Patatas bravas are one of Spain’s most popular tapas. They’re the go-to choice for an appetizer or a snack to share. This crispy, golden potatoes topped with a bold, spicy red sauce and a creamy garlic aioli is a crowd-pleasing dish.
3. Paella
One of the best-known dishes in Spanish cuisine, Paella originated from Valencia. Considered as Spain’s national dish, Paella has held a place of honor and practicality in Spanish homes for centuries. This rice dish made with rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood cooked and served in one pan is a must-try for every visitor.
4. Croqueta
Croquettes are simply a bread crumbed and fried roll of food leftovers, usually bound with béchamel sauce or mashed potatoes. In Spain, these bites are traditionally served in bars and restaurants as a tapas dish.
5. Bocadillo de Calamares
Squid sandwich or bocadillo de calamares in Spanish, is a culinary specialty very common in Spain. It consists of a fresh bread roll filled with squid rings that have been coated in flour and deep-fried in olive oil.
6. Pulpo a la Gallega
A traditional Galician dish, it consists of only four ingredients, namely boiled squid, olive oil, ñora (paprika) and salt. Pulpo a la gallega is traditionally served in a wooden plate with a base of sliced potatoes, topped with slices of octopus.
7. Horchata
Horchata de Chufa is one of Spain’s most loved beverages. Some of you may get confused between Mexican Horchata and Horchata de Chufa (from Valencia). This sweet milk-type drink made from almonds, sesame seeds, rice, barley and soaked and grounded tiger nuts. It’s often served chilly in Spain.
8. Churros con Chocolate
Churros Con Chocolate is a Spanish favorite and it is guaranteed to become your favorite too! I bet it’s not the first time when you hear about Churros, but if it is, Churros are sweet, deep-fried dough treats. Usually they are dipped in a hot, thick, pudding-like chocolate, hence the name – Churros Con Chocolate.
9. Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al ajillo, pronounced gahm- bahs-ahl-ah- hee-yoh, simply translates to “shrimp with garlic shrimp” or “garlic shrimp.” And it totally lives up to it’s name: Big, juicy shrimp, swimming in a tasty, garlicy olive oil sauce. This popular dish is principally found in the south and center of Spain. It’s often served in Spain’s tapas bars as an appetizer.
