Spain

Wafting through the streets of Spain is the consistent aroma of garlic, saffron, and paprika. These three vital ingredients form the basis of so many famed Spanish dishes and indicate what this cuisine is all about – bold, bright flavour and rich, vibrant colours.

Influences

Much like the Greeks, however, olive oil is everything to the Spanish, and no dish can be cooked without it. Spanish food is all about sharing and plenty of small bites to have with glasses of red Malbec wine and icy-cold sangria. These small bites are referred to as Tapas. Tapas are generally served at the bar and can include anything from sardine or Jamon (cured ham) crostini to garlic prawns to just a slice of manchego cheese with quince paste or a bowl of marinated cheese olives. Everything is strong in flavour and is sure to wake the tastebuds up.

Jammed full of flavour.

The first recorded Spanish recipes date back to the fourteenth century where food was greatly influenced by the Moors, Arabs, Sephardic Jews, French, and Italians. As a gateway between Africa and Europe and the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain has long since been fought throughout history.

History & influences

Between the Greeks, Celts, Romans and Moors, Spain has been occupied under many reigns. However, the benefit this tousle has delivered is the abundance of produce these cultures brought to this pocket of the world. The first recorded Spanish recipes date back to the fourteenth century where food was greatly influenced by the Moors, Arabs, Sephardic Jews, French, and Italians. As a gateway between Africa and Europe and the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain has long since been fought throughout history.

In the late 1400s, voyagers from Spain set out on an exploration of the New World, returning with them a profusion of produce including tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peppers, chocolate, vanilla – all of which were native to the Americas.

Spain

Iconic Dishes

Drag and drop block options like heading, text, buttons, dividers, and more.All about maximum flavour and maximum enjoyment, Spanish food is big, bold, and made to be shared. From the iconic spiced Paella ladened with fresh seafood to the delicious yet straightforward Potato Tortilla to tapas plates served with loads of crusty bread, Spanish food is all about enjoying with friends and family over glasses of sangria. Fluffy, hot churros dipped in hot chocolate, or creamy rice pudding are the perfect finishers.

Spain

Spiceology

Spain's Mediterranean climate and sweeping terrain have made it an ideal spot for spice growing and production. Common spice and herb varieties found and used throughout Spain include Paprika, Saffron, bay leaves, parsley, and chillies. Paprika, called Pimenton in Spain, is referred to as 'red gold' and is one of the most used and cherished spices in Spain. Paprika adds a rich, red hue and deep pepper flavour to dishes coming in smoky, sweet, and super-sweet varieties. Saffron, worth its weight in gold, is a vital ingredient to many Spanish dishes adding both bright, yellowy-orange colour and floral flavour. Bay leaves are incorporated to add an earthy savoury flavour whilst parsley brings in a herby freshness and chillies, a slight kick of fiery heat. Combining all that Spain’s spice catalogue has to offer - a simultaneously spicy, sweet, and smoky Paella blend. Similar to Greece, many families and villages have their own twist on this classic blend and ours has been devised to capture the flavour of Spain in your own kitchen.