Winter meals in Spain are a hug to the heart. That's why, in this post, we're going to look at traditional Spanish recipes for this autumn. We start our list with grandmother's spoon dishes (“comida de cuchara”), those stews and soups that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Dishes such as Madrid stew (cocido madrileño), full of flavor and tradition, or Asturian fabada (fabada asturiana), with its unmistakable mix of beans and sausages, are perfect examples of these comforting recipes.
Spain is a country with great gastronomic diversity. Spanish spoon dishes vary from region to region, offering a wide range of flavors and textures. From gazpacho manchego, ideal for the coldest nights, to salmorejo, perfect even in winter, our cuisine reflects the rich diversity of our culture.
Nothing evokes memories of home cooking better than these grandma's spoon recipes. Dishes such as chickpea stew, Galician broth or garlic soup are essential on any list of Spanish winter foods. These dishes are not only delicious, but also nutritious and comforting, ideal for colder days.
Spanish grandmothers are experts in getting dishes full of flavor at an affordable price. When you're looking for simplicity and economy without sacrificing flavor, cheap and easy dishes like braised lentils or baked rice are ideal options for winter dinners.
Furthermore, each recipe carries with it a family story, passed down from generation to generation. They are more than meals, they are legacies of love and tradition that are felt in every bite.
Typical Spanish dishes to warm the soul: Traditional Spanish recipes
- Madrid Stew: chickpeas, beef, chicken, chorizo, blood sausage, and vegetables such as potatoes and carrots.
- Fabada Asturiana: Fabes (white beans), chorizo, blood sausage, bacon and saffron.
- Chickpea Stew: Chickpeas, spinach, cod, garlic and paprika.
- Galician Broth: Turnip greens or turnip greens, potatoes, white beans, chorizo and unto (pork fat).
- Garlic Soup: Garlic, day-old bread, chicken broth, paprika and egg.
- Stewed Lentils: Lentils, chorizo, bacon, potatoes, carrots and pepper.
- Baked Rice: Rice, tomato, chickpeas, pork ribs, blood sausage and potatoes.
- Gazpacho Manchego: Rabbit, partridge or chicken, mushrooms, tomato, pepper and bread.
- Salmorejo: Tomato, bread, garlic, olive oil and serrano ham.
- Pumpkin Cream: Pumpkin, onion, vegetable broth and cream.
- Vegetable Stew: Variety of seasonal vegetables, potatoes and spices.
- Marmitako: Tuna, potatoes, peppers, onion and tomato.
- Rabo de Toro: Oxtail, onion, carrot, red wine and tomato.
- Winter Paella: Rice, chicken, rabbit, green beans, artichokes and saffron.
- Meatballs in Sauce: Minced meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic and tomato sauce.
- White Beans with Chorizo: White beans, chorizo, blood sausage, pepper and onion.
- Cod al Pil Pil: Cod, olive oil, garlic and chilli.
- Asturian Pot: Fabes, cabbage, chorizo, blood sausage and bacon.
- Castellana Soup: Bread, garlic, ham, egg and meat broth.
- Pork Cheeks with Red Wine: Pork cheeks, red wine, onion, carrot and aromatic herbs.
Try some at a restaurant, or if you feel brave, follow the recipe yourself to make it at home! It is an excellent opportunity to put into practice the vocabulary learned in the classes of your Intensive Spanish Course for Foreigners in Madrid.
