Discover the Authentic Flavors of Spain: 14 Must-Try Spanish Delicacies, from Irresistible Churros to Delectable Jamón

Editors Note: CNN will air the six-part series "José Andrés and Family in Spain" on discovery+ at 9 p.m. ET/PT every Sunday starting September 24th.

It can be acknowledged that Spain was slow in acknowledging the global food superpowers.

Spain, despite being overshadowed by Italy and France for a long time, has patiently awaited its turn. However, in recent years, people have started to appreciate and rejoice in the remarkable flavors and diverse range of produce that Spanish cuisine has to offer.

Spain's alta cocina has gained international recognition thanks to renowned chefs like Ferran Adrià, the creative force behind the now-closed El Bulli restaurant, and the Roca brothers, who established El Celler de Can Roca. In fact, in 2023, Spain had the highest number of restaurants on the Worlds 50 Best list compared to any other country.

However, the essence of Spanish cuisine lies in its rustic and homemade character, rooted in a time when Spaniards relied on the land for their sustenance due to economic hardships.

These 14 dishes - from seafood and meat to rice and pastries - are essential to sample when you travel to Spain.

1. Paella Valenciana

Paella is widely recognized as the most renowned Spanish culinary delight, yet it is often mishandled. The true origins of authentic paella stem from the Valencia region and include two distinct variations: Paella Valenciana, traditionally prepared with rabbit and chicken, and the flavorful seafood paella. To achieve its vibrant hue, saffron is added to the rice, and the bottom layer must be skillfully crisped to create an irresistibly delectable black crust known as the socarrat. Spaniards exclusively savor paella during the lunch hours.

2. Patatas bravas

Crispy patatas bravas are served with a spicy sauce.

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Considered a fundamental part of any traditional tapas spread, patatas bravas, also known as "brave potatoes," stands out for its bold and spicy sauce, which is not commonly found in a region that tends to avoid hot and spicy cuisine.

The potatoes are cut into cubes and cooked in a shallow fry before being served universally in the same manner. As for the sauce, there are various options available, ranging from a fiery ketchup to a garlic-infused mayonnaise sprinkled with pimiento, a smoked paprika, or even a combination of both.

One theory holds that the dirtier the bar, the better the bravas.

3. Gazpacho

This cold Andalusian soup, known for its tomato base, is particularly renowned. The fact that it is served chilled can be quite surprising to those who are not familiar with it, but in the intense summer heat of Seville, its appeal becomes evident. Major components, apart from tomatoes, include peppers, garlic, bread, and generous amounts of olive oil.

4. Pimientos de Padrón

Pimientos de Padrón are a popular tapas item.

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Pimientos de Padrón, a popular item on tapas menus, are green peppers originating from the town of the same name in Galicia, a lush and rainy region in northwest Spain. These peppers are typically fried in olive oil and generously seasoned with salt. While they are usually sweet and mild in flavor, their claim to fame lies in the occasional pepper that surprises with a fiery heat, adding an element of roulette to the dining experience.

5. Fideuà

Relatively obscure among tourists, fideuà is a Spanish pasta variety that closely resembles vermicelli. It is highly esteemed in Catalonia and Valencia, particularly in seafood-based preparations that rival the complexity and flavor of paella.

Fideuà is typically cooked in a paella dish.

6. Jamón

Iberian jamón on crusty bread is a thing of beauty.

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Jamón, the renowned Spanish delicacy, is the ultimate culinary treasure. Historically, ham legs were salted and hung for drying, ensuring their preservation during the extended winter period.

Jamón Serrano, derived from white pigs, is the most prevalent type, while the pricier Jamón Ibérico (pictured) is sourced from black pigs. The finest ham should be savored in delicate, indulgent slices that effortlessly melt in your mouth, ideally accompanied by a small piece of bread.

"Jamón holds a key position in Spanish cuisine," shared renowned chef, José Pizarro, the brilliant mind behind popular London establishments such as Josè Tapas Bar, Pizarro, and Josè Pizarro restaurants, along with several other dining destinations.

"Our tradition involves savoring this delicacy prior to the main meal; its savory, nutty flavors perfectly complement sherry and Cava, while stimulating the appetite for the forthcoming culinary experience.

"This product provides exceptional value for its price and can last for a long time if well-maintained. To ensure longevity, it is crucial to adequately cover and store it. When selecting the product, it is advisable to look for a waxy fat consistency: upon rubbing, it should effortlessly melt into your skin, reminiscent of the texture of candle wax."

7. Tortilla

The traditional Spanish omelet, also known as tortilla española, is typically prepared with only potatoes and eggs, although variations with chorizo, peppers, and onions are also common. To make this delectable dish, the diced potatoes are lightly fried and then combined with the beaten egg mixture before being fried again on high heat. The most challenging step in the process is flipping the pan to turn the tortilla over.

If you get it right, someone should shout "Olé!" Get it wrong and youll have gooey half-cooked tortilla everywhere.

8. Churros

Fried dough dipped in chocolate? Yes, please.

Churros, the beloved snack at fiestas and street parties, are made by frying dough into sausage shapes and generously coating them with sugar. It is practically mandatory to indulge in the delightful tradition of dipping them into hot, melted chocolate.

9. Croquetas

Another typical item on a tapas menu, croquetas are tubes of bechamel sauce encased in fried breadcrumbs, but a lot more tasty than that sounds.

Jamón croquetas and salt cod croquetas are common varieties. Theyre tricky to make and are perhaps best enjoyed at a tapas bar, along with a cold beer.

10. Albondigas

These meatballs in tomato sauce are served all over Spain.

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A classic tapas item, albondigas, or meatballs in tomato sauce, are served all over Spain.

A tasty variation serves up the meatballs drizzled in an almond sauce, minus the tomatoes.

11. Migas

Migas, an legendary dish whispered about in Spain, epitomizes the transformation of Spanish cuisine from humble peasant food to extraordinary culinary creations. Made by frying torn, dry breadcrumbs in various combinations, migas is commonly enjoyed with chorizo or bacon.

Top 23 cities for street food, spanning from Miami to Tokyo.

Migas, a beloved comfort food originating from frugal agricultural workers, has gradually made its way onto upscale dining establishments' menus.

12. Bacalao

Bacalao al pil-pil is a traditional Basque Country recipe.

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Bacalao, also known as salted cod, is a highly cherished delicacy in Spain that has been procured by Spanish fishermen for centuries from various distant places like Norway and Newfoundland. Since this fish is not available in local waters, it has to be salted to ensure its preservation during transportation.

To eliminate most of its salty flavor, the bacalao must be submerged in water for a minimum of 24 hours.

Bacalao is commonly prepared in various dishes, with one of the crowd favorites being served with pil-pil sauce. This delectable sauce is crafted using olive oil, garlic, and the juice of the fish, and is a typical accompaniment in the Basque Country.

13. Fabada

Fabada is a beloved dish originating from the northwestern region of Asturias, characterized by its use of white fabe beans and typically enjoyed as a hearty one-pot meal. It is traditionally served with a medley of pork meats, including chorizo, pork belly, and bacon. Additionally, morcilla, a Spanish blood sausage, enhances the flavor profile of this dish surprisingly well.

14. Leche frita

Leche frita is a traditional Spanish dessert.

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Believe it or not, frying milk is not as impossible as it seems. Leche frita, also known as fried milk, is a well-liked dessert that involves combining milk, egg yolks, and flour. After chilling and solidifying the mixture, it is then coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection.

It can be served hot or cold.