infographic with text "top 5 authentic Spanish recipes made in under 30-minutes"

5 Authentic Spanish recipes prepared in under 30 minutes!

 – Spain’s favorite recipes –

April 2022 – The Spanish Radish Blog

If there’s one thing we love most about traveling throughout Spain, it is the opportunity to explore the incredibly diverse Spanish food culture. Spaniards share a love and passion for Spanish food and are more than happy to share the most authentic Spanish recipes

 

From discovering traditional Spanish recipes that have been handed down through generations, to exploring the beating pulse of what’s hot in the best kitchens in towns and cities all over Spain. We’ve created this list to guide you through some of our favorite Spanish recipes, and all of them are super easy to make and can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less

Let’s take a look at these 5 delicious authentic Spanish recipes prepared in under 30 minutes!

1.Chorizo a la sidra –

Spanish Chorizo Cooked in Cider

Coming in at number one is our absolute favorite Spanish food, Chorizo cooked in Cider, or Chorizo a la Sidra! 

Chorizo cooked in cider (Chorizo a la sidra) is a traditional Spanish recipe found all over Spain, but it’s no surprise that this dish hails from within the heart of the Spanish cider region, the stunning and incredible beautiful Asturias region

Made in just 20 mins and with only 4 easy-to-find ingredients, chorizo cooked in cider is a perfect tapas when you want to impress and it’s by far earned its place on our list of easy Spanish recipes. Not only is this recipe super easy to make, but the results are also nothing short of spectacular.

Spanish Chorizo cooked in cider recipe

A pan of chorizo cooked in cider sits on a rustic chopping board with some apple cider oured in a glass sitting nearby

2.Pan Con Tomate

Tomato bread with olive oil and salt

Pan con Tomate is perhaps one of the most symbolic of Spanish cuisine and best of all it’s a vegan recipe! Made with just 5 ingredients, this authentic Spanish tapas recipe is considered a must-try breakfast staple for those visiting Spain. 

Our pan con tomate recipe has two versions, a fresh summer version and a warm version that’s perfect for a chilly winter’s morning. Both are made in under 30 minutes and are the best way to start the day, or as a tasty vegan snack!

Here’s our super easy winter pan con tomate recipe, made in well under 30 minutes!

a white plate sits on a marble counter. with two slices of pan con tomate.

3.Gambas al Ajillo

Spanish garlic shrimp

When you think of Spanish food and Spanish food culture, seafood always comes to mind. This gambas al ajillo (literally translates to garlic shirmp) recipe is one of the tastiest tapas dishes you can make in under 15 minutes! 

From the dusty central plains to the islands plopped in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, you’ll find the delicious aroma of gambas al ajillo wafting from all regions of Spain

This recipe is quick and super easy to make and is considered one of the most authentic Spanish recipes. Best of all it doesn’t require any special equipment or fancy ingredients! Get your skillets ready, let’s make Spain’s famous tapas dish, gambas al ajillo!

 

You can find our authentic Spanish gambas al ajillo recipe right here!

A clay pot of gambas al ajillo sits on a rustic chopping board alongside some fresh sliced bread and a small dish of parsley

4.Gazpacho

Vegan cold summer soup

Packed full of flavor and made in 15 minutes flat, gazpacho is Spain’s favorite cold soup and is a perfect way to cool down on a hot summer’s day. 

There are plenty of authentic Spanish tapas recipes out there for gazpacho, but one region, in particular, makes what many consider the best gazpacho. The gazpacho Andaluz hails from the Southern Andalusia region of Spain. 

Traditional gazpacho recipes were originally made as a soup of bread, olive oil, water, vinegar, and garlic. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that the ‘modern gazpacho recipe’ we know and love today was formed and included tomatoes. 

In northern regions of Spain such as the Basque Country, and Asturias, gazpacho recipes can also include cumin and/or pimentón (smoked sweet paprika). The crucial difference between gazpacho recipes found in northern regions compared to gazpacho Andaluz is the use of Italian green pepper (other recipes use red pepper). 

 

Fancy a tasty and refreshing soup for lunch today?

Check out our gazpacho recipe here!

a bowl of gazpacho andaluz sits garnished with fresh salad andon a marble coutertop beside some ripe cherry toatoes

5.Fideua Negra

Black squid ink pasta with baby squid

Saving the best till last, and of course, we couldn’t round off this list without making one of Spain’s most popular main meals

Squid ink pasta is a delicious and filling main meal that looks incredible and can be whipped up in around 30 minutes from start to finish. Not to be confused with the authentic Spanish recipe arroz negra, squid ink pasta is quicker to make but still has all the same flavors that infuse the fried baby squid, black squid ink, and pasta. 

Traditionally, squid ink pasta is called fideua negra and uses the fideo noodle, but we’ve made our recipe as easy as possible and opted to use normal spaghetti that you can easily find in any grocery store. 

Our Squid ink pasta recipe is an ideal mid-week dinner option, or a great recipe when you want to make something quickly for 4 people or more. Just don’t forget to make some fresh allioli when serving squid ink pasta, you’ll find our Allioi verde recipe here

Check out our black squid ink pasta recipe here!

A plate of Squid ink pasta with baby squid
A landscape photo of the Andalusian city of Granada, Spain

Want to check out more recipes from Spain?

Check out our regional foodie guides.

Our foodie guides are jam-packed with recipe ideas, travel tips, and where to find the best dishes in Spain.

Made for foodies by foodies.

We're social!

Reach out and say hi!

Blog

Spanish Pork Stew – Carcamusas

Spanish Pork Stew – Carcamusas

Spanish Pork Stew - Carcamusas (Toledo) Spanish Pork Stew is a classic stew recipe hailing from Toledo Spain where it is called ‘Carcamusas’. Delicious tender pork chunks are simmered in a rich tomato sauce with just a hint of...

Catalan Chickpeas and Spinach (Cigrons amb Espinacs)

Catalan Chickpeas and Spinach (Cigrons amb Espinacs)

Catalan Chickpeas and Spinach (Cigrons amb Espinacs) Catalan Chickpeas and Spinach (Cigrons amb Espinacs in Catalan) is a quick and easy vegan-friendly tapas that’s popular in Barcelona tapas bars all over the city. Ready in 15...

Spanish Regional Guides

Travel anywhere in Spain and you’ll discover plentiful cuisine. Delicious local dishes made using the freshest local ingredients. From the rugged coastline of the Galicia to the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sea. Spain’s coastline is as diverse as the seafood dishes that are inspired by generations.

Venture inland and discover vast grazing plains bordered by mountainous regions that buzz with altitude farming and rich dairy industry. Spain is a wonder of foods, and truly a foodie’s heaven!