Guides and How To
Welcome to The Spanish Radish Guides and How To Page
Explore our different guides on Spanish cuisine, lifestyle topics, and cooking and kitchen tips. From how to peel and devein shrimp to the most famous Spanish recipes to specific ingredient info, there’s a little bit of everything here—all of it wonderfully Spanish.
Last updated: June 8, 2026
Types of Spanish Sherry: A Complete Guide
8th June, 2026
Discover the best types of Spanish Sherry with this complete guide. Explore authentic tabancos, must-try local sherry flavors, sherry and food pairings, and where to buy Andalusian sherries.
Whether you’re new to sherry or looking to deepen your knowledge, this is your complete guide to Spain’s most historic and versatile wine.
Spanish Rice Guide: Types of Rice Used in Spanish Cooking (and What is Bomba Rice?)
10th April, 2026
Spain is a rice-loving nation—but choosing the right rice for paella and Spanish cooking can be the difference between a good dish and an unforgettable one.
From the iconic paella of Valencia to rich, brothy arroz dishes, each recipe relies on specific Spanish rice varieties designed to absorb flavour while holding their texture.
How to Cook Spanish Pork Tenderloin
26th January, 2026
If there’s one thing to know about how to cook Spanish Pork Tenderloin (Cerdo Solomillo), it’s this: blink and you can overcook it.
In this guide, you’ll find quick tips, the best cooking methods, and some recipes with pork tenderloin to get you started.
How to Clean, Disinfect and Oil a Wooden Cutting Board
19th January, 2026
Cleaning, disinfecting, and caring for a wooden cutting board is simple, doesn’t require harsh chemicals, and helps it last for years. With a few easy habits, your board can stay hygienic, warp-free, and looking good — even with daily use.
Dried vs Canned Chickpeas: Which Are Healthier?
9th September 2024
Dried chickpeas have a different nutritional profile compared to canned chickpeas once they are cooked, so which are healthier? In this article, we take a look at which is the healthier choice between dried and canned chickpeas, plus we will also look at some of the pros and drawbacks of each.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Oven – Crispy & Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs
17th August, 2024
Learn how to cook chicken thighs in the oven perfectly every time with this easy 30-minute recipe. Delicious crispy baked chicken thighs that are so juicy they literally fall off the bone. This recipe is a great weeknight dinner option as there’s no marinading required. Serve alongside your favorite greens, some steamed veg, or salad for a balanced meal.
How to Cook Baked Sweet Potatoes in the Oven in Under 30 Minutes
8th August, 2024
Make perfect, soft tasty baked sweet potatoes every time with this easy cooking hack. This recipe is super easy and literally takes a minute or two for the prep work, then the sweet potatoes go into the oven for around 25 minutes… and that’s it!
The result is super soft baked sweet potatoes ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings.
Spanish Cuisine on the Keto Diet: The Ultimate Guide to Eating in Spain on the Keto Diet
7th June, 2024
Ever wondered if the Mediterranean Diet is compatible with the Keto diet?
In this article, we look at how to enjoy Spanish cuisine on the keto diet, what the differences and compatibilities are, plus we offer three examples of meal plans where you can enjoy delicious keto meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Guide to Salt: What is Healthy and What to Avoid.
14th June, 2024
Everything you need to know about salt; Why we need salt to survive, why is makes food taste so good, and what is the healthiest salt to consume. We also take a look at some of salts numerous health benefits, including how much salt is good for you and what to look for when buying healthy and mineral-rich salt products.
We have also attached a few links to the types of salt we use in our very own Spanish kitchen.
Pintxos (Pinchos) — Recipes and Tips on How to Make These Tasty Snacks at Home
24th November, 2023
Pintxos, or pinchos, are small one-person dishes typically served on a piece of bread pierced with a toothpick or skewer. They are a staple of Basque Country food culture and are particularly synonymous with San Sebastián. As the epicenter of pintxos culture, you can visit hundreds of bars and restaurants in this city and sample these delicious snacks.
Let’s go on a ‘txikiteo’ (pintxos crawl) and look at the most common types of pintxos and discover the Pintxos culture in Spain.
Are All Olive Oils Healthy?
29th May, 2024
You probably already know that olive oil is good for you and that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the healthiest of them all. With the rising price of olive oils (and most things), I thought it’s worth exploring other oil varieties that are also healthy.
Let’s look at the different olive oil varieties, what health benefits they offer, and their flavor profile.
Spanish Banderillas (The Fastest Party Food You Can Make!)
8th November, 2023
Spanish Banderillas are a type of tapas that feature different pieces of food on a toothpick or skewer. They’re usually a mixture of flavors like something sour, slightly spicy, and sweet. Think mini charcuterie board on a stick. The aim is to make them colorful and tasty, without needing to do any heavy cooking, and many do not require any cooking at all.
From the famous ‘Gilda’ to many other creative and tasty creations, we’ve taste-tested a bunch of flavor combinations and found the best ones. Let’s explore the delicious world of Spanish Banderillas, one morsel at a time!
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breast: Which Is Healthier and Tastier?
30th October, 2023
When it comes to choosing the right cut of chicken for your meals, the decision can be challenging. Should you opt for succulent chicken thighs with their rich flavor, or is the lean and mild taste of chicken breast the better choice?
Well, sometimes it might come down to health factors for you, and other times you might just want the best cut for the recipe. We’ll look at which is healthier first and then how they compare in terms of flavor and cooking versatility.
The 7 Most Used Spices in Spanish Cooking (Uses, Health Benefits, Recipes)
5th October, 2023
We’ve found that Spanish cuisine is as diverse as its regions, and its richness lies not only in the abundant choice of fresh ingredients but also in the artful use of spices. Nearly every non-dessert recipe uses at least one spice.
Let’s delve into the core of Spanish cooking to unveil the top seven spices used in Spanish cuisine. We will also discover the dishes they commonly accentuate plus take a look at some of the health benefits that each of these commonly used spices can provide.
Discover The Top 10 Herbs Used in Spanish Cooking (Flavors, Health Benefits, Recipes)
6th October, 2023
Fresh and dried herbs are prominent in just about all savory Spanish dishes, but some are used far more than others! Since Spain is such a geographically diverse country, you’ll find different regions grow different herbs which are of course an influence on the many dishes and recipes from each region.
All are tasty and loaded with nutritious health benefits with each having their own place in traditional and modern Spanish recipes.
The Soul of Spanish Cuisine: Sauces for Every Occasion
20th September, 2023
Unlock the world of Spanish sauces and their culinary magic. Learn about the rich history, regional variations, and perfect dish pairings. Discover a Spanish sauce for every occasion!
The Spanish gastronomic landscape is vast, but if we had to point out a single element that ties the multitude of regional cuisines together, it would be the sauces. From the fragrant Romesco to the comforting Alioli, Spanish sauces are more than mere accompaniments — they are the pulse of many Spanish dishes.
Why is the Spanish Lifestyle so Healthy? (Top 10 Reasons)
14th September 2023
Let’s look at the secrets of the Mediterranean marvel that is Spain and find out why the Spanish lifestyle is so healthy and how you can get on board!
The Spanish lifestyle, admired by many and practiced by millions, holds within its essence the secrets to a healthier and longer life. How? Let’s find out.
Types of Spanish Chorizo (Flavors, Recipes, and Traditions)
26th May 2023
Chorizo holds a special place in Spanish cuisine shaped by a strong cultural tradition that has been preserved throughout history. In this article, you’ll discover the different types of chorizo, their origins and history, and why each one is special.
We’ll also look into how chorizo is made, give you some great chorizo recipes, nutritional information, and where to purchase good quality Spanish chorizo in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.
Explore the Gastronomic Delights of Spanish Ham: Jamón Ibérico, Jamón Serrano, and Gran Reservas
16th August, 2023
Discover the different types of Spanish ham, including identifying the key differences between Jamón Ibérico, Jamón Serrano, and what makes a Gran Reserva. We’ll also look at how each type of Spanish ham is made, where to buy good Spanish ham, plus offer a few recipes, and answer the most frequently asked questions relating to Spanish ham.
Spain Dining Guide – Spanish Meal Times and Traditions
29th April 2023
Spain dining guide – Spanish meal times and traditions is the complete guide to what to eat and when. Spend any time in Spain; the first thing you’ll likely discover is the sometimes bizarre hours (compared to many countries) that local bars, restaurants, and eateries keep.
In this article, we’ll spill the beans on typical Spanish mealtimes, plus shed some light on some of the traditional customs that go along with a Spanish meal. Undo your belt buckle, it’s time to eat!
Spanish Bocadillo – Foodie guide on Spain’s beloved sandwich
May 8th, 2023
The Spanish bocadillo is a staple of everyday life. A humble yet iconic pleasure and comfort food at its finest. Bocadillos are made with baguettes or barras de pan (a little wider than a baguette) and the bread is cut lengthways and served around 8 inches long.
Bocadillos will be lovingly filled with anything from tortilla, tuna, Spanish cheese, chorizo, sobrasada, to serrano ham or even jamón ibérico.
Guide to Spanish Wine: Types, Tasting Notes, Food Pairings
6th March 2023
Our guide to Spanish wine provides all the top tips you need to know before buying your next bottle. Includes wine types, tasting notes, and food pairings!
Spanish wines are loved by wine enthusiasts all around the world, and it’s fair to say we have an ongoing love affair with them. Since there are so many different types and flavors, you’ll find more than one to pair with any cuisine or dish, making them super versatile.
Could Olive Oil Help You Lose Weight? Secrets From the Mediterranean Diet
April 3rd, 2023
Olive oil is often touted for its many health benefits, including its potential to aid in weight loss. While olive oil is high in calories and fat, its unique composition helps promote weight loss and improve your overall health.
Today, we’re going to focus on the weight loss aspect of consuming olive oil and the research behind it. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to incorporate olive oil into your diet.
Your Guide to Hot Paprika, Smoked Paprika and Sweet Paprika
November 2022
Discover what spice to use in your favorite recipes with our complete Spanish cooking guide to hot paprika, smoked paprika, and sweet papriika.
Paprika is like no other spice we know of. It’s different in most countries that produce it, and even within Spain, there are huge variations in flavor intensity and color. That’s because different peppers and drying methods are used.
Spanish Pantry Staples – Secrets from a Spanish Kitchen
February 16th, 2023
Discover the beauty and convenience of Spanish cooking that’ll have you cooking deliciously easy tapas, quick and filling main meals, and much more in no time! Let’s discover what’s in the pantry of a typical Spanish home and find a few secrets from the Spanish kitchen along the way.
Spanish pantry staples are one of the first things that we discovered and fell in love with when we moved to Spain.
Top 10 Best Traditional Spanish Dishes You Need to Know
September 2021
Mention Spanish food to anyone and the first thing that’s likely to come to mind is tapas. These small appetizers are served throughout the day or night and usually accompany a drink, typically a small beer or wine.
Spanish cuisine is far richer in culinary delights than the mere tapas, however, and discovering Spanish cuisine and traditional recipes is a hugely enriching experience that must be shared.
What a Mediterranean Shopping List Looks Like (In Spain)
4th November, 2023
Come take a sneak peek into Spanish pantry staples and fresh produce that regularly make our shopping list.
We’ve broken the items down by vegetables, fruit, grains and legumes, nuts and seeds, dairy, oils and fats, herbs and spices, fish and seafood, meats, beverages, and other, including some of the health benefits of each ingredient.
How to Make Pickled Radishes
14th May, 2024
Pickled radishes are versatile and can be used to add pop to nearly any salad recipe or side dish. Sprinkle them over your favorite summer recipe for an instant burst of color and freshness, or use them as a garnish to add zing to a main meal.
The beauty of making pickled radishes is it’s just so easy: Slice your radishes, heat the brine, season with your favorite seeds or herbs, and refrigerate.
How to Peel and Devein Shrimp (YouTube Video)
17th January, 2023
This is actually a video we made and posted on our YouTube channel. It’s just under 2 minutes and provides a simple visual guide on how to peel and devein shrimp the easy way. In fact, we give you two options, both with step-by-step instructions.
Olive Oil Nutrition Facts
December 19th, 2022
When it comes to olive oil nutrition, there are a number of facts that may surprise you. The benefits of olive oil stretch far beyond adding flavor to food or cooking with it. We think everyone should be aware of just how powerful this one food item can be, especially extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
Types of Spanish Cheese (The 5 Essentials to Get You Started)
October 10th, 2022
Exploring the various types of Spanish cheese is a pure delight to the tastebuds. From the mountainous northern reaches that offer smooth and creamy cow’s milk cheese such as the Idiazabal and tetilla cheeses, to the central plains of Castilla La-Mancha, where award-winning manchego cheese can be found abundantly.
Paella now officially protected as a cultural treasure
11th November 2021
On the 9th of November 2021, the Valencian government published in its official gazette that paella is to be protected so that its virtues are safeguarded for future generations. It states, “Paella is an icon of the Mediterranean diet, because of both its ingredients and its characteristics as a representation of Valencian culture.” It’s revered because paella celebrates the “art of unity and sharing”.
Spanish Regional Foodie Guides
Got the travel bug? We've made loads of Foodie guides to help!
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!