12 Vegan Spanish Recipes You Need to Try! (2024)

FAQs

What is a traditional Spanish food vegan? ›

Escalivada is also a traditional vegan Spanish dish. It is a salad of Catalan origin in which roast tomatoes, onions, red peppers and aubergines are combined with a touch of olive oil, garlic and salt! It's often served on toast, so it's a good choice for a healthy lunch!

Paella is perhaps the most famous Spanish dish of all, and certainly one of the most abused. Authentic paella originates from the region around Valencia, and comes in two varieties: Paella Valenciana, with rabbit and chicken; and seafood paella.

Without a doubt, a trip to Spain is worthwhile just for the delicious culinary delights and the many Mediterranean specialties. Probably the best-known specialty and the absolute classic of Spanish cuisine is the popular rice paella. Paella is considered the national dish and originates from Valencia.

A recent study concludes that in Spain 4% of the population is vegetarian -they do not eat meat or fish- and 0.8% is vegan -they do not eat dairy products or eggs. Around 7% are flexitarians, i.e. they tend to eat less and less animal protein.

On my plant-based investigation I quickly found out that Spain is bursting with vegan shops and restaurants. Granted, the big cities like Seville, Madrid and Barcelona have some of the best offerings, with hip new cafes, restaurants and bars serving up vegan cakes, poke bowls, colourful brunches, and smoothies.

Paella is probably Spain's most well-known food. This delectable, saffron-flavored rice dish originated in Valencia hundreds of years ago when hungry servants would combine rice with leftovers from Moorish kings' lavish banquets.

Flan. Spanish flan is a caramel pudding made from a simple mixture of milk, sugar and eggs. You'll see it served in almost every bar and restaurant in Madrid and beyond, making it the king of all desserts from Spain.

The best way to describe Spanish food is a typical Mediterranean diet. Huge salads, fish, fresh fruit, bread, olive oil, lentils and simple meats and vegetables. It seems simple and it is. But somehow the Spanish have turned simplicity into some of the most delicious food in the world.

What is the blood dish in Spain? ›

Morcilla is a Spanish blood sausage, popular on its own and as an ingredient in stews. It's made with pig's blood, rice, onions, and spices, although recipes vary from region to region.

Sangría. Sangría is Spain's national drink, so of course it belongs on this list! Spain is famous for it's wine, which is the base of this drink. Lots of fresh fruit and a bit of sugar and cinnamon give this drink a sweet taste that you'll fall in love with at first sip.

We do not have an “official” soup, however, soup-style foods are very typical in Spain, specially when it's cold. Some of the most famous soups are gazpacho (Tomato soup), lentejas (Lentil soup) and cocido madrileño (Made with veggies and meats).

Are churros vegan? Yes, the traditional Spanish recipe for churros is vegan! This is one of several naturally vegan dishes that are part of traditional Spanish cuisine.

Some country-wide staple dishes common throughout Spain include croquetas (croquettes), paella (a rice dish from the Valencian Community), ensaladilla rusa (the local name for the Olivier salad), gazpacho (a vegetable cold soup), and tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette).

While Spanish tapas are typically quite meaty, there are some great vegan & vegetarian tapas too like patatas bravas, delicious olives, or bread with tomato. This article showcases some of the tasty vegan and vegetarian tapas dishes that Spain has to offer.