22 Vegetarian Spanish Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What do vegetarians eat in Spain? ›

You will also find that paella, chickpea stew, cocido stew, migas de pastor (literally shepherd's breadcrumbs) and many other classic Spanish dishes are available in vegetarian versions. In Mallorca, you should order "tumbet mallorquín" (potatoes, tomato and aubergine).

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.

India is the unique outlier. Going by percentage of the population, Mexico is the second most vegetarian country, at 19%, then Brazil and Taiwan at 14%. Then Israel 13%, Australia 12%, Argentina, Sweden, and Finland 12%. After that it's mostly European countries, mostly around 10%.

Peru. The beautiful South American nation of Peru boasts a plethora of veggie-friendly favourites, making it one of the best countries for vegetarian food. Papa a la huancaina (boiled potato with creamy yellow sauce) is found everywhere, deriving its punchy flavour and colour from the yellow aji pepper.

Sangria is an iconic Spanish drink loved around the world. There are heaps of versions, but the classic recipe is made with red wine, brandy or vermouth, sliced apples and oranges, and sparkling soda. A crowd-pleasing pitcher of sangria is the perfect drink to share with friends over tapas.

Paella: A Spanish Rice Delight

Widely regarded by tourists as Spain's national dish, paella is always a crowd-pleaser and family favorite. While it's now a staple in households and restaurants throughout Spain, the dish originally hails from the country's Valencia region.

Flan. Arguably the most popular classic Spanish dessert, flan is also one of the most versatile. Indeed, there are numerous variations of the rich, gelatinous dessert which incorporate eggs, cheese, coconut, and vanilla.

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.

What is the typical lunch in Spain? ›

Traditional lunches in Spain include:

Bread with some appetizers like cheese or cured meat. Soup (gazpacho in summer or a type of bean or seafood soup in winter) Main dish (seafood, fish, meat, stew, vegetables) Green salad.

A typical Spaniard eating schedule is as followed:

– Comida (lunch): anywhere from 1pm to 3pm, depending on your schedule. – Merienda (mid-afternoon snack): anywhere from 5pm to 7pm. – Cena (dinner): anywhere from 8:30pm to 11pm.

Many assume that Spanish cuisine is as spicy as the temperament of the locals, although it is far from true. Spain citizens love spices, but their preference for the dish hotness is rather mild. However, every rule comes with an exception, so does Spanish cuisine.

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

They termed this counter-insurgence the Reconquista, or the Reconquest. An easy and certain way to distinguish themselves from their foes, the Muslims, was to make pork central to their diet. So for practical and cultural reasons, ham and pork became foundational.

The Mediterranean diet is mainly based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and olive oil. Sardines and blue fish as well, that's right. But you can skip it and still enjoy the rest of the Mediterranean diet. So, I'm highlighting this: being vegetarian in Spain is not only possible, but super easy and delicious!

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. In countries in northern and central Europe, the proportion is higher.

While Spanish tapas are typically quite meaty, there are some great vegan & vegetarian tapas too like patatas bravas, delicious olives, or bread with tomato.

Even when there is a “faux-pas” and the dish that you ordered (that you made sure had only vegetarian ingredients listed on the menu) comes out of the kitchen with meat (the Spanish love to throw ham into everything!), all you need to do is kindly tell the waiter you do not eat meat and they will replace your food with ...