Here is the definitive list of common Spanish cooking verbs — a useful partner to cookbooks – or just watching your favourite cookery show. We put this list together to help everyone; from the traveller rocking up in a Barcelona Tapas bar for the first time, or for that romantic date at that local Spanish restaurant.
If we have missed any let us know.
A la Marinera
Common style of cooking in Spanish cuisine, “A la Marinera” is cooked with white wine, onions and sometimes tomatoes.
A la Parrilla
Charcoal grilled – also known as a la brasa.
A la Plancha
Grilled on a metal plate.
Al Ajillo
Fried or sauted with garlic.
Al Pil-pil
Al Pil-pil means that the item has been prepare in a particular kind of sauce, originating in the Basque country.
Al Vapor
Spanish for “steamed.”
Alioli
An emulsion sauce made with garlic and olive oil. Eggs are usually added for stability. It is like a garlic mayonnaise.
Asado
This simply means “roast” or “roasted.”
Bocadillo
Sandwich or a Baguette.
Cafe con Leche
“Cafe con Leche” is a coffee drink, similar to a “Latte.”
Carne
Spanish for “Meat” and can refer to beef, pork and lamb.
Cazuela
This simply means “casserole” or “saucepan.”
Cocido
Cocido is a traditional chickpea-based stew.
Desayuno
Spanish for “breakfast”.
Dulces
“Dulces” is the Spanish term for sweets.
Entremeses
“Entremeses” are also listed on menus as “entrantes.”
Estofado
Stewed or “pot-roasted.”
Jamon
Ham, a very popular food in Spain.
La Cena
“La Cena” is dinner in Spain and is served in the late evening hours.
La Comida
“La comida” or “the meal” is the biggest meal of the day in Spain.
Marisco
Spanish for “Seafood” or “Shellfish”.
Menu del Dia
The “Menu del Dia” or day menu is the most economical way to eat in Spain.
Merienda
Snack eaten in the evening.
Morcilla
Spanish blood sausage, like british black pudding.
Paleta
Paleta – Cured Pork Shoulder.
Pescado
Fish.
Plato Principal
Main Course.
Postre
Dessert.
Primer Plato
The “first course” of a Spanish Meal.
Segundo Plato
The second course or “main” course of the Spanish meal.
Tapas
“Tapas” are a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine.
Tortilla
In Spain, refers to an egg omelette.
Turron
Spanish candy traditionally made from almonds and honey and eaten at Christmas.
Vino Tinto
Red wine.