Spanish Foods That Start With P

One of the most iconic Spanish dishes that start with P is paella. This classic dish hails from the Valencia region of Spain and is made with saffron-infused rice, vegetables, and your choice of seafood, chicken, or rabbit. Another dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds is patatas bravas, which are crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. And let’s not forget about pulpo a la gallega, a simple yet flavorful dish made with boiled octopus, olive oil, and paprika.

Moving on to the world of Spanish desserts, we have pastel de Gloria, a sweet almond cake that’s popular during Christmas time, and pionono, a sponge cake roll filled with cream that’s a specialty of the southern Spanish city of Granada. And of course, who could forget about polvorones, crumbly shortbread cookies that are a staple during the holiday season.

So, whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons or just someone who loves good food, Spanish cuisine has something for everyone. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the Spanish foods that start with P.

Spanish Foods That Start With P

Each of these Spanish foods has a unique flavor and cultural significance, and is an important part of Spanish cuisine. From the rich and hearty stews to the sweet and delicate desserts, Spanish food offers a wide range of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any palate.

Paella

A fragrant and flavorful Spanish rice dish, Paella is a popular dish that has become a worldwide sensation. The classic Valencian version of the dish is made with saffron-infused rice, chicken, rabbit, beans, and a variety of seafood, including prawns, mussels, and clams. The dish is cooked in a large, shallow pan called a paellera, which helps to create the signature crispy crust on the bottom of the rice. The dish is usually seasoned with a blend of spices, including saffron, paprika, and oregano, giving it a unique, aromatic flavor.

Paleta de cordero

Paleta de cordero is a succulent, slow-roasted lamb shoulder that is a favorite in Spanish cuisine. The dish is typically seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and is cooked until it is tender and falling off the bone. The meat is then served with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, potatoes, and a light gravy made from the cooking juices.

Palmero cheese

Palmero cheese is a tangy, semi-hard cheese made from raw cow’s milk. The cheese has a distinct flavor and texture that is both creamy and crumbly at the same time. It is often enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for bread or crackers. Palmero cheese is typically aged for several months, allowing its complex flavors to fully develop.

Papas arrugadas

Papas arrugadas are a classic Canarian dish consisting of small, wrinkly potatoes that are boiled in salt water until they are tender. The potatoes are then served with a traditional Canarian sauce called mojo, which is made from garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and a blend of spices. The dish is often enjoyed as a starter or side dish and is a staple of Canarian cuisine.

Parrillada

Parrillada is a traditional Spanish dish that is similar to a mixed grill. It typically includes a variety of meats, including beef, pork, and chicken, as well as sausages and chorizo. The meat is usually grilled over an open flame, giving it a smoky flavor and a crispy exterior. The dish is often served with a variety of sides, including potatoes, vegetables, and a light salad.

Pastel de Gloria

Pastel de Gloria is a sweet pastry that is popular in the Andalusia region of Spain. The pastry is made with a delicate almond filling that is flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest. The filling is then wrapped in a thin layer of puff pastry and baked until it is golden brown. The pastry is typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a light drizzle of honey.

Pasteles

Pasteles are a type of pastry that is popular in many regions of Spain. The pastries are typically made with a flaky, buttery crust and filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. Sweet pasteles may be filled with fruit, custard, or chocolate, while savory pasteles may be filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. The pastries are typically enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Pastisset

Pastisset is a sweet pastry that is similar to a turnover. The pastry is typically made with a sweet, buttery crust and filled with a variety of sweet fillings, including almond paste, fruit preserves, or chocolate. The pastries are typically baked until they are golden brown and flaky and are often dusted with powdered sugar before serving.

Patatas

Patatas, or potatoes, are a staple of Spanish cuisine and are used in a wide variety of dishes. They are typically boiled, roasted, or fried and served as a side dish or incorporated into stews and casseroles. Patatas bravas, a popular Spanish tapa, are fried potatoes that are served with a spicy tomato sauce, while patatas a lo pobre, or “poor man’s potatoes,” are typically cooked with onions, garlic, and peppers and served as a simple, hearty dish.

Patatas a lo Pobre

Patatas a lo Pobre, or “poor man’s potatoes,” is a classic Spanish dish that is simple yet delicious. The dish is typically made with sliced potatoes that are fried until golden brown and crispy. They are then cooked with onions, garlic, and peppers until they are soft and tender. The dish is seasoned with a blend of spices, including paprika, cumin, and oregano, giving it a rich, savory flavor. Patatas a lo Pobre is often served with a fried egg on top, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Patatas bravas

Patatas bravas are a popular Spanish tapa that consists of fried potatoes that are served with a spicy tomato sauce. The dish is typically made with small, bite-sized potatoes that are fried until they are crispy and golden brown. The sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, chili peppers, and a variety of spices, giving it a bold, spicy flavor. Patatas bravas are often served as an appetizer or snack and are a staple of Spanish cuisine.

Pato

Pato, or duck, is a popular meat in Spanish cuisine. It is often prepared in a variety of ways, including roasted, grilled, or stewed. One popular dish is pato con arroz, which consists of duck cooked with rice, onions, peppers, and a blend of spices. The dish is typically served with a side of vegetables or a light salad.

Pavo

Pavo, or turkey, is a popular meat in Spanish cuisine and is often served during the holiday season. One popular dish is pavo relleno, which consists of a stuffed turkey that is roasted until it is golden brown and crispy. The stuffing is typically made with a blend of bread crumbs, herbs, and spices, and may also include fruits and nuts for added flavor.

Pepinillos

Pepinillos, or pickles, are a popular condiment in Spanish cuisine. They are typically made by preserving small cucumbers in vinegar, along with a variety of spices and herbs. Pepinillos are often served as a side dish or used as a topping for sandwiches or burgers.

Pepino

Pepino, or cucumber, is a refreshing and versatile vegetable that is used in a wide variety of Spanish dishes. It is often sliced and served as a side dish or used as a base for salads. Pepino is also commonly used as a garnish for cocktails and other drinks.

Peras

Peras, or pears, are a popular fruit in Spanish cuisine. They are typically eaten fresh as a snack or used in a variety of desserts, including cakes, tarts, and pies. Peras al vino, a classic Spanish dessert, consists of poached pears that are cooked in red wine and sugar until they are tender and juicy.

Perdices

Perdices, or partridges, are a popular game bird in Spanish cuisine. They are often roasted or stewed and served as a hearty main course. Perdices escabechadas, a popular Spanish dish, consists of partridges that are marinated in vinegar and a blend of spices before being cooked until they are tender and flavorful.

Perejil

Perejil, or parsley, is a versatile herb that is used in a wide variety of Spanish dishes. It is often chopped and used as a garnish for salads, soups , and stews, or used as a seasoning in meat dishes and sauces. Perejil is also commonly used in the preparation of chimichurri, a popular Argentinean sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil.

Pescaditos fritos

Pescaditos fritos, or fried fish, is a popular Spanish dish that consists of small fish that are battered and fried until they are crispy and golden brown. The dish is typically served with a wedge of lemon and a side of aioli, a garlic mayonnaise sauce that is popular in Spanish cuisine.

Pestiños

Pestiños are a traditional Spanish sweet that is often served during the holiday season. The pastry is made with a blend of flour, olive oil, honey, and spices, and is typically fried until it is crispy and golden brown. Pestiños are often served with a dusting of cinnamon sugar and are a sweet and indulgent treat.

Picón Bejes-Tresviso

Picón Bejes-Tresviso is a blue cheese that is made in the Cantabria region of northern Spain. The cheese is known for its strong, pungent flavor and creamy texture. It is often served as a dessert cheese and pairs well with sweet fruits and nuts.

Pimientos

Pimientos, or peppers, are a staple of Spanish cuisine and are used in a wide variety of dishes. They are often roasted or grilled and used as a side dish or topping for sandwiches and burgers. Pimientos de padrón, a popular Spanish dish, consists of small green peppers that are fried until they are blistered and served with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Pimientos de Padrón

Pimientos de Padrón are small green peppers that are a staple of Spanish cuisine. They are often served as a tapa and are typically fried until they are blistered and charred. The peppers are known for their mild, sweet flavor, although occasionally a spicy one can be found, which adds an element of surprise to the dish.

Pincho moruno

Pincho moruno, or Moorish skewer, is a popular Spanish dish that consists of marinated cubes of meat that are skewered and grilled over an open flame. The meat is typically seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, and oregano, giving it a bold, savory flavor.

Pinchos morunos

Pinchos morunos, or Moorish skewers, are a popular Spanish dish that is typically served as a tapa. The dish consists of marinated cubes of meat that are skewered and grilled over an open flame, giving them a smoky, charred flavor. The meat is typically seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, and oregano, giving it a bold, savory flavor.

Pionono

Pionono is a sweet pastry that is often served as a dessert in Spanish cuisine. The pastry is made with a sponge cake that is rolled into a spiral and filled with a sweet filling, such as whipped cream, custard, or dulce de leche. The pastry is often dusted with powdered sugar and is a sweet and indulgent treat.

Piperade

Piperade is a classic Basque dish that consists of sautéed peppers, onions, and tomatoes, which are then seasoned with a blend of spices, including paprika and garlic. The dish is typically served as a side dish or topping for grilled meats and fish.

Pisto

Pisto is a classic Spanish dish that is similar to ratatouille. The dish consists of sautéed onions, peppers, and tomatoes, which are then simmered until they are soft and tender. Pisto is typically served as a side dish or as a topping for grilled meats and fish.

Piña

Piña, or pineapple, is a sweet and tropical fruit that is often used in Spanish cuisine. It can be eaten fresh or used as an ingredient in sweet and savory dishes. Piña colada, a popular cocktail, is made with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum.

Piñones

Piñones, or pine nuts, are a popular ingredient in Spanish cuisine. They are often used in savory dishes, such as pesto and pasta dishes, as well as in sweet pastries and desserts. Piñones are known for their rich, nutty flavor and are a popular ingredient in many traditional Spanish dishes.

Platanos

Plátanos, or plantains, are a staple of Latin American cuisine and are commonly used in Spanish cooking. They can be served ripe or green and are used in a wide variety of dishes, including tostones, a popular side dish made by frying slices of green plantains until they are crispy and golden brown.

Pollo

Pollo, or chicken, is a staple protein in Spanish cuisine and is used in a wide variety of dishes. It can be grilled, roasted, fried, or stewed, and is often seasoned with a blend of spices, including paprika, garlic, and cumin. Pollo a la brasa, a popular Peruvian dish, consists of rotisserie chicken that is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs.

Polvorón

Polvorón is a Spanish shortbread cookie that is often served during the holiday season. The cookie is made with a blend of flour, sugar, and butter, and is typically flavored with almonds or lemon zest. Polvorones are a sweet and buttery treat that pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Pomelo

Pomelo, or grapefruit, is a citrus fruit that is often used in Spanish cuisine. It can be eaten fresh or used in a wide variety of dishes, including salads and cocktails. Pomelo is known for its tart, tangy flavor and is a refreshing addition to many Spanish dishes.

Porra antequerana

Porra antequerana is a cold soup that is a specialty of the Andalusia region of southern Spain. The soup is made with a blend of bread, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and olive oil, and is typically served chilled. Porra antequerana is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for hot summer days.

Potaje

Potaje is a hearty Spanish stew that is typically made with beans, vegetables, and meat. The stew can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, including chickpeas, lentils, chorizo, and pork. Potaje is a filling and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold winter days.

Potatoes puré

Potatoes puré, or mashed potatoes, are a classic side dish in Spanish cuisine. The potatoes are typically boiled until they are soft and tender, then mashed with butter, milk, and salt. Potatoes puré are a comforting and delicious side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main dishes.

Puchero

Puchero is a traditional Spanish stew that is often made with a wide variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and legumes. The stew is typically simmered for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a rich, hearty dish. Puchero is a warming and satisfying dish that is perfect for cold winter days.

Pulpitos

Pulpitos, or baby octopus, are a popular ingredient in Spanish cuisine. They are often grilled or fried and served as a tapa or used in salads and pasta dishes. Pulpitos are known for their tender and flavorful meat, and are often seasoned with a blend of garlic, paprika, and lemon.

Pulpo a la gallega

Pulpo a la gallega is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Galicia region of Spain. The dish consists of boiled octopus that is sliced into thin rounds and served with a drizzle of olive oil, paprika, and coarse sea salt. Pulpo a la gallega is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the natural flavors of the octopus.

Puntillitas

Puntillitas, or baby squid, are a popular ingredient in Spanish cuisine. They are often grilled or fried and served as a tapa or used in seafood stews and rice dishes. Puntillitas are known for their tender and delicate meat, and are often seasoned with a blend of garlic, parsley, and lemon.

Conclusion

Spanish cuisine is a treasure trove of delicious and flavorful dishes, and the ones that start with the letter P are no exception. From the savory and comforting patatas a lo pobre to the sweet and decadent pastisset, Spanish food offers a wide variety of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any palate. So, the next time you find yourself in a Spanish restaurant or trying your hand at cooking Spanish food at home, don’t be afraid to explore some of these delicious dishes that start with P. You never know – you might just discover your new favorite Spanish food!