This blog post was originally posted on November 11, 2016, and was updated on November 26, 2017.
Looking to stock the perfect Spanish kitchen? Whether you’re in Barcelona or not, there’s nothing better than a kitchen full of traditional Spanish ingredients!
Must-Have Spanish Spices
Spanish food is by no means spicy! However, there are still some absolute must-have Spanish spices. Furthermore, these are used in a variety of traditional Spanish recipes and dishes that you can find in Barcelona.
- Salt: the paramount of Spanish cuisine.
- Pimentón (paprika): the most widely-used Spanish spice.
- Azafrán (saffron): make sure to get the real stuff!
- Guindilla (cayenne pepper): for the occasional touch of heat, as seen in the delicious tapa gambas al ajillo.
Read more about traditional Spanish spices here on our lovely co-founder Lauren Alouise’s blog!
Other Traditional Spanish Ingredients
As far as traditional Spanish ingredients go, there are a few staples that you also can’t miss.
- Garlic: and lots of it!
- Extra virgin olive oil: for everything
- Parsley: to sprinkle over fish, stews and more
- Bay leaves: to add extra flavor to your sauces, soups and stews!
Utensils in Every Spanish Kitchen
If you’re trying to recreate a Barcelona kitchen at home, there are certain utensils that no Spanish kitchen could stand without.
- Mortar and pestle: used in traditional recipes to grind up different herbs and spices.
- Immersion blender: the blender that will change your life. Perfect for making delicious dishes like gazpacho!
- Terracotta ramekins: or ceramic ramekins/pots.
- Ham stand and carving knife: if you’re really serious about your Spanish kitchen, you’ll have a leg of ham. You’ll also have the necessary equipment to slowly devour it!
- Paella: the pan from which the dish gets its name!
- Wine bottle opener: because good Spanish food needs good Spanish wine!
