Spain is famous for its mouthwatering cuisine, and I’m excited to share some of the best Spanish cookbooks you’ll want to have in your own kitchen!
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6 Must-have Spanish Cookbooks
Spanish Cuisine on a daily basis
As regular blog readers will know, Spanish cuisine is a huge part of my expat life, and you can find authentic recipes from my family over on the Viva Spanish Kitchen blog. The truth is, life in Spain is deeply connected to food – whether it’s through Spanish festivities, Gastronomic Weeks, local village cuisine, food souvenirs, or even making an authentic Valencian paella with my in-laws every Sunday. Living and traveling in Spain comes with a foodie badge.
The good news? You don’t always need to hop on a plane to satisfy your Spanish food cravings. There are so many ways to bring a taste of Spain into your home, from coffee table books about Spain, modern Spanish novels, trendy TV shows, and even Spanish-themed board games. But for true virtual culinary travel, it’s Spanish cookbooks that offer the most immersive experience for foodies around the world.
What is special about Spanish food?
With Spanish cuisine, you can enjoy a delicious meal while reaping the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet – truly killing two birds with one stone. The traditional recipes of Spain vary widely across the different regions of the Iberian Peninsula. However, in my experience, even Spaniards love mixing and sharing flavors from other regions at home.
For instance, while paella is considered a Valencian specialty, it’s enjoyed all over Spain. When I lived in Pamplona, my local friends would make paella every Sunday, just like we do here in the Valencian Community.
Now, let’s dive into some Spanish cookbooks that would make a great addition to your kitchen collection. While it’s easy to find recipes online these days, nothing beats the experience of cooking from a beautifully designed cookbook – my favorite way to discover new dishes.
Penelope Casas, who introduced the classic little dishes of Spain to American cooks more than twenty years ago, now gives us a splendid updated edition of that seminal book—with fifty exciting new recipes and eight full pages of new color photographs showing tapas in all their glory.
Americans have fallen in love with Spanish food in recent years, and no one has done more to play matchmaker than the award-winning chef José Andrés. The dishes of Made in Spain show the diversity of Spanish cooking today as it is prepared in homes and restaurants from north to south. Many more are prepared with the regular ingredients available in any good supermarket.
Prepare to fall in love with Spanish food! With stunning photography, easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes and a real sense of love for the cuisine, this is the perfect book for anyone wanting to bring a little bit of Spain into the home. Your next 'go-to' cookbook!
6 Spanish Cookbooks You Will Enjoy Having In Your Kitchen
1. Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen by Jose Andres
Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen is a standout cookbook by award-winning Spanish chef José Andrés. One of its best features is that many of the recipes use high-quality Spanish ingredients that are easily accessible across the United States, with some even available at regular supermarkets. At the same time, Made in Spain celebrates the vibrant diversity of contemporary Spanish cuisine, drawing inspiration from both home kitchens and top restaurants. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of dishes, from casual soups and sandwiches to comforting slow-cooked beans and beautifully crafted salads.
Other popular Spanish cookbooks by Jose Andres: Tapas – A Taste of Spain in America, Vegetables Unleashed, The World Central Kitchen Cookbook, and Recetas made in Spain.
2. The Spanish Home Kitchen – Simple, Seasonal Recipes and Memories from My Home by Jose Pizarro
José Pizarro, a renowned Spanish chef from the region of Extremadura, brings the flavors of his family home to life in The Spanish Home Kitchen: Simple, Seasonal Recipes and Memories from My Home . This cookbook features 80 of his favorite recipes, blending nostalgic childhood classics with modern Spanish dishes infused with Pizarro’s own creative touch. With its authentic charm, it offers a warm glimpse into his culinary roots and personal style.
Other popular Spanish cookbooks by Jose Pizarro: Basque – Spanish Recipes from San Sebastian and Beyond, Catalonia – Recipes from Barcelona and Beyond, Andalusia – Recipes from Seville and Beyond, Seasonal Spanish Food, and Spanish Flavors – Stunning Dishes Inspired by the Regional Ingredients of Spain.
3. 1,000 Spanish Recipes By Penelope Casas
Penelope Casas is widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on Spanish cuisine. Her book 1,000 Spanish Recipes stands as her final and most significant work, cementing her legacy in the world of culinary literature. Casas wrote extensively about food and travel in Spain for prestigious publications like The New York Times, Gourmet, Food & Wine, and Condé Nast Traveler. In recognition of her contributions, the Spanish government awarded her the National Prize of Gastronomy, the Medal of Touristic Merit, and named her a Dame of the Order of Civil Merit.
Other popular Spanish cookbooks by Penelope Casas: Paella! Spectacular Rice Dishes From Spain, One Pot Spanish, The Foods and Wines of Spain, Tapas -The Little Dishes of Spain, and Discovering Spain An Uncommon Guide.
4. 1080 Recipes By Simone Ortega
1080 Recipes by Simone Ortega is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Spanish cookbooks. Since its release nearly forty years ago, it has sold millions of copies. The book, designed by the renowned Spanish graphic designer and illustrator Javier Mariscal, features over 500 of his illustrations, complemented by 104 specially commissioned photographs, making it both a culinary and visual masterpiece.
Other popular Spanish cookbooks by Simone Ortega include: Quick and Easy Spanish Recipes and The Spanish Edition – 1080 recetas de cocina.
5. The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adria
Ferran Adrià is one of the most celebrated Spanish chefs of all time, renowned for his innovative culinary techniques. With three Michelin stars awarded to his iconic restaurant, elBulli, Adrià revolutionized modern cuisine. After closing elBulli in 2011, he transitioned to lecturing internationally, establishing the elBullifoundation, and founding a culinary academy. His book The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adrià offers an intimate look into the dishes the acclaimed chef enjoys at home.
While international food lovers often think of José Andrés when it comes to top Spanish chefs, in my experience, most Spaniards would place Ferran Adrià at the top of the list.
Other famous Spanish Books by Ferran Adria: The Origins of Cooking – Palaeolithic and Neolithic Cooking, What Is Cooking, and A Day at elbulli.
6. Tapas Revolution – 120 Simple Classic Spanish Recipes by Omar
Omar Allibhoy is one of the most prominent Spanish chefs in the UK. After training under the legendary Ferran Adrià at the world-renowned ElBulli, he moved to London, where he honed his skills working alongside Gordon Ramsay and Jason Atherton.
His book Tapas Revolution: 120 Simple Classic Spanish Recipes has quickly become one of the most popular Spanish cookbooks in recent years. Filled with easy-to-follow recipes, it’s the perfect guide for anyone wanting to bring the authentic flavors of Spain into their own kitchen.
Other famous Spanish Cookbooks by Omar Allibhoy: Spanish Made Simple and Paella – Over 50 Recipes for the Spanish Classic.
Other Unique Spanish Cookbooks
The Food of Spain by Claudia Roden
The Food of Spain by Claudia Roden is one of the most beloved explorations of Spanish cuisine, combining hundreds of authentic recipes with rich historical and cultural insights. It’s not just a cookbook, but a captivating read for anyone curious about the stories and traditions behind Spain’s diverse culinary landscape.
Catalan Food by Daniel Olivella
Catalan Food by Daniel Olivella presents a vibrant fusion of Catalan history, culture, and 80 authentic recipes. More than just a cookbook, Olivella weaves personal stories and deep insights into Catalan traditions, taking readers on a rich culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Catalonia.
Easy Spanish Cookbook by Norema Salinas
Easy Spanish Cookbook by Norema Salinas is designed for home cooks looking for simple, approachable Spanish recipes, this book streamlines classic dishes without compromising on flavor. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone craving quick, authentic meals inspired by Spain’s rich culinary heritage.
Sabor: Flavours from a Spanish Kitchen by Nieves Barragan Mohacho
Sabor: Flavours from a Spanish Kitchen by Nieves Barragan Mohacho is a celebrated cookbook featuring vibrant, contemporary Spanish recipes that showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold, exciting flavors. It’s an essential addition for food enthusiasts eager to bring the elegance and ease of modern Spanish cooking into their own kitchens.
Tapas and other Spanish plates to share
Centered on the social and communal spirit of Spanish dining, the cookbook Tapas: and other Spanish plates to share brings together a diverse collection of small plates designed for sharing. It’s ideal for entertaining and exploring the rich variety of flavors that define tapas culture.
Pintxos: Small Plates in the Basque Tradition
If you love San Sebastián or Bilbao, Pintxos: Small Plates in the Basque Tradition offers a deep dive into the Basque tradition of pintxos – small, flavorful bites served in bustling bars. It’s a must-have for anyone passionate about Basque cuisine and eager to recreate these intricate yet accessible dishes at home.
Basque Country: A Culinary Journey Through a Food Lover’s Paradise
The Basque Country is one of Spain’s top foodie destinations, and the book Basque Country: A Culinary Journey Through a Food Lover’s Paradise offers an in-depth exploration of its rich gastronomy. Combining delicious recipes with captivating stories of the region’s culinary heritage, it’s perfect for travelers and food lovers eager to experience Basque culture through its vibrant flavors.
Rustic Spanish (Williams-Sonoma): Simple, Authentic Recipes for Everyday Cooking
Rustic Spanish (Williams-Sonoma): Simple, Authentic Recipes for Everyday Cooking emphasizes rustic, hearty Spanish dishes that are easy to prepare and perfect for everyday meals. It’s ideal for cooks who appreciate straightforward recipes with authentic flavors and traditional ingredients.
Moro: The Cookbook by Samuel Clark
Inspired by the renowned London restaurant Moro, the cookbook Moro by Samuel Clark celebrates the vibrant culinary fusion of Spain and North Africa. It’s the perfect choice for adventurous cooks looking to explore bold, exotic flavors and experiment with innovative recipes.
Brindisa: The True Food of Spain
From the celebrated Brindisa restaurant, Brindisa: The True Food of Spain offers authentic Spanish recipes that honor the country’s rich culinary heritage. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to master classic Spanish dishes with true flavor and expert technique.
Trending Spanish Editions to Buy in Spain:
If you’re on the hunt for unique Spain-themed gifts or looking to improve your Spanish, check out these trending cookbooks on Amazon.es. Some of these local editions may be available for international shipping, while others are still exclusively sold within the Iberian Peninsula.
- Cocina fácil y rico: Más de 600 recetas para triunfar / Karlos Arguiñano
- MasterChef. El arte de la cocina española
- Cocina con Joan Roca a baja temperatura / Joan Roca
- Cocina madre / Joan Roca
- Las 1150 recetas definitivas / Martín Berasategui
- La olla lenta regional: 78 recetas de cocina tradicional española para slow cooker / María del Pozo
- Repostería tradicional / Alma Obregón
- Cocina con Carmen: Sabores de Andalucía / Carmen Butrón
For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.
- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda and Booking
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Omio (10% off with code ATC10 for first-time customers)
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: To avoid roaming fees, I like Holafly (use ATLIFESTYLECROSSROADS for for a 5% discount)
- Shop My Level8 Suitcase: get 15% off with the code ATC15 here
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
- Website Owners: For hosting services, I work with and recommend Lyrical Host (get 10% off with my code ATC10)
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