Jamón Serrano - Taste the Signature Flavor of Spain

Spain's early explorers dramatically impacted the foods we all eat today, bringing spices, vanilla, chocolate, tomatoes, potatoes and peppers of all sorts to Spain. They also introduced many foods to the U.S. - citrus fruits, wheat, rice and coffee to name a few. Christopher Columbus even brought Ibérico pigs on the first voyage, unwilling to part even briefly with his pata negra ham.

The dishes featured here reflect the hallmark ingredients and flavors of Spanish cuisine. While widely consumed in Spain, many of these dishes are still making their way onto American tables.

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Tapas bars play a central role in social life in Spain, serving as a meeting spot for friends, family and visitors to connect each day. Each bar has its own signature tapas, sometimes focused on just a single ingredient - a favorite of ours in Madrid is known for delicious, fresh mushroom caps sautéed in white wine.

The tapas featured here are some of the most popular dishes we've seen served in our countless visits to tapas bars throughout Spain. All are delicious, and all taste even better in good company!

Tapas Bar Favorites

Paella originated when the Moors brought a strange white grain called rice to Valencia. Valencians garnished it with vegetables, snails, and rabbit and the original paella was born, quickly becoming food for field workers.

Each region has their own version. In Sevilla and Cádiz, they add big prawns and langostinos. Along the Costa del Sol, they use mussels, prawns, ñora peppers and lemons.

Authentic Spanish ingredients are key. Spanish short-grained rice like Bomba absorbs broth but each grain remains distinct. Spanish saffron adds deep flavor and color. And a rich broth made with fish or chicken stock, or bouillon cubes is a must.

Popular Paellas

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Great tapas recipes from the La Tienda Kitchen!

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This appetizer is very straightforward, but as with most grilling recipes, simpler is usually better. The key is to cook the shrimp quickly at high heat, which will crisp the ham without overcooking the shrimp.

Read our recipe for Grilled Shrimp wrapeed with Jamon Serrano. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Grilled Shrimp Wrapped in Serrano Ham Online | Jamon.com

Grilled Shrimp Wrapped in Jamón Serrano Recipe

Receta de Gambas a la Parilla Envueltas en Jamón Serrano

A simple Catalan dish made with bread, small ripe tomatoes, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy it on its own or topped with jamón, anchovies, cheese or sausage.

Read a recipe for Pan con Tomate, a classic Catalan dish. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Bread with Tomato and Jamon Recipe Online | Jamon.com

Bread with Tomato and Jamón Recipe

Receta de Pan con Tomate y Jamón

Pastel de Carne was originally made with emptied out loaves of bread filled with a variety of cooked fillings as a practical way for pilgrims to carry food on their journey to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. While the fillings would vary, the sauce - called zaragallada - was always made of onion, pepper, saffron and a little tomato. Our recipe includes a satisfying combination of pork loin, Serrano ham and Spanish sausage for hearty, complex flavor.

Read the recipe for Spanish pork empanada. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Empanada Pork Pie Recipe Online | Jamon.com

A savory, rustic pie with big Spanish flavor.

Empanada Pork Pie Recipe

Receta de Pastel de Carne

Fresh fig season is a fleeting treasure. Make the most of it when they are around with this tapa which is so easy to prepare, yet so elegant. The marriage of flavors between the slightly salty Jamón Serrano, the sweet figs and the savory Valdeón blue cheese is a match made in heaven. If fresh figs aren’t in season, Medjool dates can be substituted. A very tasty alternative!

Read the recipe for Serrano Ham Wrapped Figs. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Jamon Serrano Wrapped Figs Recipe Online | Jamon.com

Serrano Ham Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Valdeón Blue Cheese Recipe

Receta de Higos Rellenos de Queso Valdeón y Envueltos en Jamón Serrano

Spain’s tender white asparagus spears paired with crispy jamón Serrano and nutty dressing are an amazing flavor combination. This super easy and elegant tapa, which can be put together in minutes, is sure to impress your guests.

Read the recipe for White Asparagus with Jamon Serrano. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Asparagus with Jamon Serrano Recipe Online | Jamon.com

Tender white asparagus paired with crispy Serrano ham and a hazelnut dressing.

White Asparagus with Serrano Ham and Hazelnut Dressing Recipe

Receta de Espárragos Blancos con Jamón Serrano y Aderezo de Avellanas

The history of Spanish ‘light as air’ fritters, or buñuelos, can be traced back to the second century, when they were initially made in Spain by the Moriscos. Today they are a popular sweet served with powdered sugar and chocolate around the holidays. This savory buñuelos recipe made with Jamón Ibérico and Manchego cheese with a sweet and lightly spicy membrillo dipping sauce is welcome any time of the year!

Read the recipe for Jamon Iberico and Manchego Fritters. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Iberico Ham and Manchego Fritter Recipe Online | Jamon.com

This savory buñuelos recipe is made with Jamón Ibérico and Manchego cheese with a sweet and lightly spicy membrillo dipping sauce.

Ibérico Ham & Manchego Fritters with Membrillo Dipping Sauce Recipe

Receta de Buñuelos de Jamón Ibérico y Queso Manchego con Salsa de Membrillo

Patatas gratinadas is a typical recipe in the Aragon region in northeastern Spain. It's usually served on the side of a hearty meat dish, though sometimes is served on its own as a tapa. This recipe combines Ibérico cheese, young sheep’s milk Manchego cheese, frizzled Serrano ham and just the right amount of fresh thyme. Brace yourself for the richest, most flavorful potato gratin ever.

Read the recipe for Spanish style Potatoes au Gratin. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Spanish Potatoes au Gratin Recipe Online | Jamon.com

A typical recipe from Aragon in northeastern Spain, usually served with a hearty meat dish.

Spanish Potatoes au Gratin Recipe

Receta Española de Patatas Gratinadas

Garlic chicken was a favorite dish when we lived in El Puerto de Santa María in Andalucía. The browned chicken has a delicious garlic flavor and the jamón adds a salty ham accent. Don’t forget the Pimentón de La Vera smoked paprika, it makes the dish. This recipe calls for a whole chicken, but you can amend it to use just thighs, breasts or wings.

Read a recipe for garlic chicken with jamon serrano. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Garlic Chicken with Ham Recipe Online | Jamon.com

A simple yet delicious classic from Andalucía.

Garlic Chicken with Serrano Ham Recipe

Receta de Pollo al Ajillo con Jamón Serrano

While paella started as a farm worker's lunch, this version is far from everyday. We've combined all of our favorites into one ultimate paella that is visually show stopping and decadently delicious. Combining chicken, sausage, Serrano ham, shrimp, crab and lobster, this paella will have your guests talking about what you served well after the event is over!

Read the Mixed Paella recipe, perfect for fiestas. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Ultimate Mixed Paella Recipe Online | Jamon.com

Combining chicken, pork and seafood and topped with lobster tails, this paella is perfect for celebrations.

Ultimate Mixed Paella Recipe

Receta de Imprescindible de Paella Mixta

We remember falling in love with this dish in Santiago de Compostela. It is very simple to prepare but the ingredients complement each other beautifully. If possible, try to find long, flat green beans, usually available in the summer. Otherwise fresh string beans will do. This is a great side dish for any meal.

Read a recipe for jamon Serrano and broad beans. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Broad Beans with Jamon Serrano Recipe Online | Jamon.com

An easy to prepare summer dish with ingredients that beautifully complement each other.

Broad Beans with Serrano Ham Recipe

Receta de Judias Verdes con Jamón Serrano

Whenever we arrive in Barajas airport in Madrid, we immediately head over to one of the many cafes and order a café con leche, then a delicious bocadillo de jamón with thin slices of Serrano ham and Manchego cheese on a fresh baguette. Add some extra virgin olive oil and piquillo peppers for a sandwich that is quintessentially Spanish - fresh, simple and delicious!

Read Jamon and Manchego Sandwich recipe, a classic. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Read Ham and Cheese Bocadillo Recipe Online | Jamon.com

Jamón Serrano and Manchego Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Receta de Bocadillo de Jamón Serrano y Queso Manchego

Croquetas are the quintessential tapa – bite sized finger food you can enjoy with a cold glass of beer.  Crisp on the outside and creamy in the middle, croquetas are a favorite at our tapas bar.  Our chef created this recipe to showcase the flavors of Serrano ham and Manchego cheese from Spain.

Read our recipe for ham and Manchego cheese croquetas. Jamon.com, your source for Spanish Iberico and Serrano ham products and information.

Recipe of the Week

Ham and Manchego Cheese Croquettes Recipe