Sherried Carrots
Sherried Carrots

The sherry intensifies the natural sweetness of the carrots and creates a rich glaze.

Serves 4

Asparagus and black pepper
Asparagus and Crispy Bean Salad with Manchego

This is a great use for canned cannellini beans (or use garbanzos). Sprinkle with Spanish smoked paprika, if desired, before roasting.

Serves 4 to 6 — Recipe adapted from Food52.com

Pork Marbella
Pork Marbella

Both salty and sweet, this savory dish riffs on Chicken Marbella by substituting pork tenderloin for chicken. (Please do not confuse small pork tenderloins, usually about a pound each, for pork loin, which is a much larger cut.)

Serves 4 to 6 — Recipe from bonappetit.com

Marinated Rib-Eye Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Marinated Rib-Eye Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Called chuletón in Spanish, these rib-eyes can be cooked indoors or out. To get more mileage (aka servings) from the steaks, thinly slice them on a diagonal after cooking and shingle on a large platter with the chimichurri sauce.

Serves 2 generously — Recipe courtesy of the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Sea Scallops with Romesco Sauce
Sea Scallops with Romesco Sauce

Though we have published recipes for romesco sauce in the past—this iconic sauce is awesome with vegetables, especially the calçots we have enjoyed in early spring in Barcelona—we had never thought to pair it with seafood.

Serves 4 — Recipe adapted from joseandres.com

Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms
Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms

Eggs are indisputably popular in Spain, with each Spaniard eating 237 eggs per year on average, according to the latest statistics. Here is a keto-friendly recipe that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a tapa. My wife, Meghan, and I like to give the eggs a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before tucking in.

Serves 4 — Recipe adapted from The Food of Spain by Claudia Roden (HarperCollins, 2011)

Spanish Tuna, Potato and Green Bean Salad
Spanish Tuna, Potato and Green Bean Salad

Similar to a classic French niçoise salad, this Iberian version uses fresh tuna steaks rather than tinned tuna. Enjoy it for lunch or a light supper. We wouldn’t say no to a glass or two of txakoli or other dry Spanish white wine.

Serves 4 — Recipe adapted from the mediterraneandish.com

Spicy Cabbage and Chorizo Soup
Spicy Cabbage and Chorizo Soup

Cabbage is ubiquitous in Portuguese vegetable gardens and on Portuguese tables. This flavorful soup reminds me of the wonderful meals I’ve enjoyed at Filipe Madeira’s table, nearly all featuring cabbage in some guise.

Serves 8 — Recipe from Saveur, February 2012

Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts
Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts

While fresh spinach is preferred in this popular Catalonian dish, which can be served as a side dish or appetizer, feel free to use frozen leaf spinach.

Serves 4 — Recipe adapted from The Food of Spain by Claudia Roden (HarperCollins, 2011)

Zucchini with Onions, Garlic, and Oregano
Zucchini with Onions, Garlic, and Oregano

Zucchini was introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabs and is a specialty of Murcia. The following recipe, though simple, makes a great accompaniment to roasted chicken or grilled meats. It is important to keep the heat low to achieve a soft, delicate texture. You can turn the zarangollo into a meal by the addition of scrambled or olive oil-fried eggs.

Serves 6 — Recipe adapted from food.com

Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Skillet Banana Bread
Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Skillet Banana Bread

We love the unexpected combination of dark chocolate, ripe bananas, and olive oil in this visually-appealing skillet dessert. Top, if desired, with whipped cream or a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream, the latter drizzled with a bit of olive oil.

Serves 8 — recipe from Food52.com

Garlicky Shrimp with Lemon
Garlicky Shrimp with Lemon

Spain’s southeastern coast yields huge, sweet shrimp called gambas. Here, these succulent crustaceans are treated simply—sautéed with olive oil, thinly sliced garlic, and lemon juice.

Serves 4 as a tapa or 2 as a main course — Recipe adapted from spainonafork.com