During this time of the year, potluck gatherings are becoming more popular. Whether it’s a simple get-together, a reunion, or a time to share stories, you can never go wrong with Spanish cuisine. And if you love going to Spanish restaurants, but you decide to have a potluck instead, there are many dishes you can bring that everyone will enjoy. Besides, potluck and Spanish dishes go hand-in-hand because they both promote sharing.
However, when it comes to potlucks, you should decide as soon as possible, so that the others won’t be able to pick the same dish you’re going to make. In this article, we’ll provide a list of dishes you can try making for your potluck gatherings.
1. Paella
One of the go-to dishes in Spanish cuisine is paella. It originated in Valencia, which is the region that offers various ingredients, such as chicken, seafood, and vegetables. In addition, one of the main ingredients of paella is saffron, which is considered the most expensive spice per gram, but you don’t need to use a lot.
Paella is cooked in a shallow pan, where the rice is spread, and topped with the ingredients. It’s cooked this way to ensure that the bottom part will have the crispy, caramelised layer. This layer is one of the key elements of a great paella.
2. Tortilla Española
You may be familiar with a flour tortilla, but it’s not the same as Tortilla Española. It’s the Spanish omelette made with eggs, onions, and potatoes cooked in olive oil. It can be served warm or cold, and can usually be found in tapas bars.
If you want to serve the non-traditional version, you can add some chorizo, peppers, spinach, or cheese for a creative twist. This can be a great appetiser, or the best option for the potluck’s theme is cocktail.
3. Patatas Bravas
Everybody loves potatoes, and instead of fries, to serve something that aligns with the Spanish theme, you should go with patatas bravas. It’s made of fried cubed or wedged potatoes served with bravas sauce and aioli.
The bravas sauce is mainly made of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, tomato paste, smoked paprika, pepper flakes, vegetable broth, red wine vinegar, and cornstarch. But if you’re in a rush or don’t have enough time to make the sauce, you can always look for a ready-to-serve option in the grocery store.
4. Gambas al Ajillo
If no one’s allergic to shrimp, Gambas al Ajillo can be something you can bring to your potluck gathering. It’s made with shrimp sauteed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic, chilli peppers and paprika. It can be a bit more expensive than the other dishes, depending on your location, but it’s one of the best.
The secret here is to get the fresh shrimps, so that you can use their natural flavour as the main component of your dish. Of course, you shouldn’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
5. Croquetas
Croquetas are creamy inside and crunchy on the outside, which is why they’re an ideal potluck dish that everyone will like. The Spanish croquetas are made of bechamel that can be mixed with other fillings, such as ham, cod, or chicken. If you still have more budget and time, you can create croquetas with various proteins for variations.
Meanwhile, for the outer layer, you’ll just need a combination of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Ensure that the croquetas are not too hot before serving, as they may burn the roof of your mouth if eaten while still hot.
6. Churros with Chocolate Sauce
If you’re potluck already has some appetisers and mains, you can focus on the snacks. One of the most popular snacks in Spain is churros. Some may even consider it a dessert since it’s sweet, but it’s mainly considered a snack.
Churros are made of fried dough that’s crispy outside and soft inside. Since they’re fried, they’re usually golden brown. Once cooked, they’re dusted with sugar and served with a slice of hot chocolate that you can dip the churros in.
7. Empanada
If you’re looking for a savoury snack that you can bring to your potluck, you can try making empanadas. In Spain, you can order empanadas in restaurants, bakeries, and bars. The Spanish empanadas are usually rectangular, unlike the others that are often seen in a pocket-like or half-moon shape.
Usually, the filling for Spanish empanadas is ground beef or tuna. However, you can also add the fillings based on the preferences of the guests.
Final Thoughts
Spanish dishes can be the best theme for potlucks, especially since Spaniards love eating together and sharing dishes. Whether you opt for the famous paella, simple Tortilla Española, croquetas, and patatas bravas, or snacks, such as churros and empanada, you can definitely win the hearts of your guests.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer who also loves cooking dishes from different countries. If you want to experience a Barcelona-style restaurant that serves high-quality food, and a modern, contemporary, fresh feel from the south of Europe, visit TAST Catala Spanish Restaurant.
