The Spanish cuisine is one of the most rewarding cuisines that have been created. Both history and geography have intertwined to give the Spanish cuisine its special flavor. The Romans have contributed to the Spanish cuisine as well as the Americans. From America came the tomato, potato, sweet potato, vanilla, and chocolate, various varieties of beans, zucchini and pepper.

The golden spice saffron is an essential element of many Spanish dishes like paella. There are several Spanish dishes made from beans. Fresh ingredients are always used in Spanish dishes, whether it is meat, poultry, game or fish.

The culinary traditions of Spain are different in all its regions. In Galicia, which is the northwestern area, there is an array of meat dishes and fish pies. Dishes of scallop and fine veal are well known and the legendary bean dish, fabada also comes from this area.

In the Basque country the fish dishes are popular like fish soup, garlicky baby eels, squid and a variety of dried cod dishes.

But the most gastronomically famous and exciting region of Spain is Cataluna. Its creative cuisine has fish like mixed seafood zarzuela, meats or poultry and in a dish this is often combined with local fruits. Paella is the most famous dish of this region.

The tapa tradition of the Spaniards is known all over the world. Tapas can be found in every bar and every village. There are simple and complex tapas which include cheese, fish, eggs, vegetable dishes, canap�s and savory pastries. A number of tapas make up a meal and an excellent one too. The Spanish sausage Chorizo and the blood sausage are used also in many dishes.

The Ham Croquette is a type of tapa which is smooth, creamy and absolutely delicious. A croquette is a sort of fritter which is lightly breaded and is relatively small in size. The filling could also be vegetarian or it could have diced chicken breast. Another popular tapa, which is available in all the tapa bars in Spain are the pork kabobs. They are called Pinchos Morunos, and are easy to make.

One of the most popular Spanish dishes is the Spanish omelet which is called the Tortilla Espanola or the tortilla de patata. It is a very common dish in Spain, and generally cut into small squares and put on a baguette and served as a snack.

The fish or the bean soup makes a great Spanish meal. Paella, shellfish and game birds are very much a part of the Spanish cuisine. Baby lamb and pig are grilled in a wood burning oven, and the spices used are thyme, rosemary and oak.

Some quick snacks ideal for a quick party could also be from the Spanish cuisine. The jamon Serrano or paleta (also known as Jamon Iberico) are both delicious and are pork dishes. Jamon means ham and paleta is from the shoulder area of the pig. There are many varieties of hams used for Spanish dishes and salads. Just add some cheese and eat it with a baguette, drink it up with a glass of Spanish wine and you can even call it a dinner!