The Spanish Food Quiz
Enjoy our Spanish Food Quiz! Test your knowledge of Spain’s diverse and flavourful culinary landscape, from traditional dishes to unique ingredients. Journey through Spain’s rich food culture, from iconic tapas and hearty stews to beloved desserts.
Let’s see just how diverse your diet and knowledge of Spanish cooking really is.
Correct Answers and Fun Facts
1. What is the primary flavouring used in traditional Spanish churros?
Answer: Cinnamon.
Fun Fact: Churros are deep-fried dough pastries usually accompanied by hot chocolate for dipping. It's a popular treat in Spain, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
2. What type of rice is typically used in paella?
Answer: Calasparra.
Fun Fact: Calasparra rice is grown in the regions of Calasparra and Murcia. It's is prefered due to its ability to absorb flavours and moisture. This is essential for making authentic paella, and contributes to the dish's unique texture.
3. What is "pisto"?
Answer: A vegetable ratatouille.
Fun Fact: Pisto is a traditional Spanish dish made from a mix of sautéed vegetables, typically including tomatoes, peppers, onions, and zucchini. It is often served with a fried egg on top and is popular in various regions of Spain.
4. What is "tortilla española"?
Answer: A Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions.
Fun Fact: Tortilla española is a staple in Spanish cuisine, often enjoyed as a tapa or a main dish. Its simple ingredients of eggs, potatoes, and onions, combine to create a flavourful and hearty meal.
5. What is the main ingredient in "salmorejo"?
Answer: Tomatoes.
Fun Fact: Salmorejo is a cold Spanish soup that is thicker than gazpacho, and is primarily made from tomatoes, bread, olive oil, and vinegar. It is popular in Andalusia, and especially during the hot summer months.
6. What type of fish is commonly used in Spanish "bacalao"?
Answer: Cod.
Fun Fact: Bacalao, or salted cod, has been a staple in Spanish cuisine for centuries, often used in dishes like bacalao al pil-pil or bacalao a la vizcaína. The preservation method enhances its flavour and more importantly allows it to be stored for long periods.
7. What is the Spanish term for sweet bread, often eaten during festivities?
Answer: Roscón de Reyes.
Fun Fact: Roscón de Reyes is a traditional cake enjoyed on January 6th to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. This round cake is often decorated with fruits and sometimes contains a small figurine and a bean, and the person who finds them is supposed to receive good luck.
8. What is "pimientos de padrón"?
Answer: Fried green peppers.
Fun Fact: Pimientos de padrón are small green peppers from the Galician town of Padrón, typically sautéed in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. While most are mild, occasionally you may encounter a spicy one, adding an element of surprise.
9. Which dish is traditionally made with seafood and noodles?
Answer: Fideuà.
Fun Fact: Fideuà is similar to paella but uses thin noodles instead of rice. Similar to paella, it originate from the Valencia region, and often features seafood like shrimp and squid.
10. What is "horchata"?
Answer: A drink made from tiger nuts.
Fun Fact: Horchata de chufa is a traditional Spanish beverage made from ground tiger nuts, water, and sugar, creating a creamy, sweet drink. It is a refreshing chilled drink in the summer months and popular in the Valencia Region.
11. What type of seafood is commonly found in 'pulpo a la gallega'?
Answer: Octopus.
Fun Fact: Pulpo a la gallega, or Galician-style octopus, is typically boiled and served with paprika, olive oil, and sea salt. This dish highlights the culinary traditions of Galicia, where octopus is a beloved delicacy.
12. What is "fabada asturiana"?
Answer: A bean stew from Asturias.
Fun Fact: Fabada asturiana is a rich stew made with large white beans, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and sometimes bacon. It is a traditional Asturian dish often enjoyed during winter.
13. What is the primary ingredient in "tarta de Santiago"?
Answer: Almonds.
Fun Fact: Tarta de Santiago is almond cake from the region of Galicia, and often decorated with the Cross of Saint James. Because its main ingredient is almonds it is also gluten-free. It's most popular during the feast of Saint James.
14. What is 'chistorra'?
Answer: A type of Spanish sausage.
Fun Fact: Chistorra is a thin, uncured sausage typically made from pork and seasoned with spices like garlic and paprika. Commonly grilled or fried, it is usually served with bread or as part of tapas.
15. What is the main ingredient in "queso manchego"?
Answer: Sheep's milk.
Fun Fact: Queso manchego is a famous cheese made from sheep's milk, originating from the La Mancha region. It is known for its firm texture and rich flavour, and is often enjoyed with wine.
16. What is 'pintxos'?
Answer: Small snacks or appetizers served in the Basque Country.
Fun Fact: Pintxos are similar to tapas but typically served on a skewer or toothpick. They are a central part of Basque culinary culture and are often enjoyed with a drink in social settings.
17. Which Spanish dessert consists of a sponge cake soaked in syrup and often topped with fruit?
Answer: Tres leches cake.
Fun Fact: Tres leches cake is a moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk: evaporated, condensed, and heavy cream. Originating from Latin America, it has become a beloved dessert in Spain and is often served at celebrations.
18. What is the name of the traditional Spanish stew made with chickpeas and various meats?
Answer: Cocido.
Fun Fact: Cocido is a hearty stew that varies by region in Spain, often including chickpeas, vegetables, and different types of meat. It is a comfort food, commonly served in multiple courses with the broth enjoyed first and the solid ingredients later.
19. Which type of Spanish wine is known for its fruity flavours and low alcohol content?
Answer: Fino.
Fun Fact: Fino is a dry sherry wine that is light and crisp, often served chilled. It is produced in the Jerez region and is a common accompaniment to tapas, to enhance the flavours.
20. What type of dish is "migas"?
Answer: A dish made from leftover bread.
Fun Fact: Migas is a traditional Spanish dish made by sautéing breadcrumbs with garlic and olive oil, often mixed with chorizo or vegetables. It is a frugal dish that originated from the practice of using stale bread, reflecting the resourceful nature of Spanish cuisine especially during times of economic hardship.
