The letter E introduces a flavorful collection of Spanish foods, featuring savory pies, roasted vegetable dishes, classic salads, and hearty tapas. From the famous Empanada Gallega and smoky Escalivada to creamy Ensaladilla Rusa and nutritious Espinacas con Garbanzos, these dishes showcase the regional diversity and culinary traditions that make Spanish cuisine one of the world’s most celebrated.
Alongside favorites like paella, tortilla española, gazpacho, and jamón ibérico, the foods beginning with E offer another exciting opportunity to explore authentic Spanish food culture.
This guide explores Spanish foods that start with E, introducing traditional recipes, regional specialties, and classic dishes enjoyed throughout Spain.
E Explores Spain’s Everyday Culinary Favorites
At first glance, the letter E contains many authentic Spanish food names, making it one of the strongest categories in the Spanish food alphabet.
One of the best-known examples is Empanada Gallega, a traditional savory pie from Galicia. It features a flaky pastry crust filled with tuna, meat, seafood, or vegetables cooked with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. It is commonly served during celebrations, family meals, and festivals.
Another favorite is Escalivada, a classic Catalan dish made with roasted eggplants, red peppers, onions, and tomatoes dressed with olive oil and garlic. It is enjoyed as a tapa, side dish, or topping for rustic bread.
Salad lovers may already know Ensaladilla Rusa, Spain’s popular potato salad prepared with potatoes, carrots, peas, tuna, eggs, and mayonnaise. It is one of the country’s most beloved tapas and is served in restaurants and homes throughout Spain.
You’ll also encounter Espinacas con Garbanzos, a traditional Andalusian dish combining spinach and chickpeas cooked with garlic, paprika, cumin, and olive oil. This hearty vegetarian specialty has been enjoyed for centuries.
These foods show that the letter E offers an excellent introduction to authentic Spanish cuisine.
Benefits of Learning Spanish Foods Beginning With E
- Complete your Spanish food vocabulary from A to Z.
- Discover authentic regional Spanish specialties.
- Learn about traditional Spanish cooking methods.
- Explore famous pastries, tapas, vegetable dishes, and salads.
- Recognize iconic foods served across Spain.
- Improve confidence when reading Spanish restaurant menus.
- Strengthen memory through alphabetical learning.
- Prepare for travel by identifying local specialties.
- Support classroom and worksheet activities.
- Learn about Spain’s rich culinary heritage.
- Find inspiration for cooking authentic Spanish recipes at home.
- Experience both sweet and savory Spanish foods.
- Develop a deeper appreciation for Spanish cuisine.
Spanish Foods That Start With E
The list below features Spanish foods beginning with the letter E, including savory pies, roasted vegetables, salads, tapas, and regional specialties enjoyed throughout Spain.
The letter E represents an impressive variety of Spanish flavors and cooking traditions. You’ll find spinach, chickpeas, potatoes, peppers, onions, olive oil, tuna, garlic, and carefully balanced seasonings appearing throughout the collection.
Many of these foods have been enjoyed for generations and remain closely connected to Spain’s regional traditions and family cooking. Their enduring popularity reflects the country’s passion for fresh ingredients, shared meals, and exceptional culinary craftsmanship.
Galician Empanada
Empanada Gallega
Syllable: ehm-pah-NAH-dah gah-YEH-gah
Pronunciation: Empanada Gallega
- Galician empanada is a traditional savory pie from Galicia. – La empanada gallega es una tarta salada tradicional de Galicia.
- It can be filled with fish, meat, or vegetables. – Se puede rellenar de pescado, carne o verduras.
- We shared a Galician empanada for lunch. – Compartimos una empanada gallega para el almuerzo.
Small Empanadas
Empanadillas
Syllable: ehm-pah-nah-DEE-yahs
Pronunciation: Empanadillas
- Small empanadas are delicious pastries filled with savory ingredients. – Las empanadillas son deliciosas masas rellenas de ingredientes salados.
- They can be baked or fried until golden. – Se pueden hornear o freír hasta que estén doradas.
- We served small empanadas as an appetizer. – Servimos empanadillas como aperitivo.
Russian Potato Salad
Ensaladilla Rusa
Syllable: ehn-sah-lah-DEE-yah ROO-sah
Pronunciation: Ensaladilla Rusa
- Russian potato salad is a popular cold dish in Spain. – La ensaladilla rusa es un plato frío muy popular en España.
- It is usually made with potatoes, vegetables, and mayonnaise. – Se suele preparar con patatas, verduras y mayonesa.
- We ordered Russian potato salad as a starter. – Pedimos ensaladilla rusa como entrante.
Mixed Salad
Ensalada Mixta
Syllable: ehn-sah-LAH-dah MEEKS-tah
Pronunciation: Ensalada Mixta
- Mixed salad is a fresh and colorful side dish. – La ensalada mixta es una guarnición fresca y colorida.
- It usually contains lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables. – Suele llevar lechuga, tomates, cebolla y otras verduras.
- We served mixed salad with the main course. – Servimos ensalada mixta con el plato principal.
Roasted Pepper Salad
Ensalada de Pimientos Asados
Syllable: ehn-sah-LAH-dah deh pee-mee-EHN-tohs ah-SAH-dohs
Pronunciation: Ensalada de Pimientos Asados
- Roasted pepper salad is a colorful and flavorful dish. – La ensalada de pimientos asados es un plato colorido y sabroso.
- The roasted peppers have a soft texture and a naturally sweet flavor. – Los pimientos asados tienen una textura suave y un sabor naturalmente dulce.
- We served roasted pepper salad as a side dish. – Servimos ensalada de pimientos asados como guarnición.
Murcian Salad
Ensalada Murciana
Syllable: ehn-sah-LAH-dah moor-see-AH-nah
Pronunciation: Ensalada Murciana
- Murcian salad is a traditional dish from the Murcia region. – La ensalada murciana es un plato tradicional de la región de Murcia.
- It is a refreshing salad with simple Mediterranean ingredients. – Es una ensalada refrescante con ingredientes mediterráneos sencillos.
- We enjoyed Murcian salad on a warm afternoon. – Disfrutamos de una ensalada murciana en una tarde calurosa.
Catalan Roasted Vegetables
Escalivada
Syllable: ehs-kah-lee-BAH-dah
Pronunciation: Escalivada
- Escalivada is a traditional Catalan dish of roasted vegetables. – La escalivada es un plato tradicional catalán de verduras asadas.
- The vegetables become tender and smoky after roasting. – Las verduras quedan tiernas y ahumadas después de asarlas.
- We served escalivada with fresh bread. – Servimos escalivada con pan fresco.
Catalan Meat and Vegetable Stew
Escudella i Carn d\’Olla
Syllable: ehs-koo-DEH-yah ee karn DOH-yah
Pronunciation: Escudella i Carn d’Olla
- Escudella i carn d\’olla is a traditional Catalan stew. – La escudella i carn d\’olla es un guiso tradicional catalán.
- It is a hearty dish made with meat, vegetables, and broth. – Es un plato contundente preparado con carne, verduras y caldo.
- We enjoyed escudella i carn d\’olla on a cold day. – Disfrutamos de escudella i carn d\’olla en un día frío.
Spinach with Chickpeas
Espinacas con Garbanzos
Syllable: ehs-pee-NAH-kahs kohn gar-BAHN-sohs
Pronunciation: Espinacas con Garbanzos
- Spinach with chickpeas is a nutritious and flavorful Spanish dish. – Las espinacas con garbanzos son un plato español nutritivo y sabroso.
- The chickpeas make the dish hearty and satisfying. – Los garbanzos hacen que el plato sea sustancioso y satisfactorio.
- We served spinach with chickpeas for lunch. – Servimos espinacas con garbanzos para el almuerzo.
Griddled Asparagus
Espárragos a la Plancha
Syllable: ehs-PAH-rah-gohs ah lah PLAHN-chah
Pronunciation: Esparragos a la Plancha
- Griddled asparagus is a simple and healthy side dish. – Los espárragos a la plancha son una guarnición sencilla y saludable.
- The asparagus is cooked until tender and lightly browned. – Los espárragos se cocinan hasta quedar tiernos y ligeramente dorados.
- We served griddled asparagus with dinner. – Servimos espárragos a la plancha con la cena.
Asparagus with Mayonnaise
Espárragos con Mayonesa
Syllable: ehs-PAH-rah-gohs kohn mah-yoh-NEH-sah
Pronunciation: Esparragos con Mayonesa
- Asparagus with mayonnaise is a simple and creamy appetizer. – Los espárragos con mayonesa son un aperitivo sencillo y cremoso.
- The mayonnaise adds a rich flavor to the tender asparagus. – La mayonesa aporta un sabor intenso a los tiernos espárragos.
- We served asparagus with mayonnaise as a starter. – Servimos espárragos con mayonesa como entrante.
White Asparagus
Espárragos Blancos
Syllable: ehs-PAH-rah-gohs BLAHN-kohs
Pronunciation: Esparragos Blancos
- White asparagus has a mild and delicate flavor. – Los espárragos blancos tienen un sabor suave y delicado.
- They are often served as an appetizer or side dish. – Se suelen servir como aperitivo o guarnición.
- We enjoyed white asparagus with a light dressing. – Disfrutamos de espárragos blancos con un aliño ligero.
Beef Stew
Estofado de Ternera
Syllable: ehs-toh-FAH-doh deh tehr-NEH-rah
Pronunciation: Estofado de Ternera
- Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish. – El estofado de ternera es un plato sustancioso y reconfortante.
- The beef is slowly cooked until tender and flavorful. – La ternera se cocina lentamente hasta quedar tierna y sabrosa.
- We enjoyed beef stew on a cold evening. – Disfrutamos de estofado de ternera en una noche fría.
Chicken Stew
Estofado de Pollo
Syllable: ehs-toh-FAH-doh deh POH-yoh
Pronunciation: Estofado de Pollo
- Chicken stew is a warm and comforting meal. – El estofado de pollo es una comida caliente y reconfortante.
- The chicken is cooked slowly with vegetables and a flavorful sauce. – El pollo se cocina lentamente con verduras y una salsa sabrosa.
- We served chicken stew with fresh bread. – Servimos estofado de pollo con pan fresco.
Pickled Chicken
Escabeche de Pollo
Syllable: ehs-kah-BEH-cheh deh POH-yoh
Pronunciation: Escabeche de Pollo
- Pickled chicken has a tangy and aromatic flavor. – El escabeche de pollo tiene un sabor ácido y aromático.
- The marinade helps give the chicken its distinctive taste. – El adobo ayuda a dar al pollo su sabor característico.
- We served pickled chicken at room temperature. – Servimos escabeche de pollo a temperatura ambiente.
Pickled Tuna
Escabeche de Atún
Syllable: ehs-kah-BEH-cheh deh ah-TOON
Pronunciation: Escabeche de Atun
- Pickled tuna is a flavorful and aromatic seafood dish. – El escabeche de atún es un plato de pescado sabroso y aromático.
- The marinade gives the tuna a pleasant tangy flavor. – El adobo aporta al atún un agradable sabor ácido.
- We served pickled tuna with a fresh salad. – Servimos escabeche de atún con una ensalada fresca.
Pickled Mussels
Escabeche de Mejillones
Syllable: ehs-kah-BEH-cheh deh meh-hee-YOH-nehs
Pronunciation: Escabeche de Mejillones
- Pickled mussels are a popular Spanish seafood appetizer. – Los mejillones en escabeche son un aperitivo de marisco popular en España.
- The marinade gives the mussels a tangy and aromatic flavor. – El escabeche aporta a los mejillones un sabor ácido y aromático.
- We served pickled mussels with crusty bread. – Servimos mejillones en escabeche con pan crujiente.
Veal Escalope
Escalope de Ternera
Syllable: ehs-kah-LOH-peh deh tehr-NEH-rah
Pronunciation: Escalope de Ternera
- Veal escalope is a thin and tender cut of meat. – El escalope de ternera es un corte de carne fino y tierno.
- It is often breaded and cooked until golden. – A menudo se empana y se cocina hasta quedar dorado.
- We served the veal escalope with potatoes. – Servimos el escalope de ternera con patatas.
Catalan Bean and Cod Salad
Empedrat
Syllable: ehm-peh-DRAHT
Pronunciation: Empedrat
- Empedrat is a traditional Catalan salad with beans and cod. – El empedrat es una ensalada tradicional catalana con alubias y bacalao.
- It is a fresh and satisfying dish with Mediterranean flavors. – Es un plato fresco y satisfactorio con sabores mediterráneos.
- We enjoyed empedrat as a light lunch. – Disfrutamos de empedrat como un almuerzo ligero.
Fusilli with Vegetables
Espirales con Verduras
Syllable: ehs-pee-RAH-lehs kohn behr-DOO-rahs
Pronunciation: Espirales con Verduras
- Fusilli with vegetables is a colorful and satisfying pasta dish. – Las espirales con verduras son un plato de pasta colorido y satisfactorio.
- The vegetables add freshness and flavor to the pasta. – Las verduras aportan frescura y sabor a la pasta.
- We served fusilli with vegetables for lunch. – Servimos espirales con verduras para el almuerzo.
Spanish Cuisine Balances Simplicity and Flavor
One of the defining strengths of Spanish cuisine is its ability to transform simple ingredients into memorable dishes using traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.
Empanada Gallega showcases Galicia’s rich baking traditions, while Escalivada highlights the Mediterranean love for roasted vegetables. Ensaladilla Rusa has become a staple of Spanish tapas culture, and Espinacas con Garbanzos reflects Andalusia’s historic and flavorful cuisine.
Together, these dishes demonstrate how Spanish cuisine blends regional identity, fresh ingredients, and timeless recipes into unforgettable meals.
Practice Activities
- Learn five Spanish foods beginning with E.
- Practice pronouncing each food name aloud.
- Create flashcards with food pictures.
- Match dishes with their main ingredients.
- Read authentic Spanish recipes.
- Watch Spanish cooking videos featuring traditional specialties.
- Organize foods into pastries, tapas, salads, and vegetable dishes.
- Research the history of Empanada Gallega and Escalivada.
- Visit a Spanish restaurant and identify foods beginning with E.
- Keep a notebook of Spanish culinary terms.
- Try making Espinacas con Garbanzos or Empanada Gallega at home.
- Review your favorite foods from every alphabet letter.
- Share your discoveries with family or friends.
- Test your knowledge using the worksheet.
Continue Your Spanish Food Alphabet Journey!
The letter E introduces another unforgettable collection of authentic Spanish foods. From savory Empanada Gallega and smoky Escalivada to creamy Ensaladilla Rusa and hearty Espinacas con Garbanzos, these dishes celebrate the history, regional diversity, and culinary excellence that make Spanish cuisine one of the world’s most admired food cultures.
Now we’d love to hear from you! Which Spanish food beginning with E caught your attention the most, or is there another authentic E dish we should include? Share your recommendation in the comments, tell us your favorite Spanish specialty, and pass this worksheet along to anyone who enjoys discovering new foods from around the world.





