The Great Spanish Menu: What To Eat In Spain When It’s Hot Outside

The idea of cooking is incredibly unappealing in the heat of the Spanish summer.  Instead ice cold drinks and sweet gelato are the order of the day! However that’s not sustainable for an extended period of time.

So if you’ve lost your appetite due to the heat then what should you eat? What can you prepare that won’t see you spending many hours over a hot stove when it’s hot outside?

Here are 8 popular Spanish specialties to eat in the summer months:

Gazpacho

One of the most popular Spanish dishes, Gazpacho is served cold meaning that you can keep it in the fridge and serve without going anywhere near the oven! In the Iberian peninsula, this is a dish that is a staple of the summer months.

Traditional Gazpacho is made of tomatoes, cucumbers and garlic. But because this dish is so popular, that means that there are plenty of variations available. Modern gazpacho includes a hint of watermelon, for example.

Ajoblanco

If you’re not a fan of tomatoes or if you’re looking for something a little sweeter then ajoblanco is often referred to as the white gazpacho and, as the name suggests, is made using only white ingredients. Specifically, plenty of garlic! This can either be eaten alone or in Malaga it is served with fresh soft white fruits.

Salmorejo

The final soup on our menu is salmorejo and this is a popular summer dish that regularly appears on Spanish restaurant menus when the sun’s shining. It’s thicker and creamier than gazpacho and unlike gazpacho it isn’t suitable for vegetarians. It is served with chunks of serrano ham and had boiled eggs on top that make it heartier and more filling.

Papas Aliñás

Soup is delicious, but not particularly filling. If you’d prefer something more hearty then try papas alinas which is a cold potato salad made from onions, parsley, sherry vinegar. It is usually topped with slices of hard-boiled egg which ups its protein levels (and makes it even tastier).

Salpicón de marisco

Seafood is both popular and abundant in Spain during the summer months, so making salpicon de marisco (which translates to a seafood salad) is both easy and affordable. It’s a simple dish made with minced tomatoes, onions, prawns, and any other seafood you happen to have to hand.

Granizados

You might not know the word granizados, but you will recognise it when you see it! This is effectively the Spanish version of a slushy drink. An ice cold, semi-frozen fruit drink, this is a popular and refreshing treat in Spain when the sun is shining.

Sandia

Technically, this isn’t a dish! Sandia means watermelon in Spanish, and it is one of the easiest things to prepare and eat if you want to cool down on a hot summers day. It’s thirst quenching, refreshing, and good for you. Everything you could want in a summer time treat!

Tinto de verano or sangría

Are you a tourist in Spain in the summertime if you don’t indulge in a jug of sangria? This is a classic combination of red wine and fruit. But tinto de verano is much more popular amongst locals. This is a mixture of red wine and lemonade (or casera, a sweetened soda water) and is designed to quench a thirst during the summer. 

Café Con Hielo

If you’re a caffeine addict who can’t get through the day without your morning cup of joe then this is the drink for you! Noone wants a hot drink during the summer months, but cage con hielo is your favourite coffee but served with a side of ice. Tip the hot drink into the ice-filled glass and enjoy this refreshing cold drink.

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