Tachin is a Persian rice dish in which the rice is mixed with yogurt, oil, egg yolks and saffron and baked until a golden crust forms at the bottom (Persians refer to this as the tahdig). The rice on the inside becomes buttery and almost cake-like and is often layered with chicken and barberries, a tart dried fruit that has a beautiful crimson color. This version incorporates common Thanksgiving ingredients like rosemary, sweet-tart cranberries and buttery onions to make a striking dish that feels more like a main than a side. It’s deeply savory and buttery, like stuffing, and some may say even better because it has a whole lot more texture coming from the crispy rice that everyone will be fighting over.

cooking.nytimes.com

Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS
2 cups basmati rice
Salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola), plus more for the pie dish
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries
2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon saffron threads
3 egg yolks
1 cup plain full-fat yogurt (not Greek)

INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, place the rice in a large bowl and fill with lukewarm water. Use your hands to agitate the rice in the water. Tip the water out, refill and repeat 2 to 4 times until the water is mostly clear; drain.

When the pot of water is boiling, season generously with salt. Add the rice and give it a few stirs to prevent sticking. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice begins to rise to the top and is tender but still has a slight bite to it, 4 to 8 minutes. (The timing varies depending on how aged the rice is). Drain the rice in a colander and rinse with cold water.

While the rice cooks, start the onions: Heat the butter and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium high. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown and smell delicious, 12 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the cranberries and give everything a few stirs to warm and plump the cranberries. Scoop out and set aside about ½ cup for garnishing. Stir the rosemary into the remaining onion mixture and set aside as well.

Adjust oven rack to the lower-third position and heat the oven to 400 degrees. Finely grind the saffron threads in a mortar using a pestle or in a small bowl using the back of a spoon. Transfer the saffron to a large bowl and pour in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let sit for 5 minutes to draw out as much color as possible. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, mix in the yolks, yogurt and remaining ⅓ cup oil; season with salt. Add the rice and gently toss until every grain is coated and stained yellow.

Lightly coat a deep 10-inch glass pie dish with oil (an 8- or 9-inch square glass baking dish will also work). Add about a third of the rice mixture and use the palms of your hands or a measuring cup to gently pack and spread the rice. Fold the rosemary-onion mixture into the remaining rice in the bowl, then add that to the pie pan. Gently press down again so that the surface is flat.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake until rice on the bottom and around edges has formed a deep golden brown crust, 65 to 80 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before uncovering. Place a large plate or platter on top, and using kitchen towels, firmly grab both sides of the plate and pie dish together, then carefully invert the rice onto the plate. Scatter the reserved cranberry-onion mixture over the top and serve.

This Spanish Seafood Pasta Soup, known as Sopa de Fideos Marineros, is what Spanish Mediterranean food is all about. We´re talking a ton of delicious flavors, easy to make and all done in about 30 minutes. Serve this soup next to a crunchy baguette and a bottle of Spanish white wine for a complete and nutritious meal.

Serves 4

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion
5 cloves garlic
2 carrots
1/2 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 tomatoes
5 cups fish broth
1/4 tsp saffron threads
1 cup Spanish fideos (small cut spaghetti) 5 oz
2 cod fillets 8 oz each
1/2 lbs raw medium sized shrimp (peeled & deveined)
pinch sea salt
dash black pepper
fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a stock pot with a medium heat and add in the olive oil

In the meantime, finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic and cut the carrots (peeled) into small bite-sized pieces

Add the cut ingredients into the stock pot with the hot oil, mix continuously, after 3 to 4 minutes and the vegetables are lightly sauteed, add in the paprika and thyme, quickly mix together, then add in the tomatoes finely grated and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together and then simmer without mixing

Once the grated tomato has slightly thickened, about 4 minutes, add in the broth and saffron, turn it up to a high heat and give it a gentle mix

While the broth is heating, add the cod fillets over paper towels and pat dry, then season with salt & pepper and cut into bite-sized pieces, also add the shrimp over paper towels and pat dry, then season with salt & pepper

Once the broth comes to a boil, add in the fideos (pasta), mix every 1 to 2 minutes

About 2 minutes before the pasta is cooked al dente, add in the cod and shrimp, mix together, then place a lid on the pan and lower to a low-medium heat, simmer for 2 to 4 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through, then remove from the heat

Transfer into shallow bowls and garnish with fresh parsley

This Spanish Rice with Canned Sardines, known as Arroz con Sardinas en Conserva, is possibly one of the best rice dishes that hail from Spain. We´re talking layers of amazing flavors, easy to make and all done in a little over 30 minutes.

Serves 4

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion
4 cloves garlic
1 red bell pepper
1 carrot
1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
2 tomatoes
3 cups fish broth
1/4 tsp saffron threads
1 cup Spanish round or Arborio rice
1/3 cup frozen peas
2 cans sardines in olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 lemon
pinch sea salt
dash black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
Finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic and finely chop the red bell pepper & carrot

Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in the olive oil

After a couple of minutes add in the chopped vegetables, mix continuously, after 3 to 4 minutes and the veggies are lightly sauteed, add in the paprika, quickly mix together, then add in the tomatoes finely grated and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then simmer without mixing the mixture

Once the grated tomato has slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes, add in the fish broth, saffron and bay leaf, turn it up to a high heat and give it a gentle mix

When the broth comes to a boil add in the rice, give it one final mix so everything is evenly distributed, simmer without mixing

After 9 to 10 minutes and most of the broth has been absorbed by the rice but there is still plenty of broth left, lower to a low-medium heat, add in the frozen peas over the rice, making sure they´re evenly spread around and the canned sardines, I like to add them in a circular design as it gives the dish a beautiful presentation, continue to simmer without mixing

Once there is virtually no broth left, about 5 minutes, turn it up to a medium-heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, this is to achieve the socarrat, which is that layer of burnt caramelized rice underneath, then remove from the heat, cover the pan with foil paper and a dish cloth and let it sit for a couple of minutes, the uncover the pan

Garnish with lemon wedges and serve at once

This One-Pan Spanish Salmon and Beans is what delicious and healthy food is all about. It´s packed with flavors, made with heart-healthy ingredients and all done in about 30 minutes. Truly the kind of food that´s going to fill your body with so much goodness.

Serves 4

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 salmon fillets 8 oz each
1 onion
4 cloves garlic
1 carrot
1 green bell pepper
2 tomatoes
1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
1/4 tsp saffron threads
2 cans white beans 15.5 oz each
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leave
pinch sea salt
dash black pepper
handful fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS
Finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic, finely chop the carrot (peeled), finely chop the green bell pepper and pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season them with sea salt & black pepper and cut each one into two pieces, for a total of four pieces of salmon

Heat a large fry pan with a medium-high heat

After a couple of minutes add in the olive oil and the pieces of salmon, all in a single layer, cook for 1 minute per side, then remove from the pan and set aside

Lower the heat to a medium heat, add in the chopped vegetables, mix continuously, after 3 to 4 minutes and they´re lightly sauteed, add in the paprika and saffron, quickly mix together, then add in the tomatoes finely grated and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together and then simmer

After 3 minutes and the grated tomato has slightly thickened, add in the canned white beans (drained & rinsed), the vegetable broth and the bay leaf, raise to a high heat

Once it comes to a boil, place a lid on the pan and lower to a low-medium heat

After simmering for 10 minutes remove the lid, add the salmon fillets back into the pan, once again all in a single layer, place the lid back on the pan and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked, then remove from the heat

Serve directly out of the pan or transfer into serving dishes, sprinkled with finely chopped parsley

This One-Pan Rice with Tuna and Chickpeas is the perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner or for a relaxed weekend lunch next to a bottle of Spanish wine. Either way, it´s packed with flavors, loaded with heart-healthy protein and all done in about 30 minutes.

Serves 4

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion
4 cloves garlic
1 carrot
1 celery stick
1/4 tsp saffron threads
15.5 oz can chickpeas
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup long grain rice
2 cans tuna in olive oil 5 oz each
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
pinch sea salt
dash black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
Finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic, finely chop the carrot (peeled) and thinly slice the celery

Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in the olive oil

After a couple of minutes add in the chopped vegetables, mix with the olive oil, once the vegetables are lightly sauteed, about 4 minutes, add in the saffron and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then add in the canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed) and the vegetable broth, raise to a high heat and mix

Meanwhile, add the rice into a fine sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear underneath, about 1 minute

Once the broth comes to a boil add in the rice, give it a mix so everything is well distributed, then place a lid on the pan and lower to a low-medium heat, simmer for 15 minutes or until all the broth has been absorbed, then remove from the heat and let it sit with the lid on

Meanwhile, drain the cans of tuna into a fine sieve with a bowl underneath, gently flake the tuna

After a couple of minutes remove the lid from the pan, add the drained tuna and the chopped parsley, gently flake the rice

Transfer into serving dishes and serve at once

This Classic Spanish Fish Soup, known as Sopa de Pescado, is one of the most popular dishes you will find up and down the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Loaded with Authentic Spanish flavors, easy to make and done in about 30 minutes

Serves 4

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion
4 cloves garlic
1 carrot
1 celery stick
1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
4 cups fish broth
1/4 tsp saffron threads
1/2 cup fideos (small cut spaghetti)
2 cod fillets 7 oz each
12 raw jumbo shrimp peeled & deveined
2 bay leafs
1 lemon
pinch sea salt
dash black pepper
fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a large fry pan or stock pot with a medium heat and add in the olive oil

Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic, thinly slice the celery and roughly chop the carrot (peeled)

Add the cut vegetables into the hot pan, mix with the olive oil, after 4 minutes and the vegetables are lightly sauteed, add in the paprika, thyme and season with sea salt & black pepper, quickly mix together, then add in the broth, saffron and bay leaves, raise to a high heat

Once the broth comes to a boil add in the fideos, mix together and continue to cook on a high heat

Meanwhile, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, season with sea salt & black pepper and cut each fillet into small bite-sized pieces, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels as well and season with sea salt & black pepper

After cooking the fideos for 5 minutes, 2 minutes shy of being cooked al dente, add in the cod and shrimp, place a lid on the pan and lower to a low-medium heat, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or until the seafood is fully cooked through, then remove from the heat

Transfer into shallow bowls, squeeze in a kiss of fresh lemon juice over the soup and garnish with parsley

Baked Spanish Rice with Chorizo, Chickpeas, and Raisins conjures up the flavors of Moorish Spain with arroz al horno, a foolproof one-pot main that starts on the stove and finishes in the oven.

Paella gets so much attention that it eclipses Spain’s other, equally worthy, rice dishes—like this one-pot arroz al horno, or baked rice with chickpeas. The dish is primo Valencian comfort food, and I love its Moorish undertones (saffron! cinnamon! dried fruit!)—a reminder that Arabs brought rice to the Iberian Peninsula in the 7th century.

Serves 4

saveur.com

INGREDIENTS
¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2½ lb. Spanish-style chorizo, sliced ¾-in. thick
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped (1 cup)
1 Tbsp. red pepper paste, such as choricero, ñora, or ají panca, or 1 tsp. sweet (unsmoked) paprika
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
¼ cup dry sherry
3¼ cup chicken or vegetable stock, or water
Pinch cinnamon
Large pinch saffron threads
One 15-oz. can chickpeas, drained (1½ cups)
½ cup raisins
Kosher salt
1½ cups short- or medium-grain rice, such as carnaroli, arborio, or Goya medium-grain (see footnote)
Finely chopped chives, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
To a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and enough chorizo to cover the bottom of the pan without overcrowding. Cook, turning once, until crisped on both sides, 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, then repeat with any remaining chorizo and set aside. Discard any accumulated fat and return the pot to the stove.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400ºF. To the empty pot, add the remaining olive oil, garlic, onions, and bell pepper and turn the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is jammy and browned, about 20 minutes (do not rush this step). Stir in the red pepper paste and tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes more. Add the sherry, bring to a boil, then add the stock, cinnamon, saffron, chickpeas, raisins, reserved chorizo, and salt to taste and return to a boil.

Add the rice, bring to a boil again, then bake, uncovered, until the rice is al dente and the liquid is absorbed, 20–25 minutes. Remove from the oven, cover, and let stand until the rice is just tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with the chives and serve hot or warm.

Spanish Beans with Fish is a bean and seafood stew is packed with flavors, easy to make and promises to impress even the toughest critics.

Serves 4

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion
6 cloves garlic
1 carrot
1 green bell pepper
2 tomatoes
1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
15.5 oz can white beans
15.5 oz can kidney beans
3 cups fish broth
2 bay leaves
2 cod fillets 7 oz  each
15 raw jumbo shrimp (peeled & deveined)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp saffron threads
pinch sea salt
dash black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a stock pot with a medium heat and add in the olive oil

Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic, finely chop the carrot and roughly chop the green bell pepper

Add the cut vegetables into the stock pot, mix with the olive oil, after 4 minutes and the vegetables are lightly sauteed, add in the paprika and thyme, give it a quick mix, then add in the 2 tomatoes finely grated, mix together and simmer

Meanwhile, drain the cans of beans into a colander and rinse under cold water, reserve 1/4 cup (45 grams) of the beans and set aside

After 3 to 4 minutes and the grated tomato has thickened, add in the drained beans and season with sea salt & black pepper, gently mix together, then add in the broth and the bay leaves, raise to a high heat, once it comes to a boil place a lid on the stock pot and lower to a low medium heat

While the stew is simmering, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season with sea salt & black pepper and cut each fillet into bite-sized pieces, also pat the shrimp dry, season with sea salt & black pepper and cut each shrimp in half

After simmering the beans for 10 minutes remove the lid, add the seafood into the pan, give it a mix and place the lid back on the stock pot

Meanwhile, add the reserved beans into a mortar, along with the saffron, parsley and a pinch of sea salt, using a pestle pound down on until you form a paste like texture

Once the seafood is cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes, remove the lid and add in the bean mixture, give it one final mix and then remove from the heat

Transfer into shallow bowls and garnish with fresh parsley

These Spanish Pinto Beans are the creme de la creme. We´re talking an incredible depth of flavors, super easy to make and all done in just 30 minutes.

Try adding other vegetables at the end, even sausage.

Serves 2

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion
1 carrot
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
2 tomatoes
2 1/2 cups canned pinto beans
2 cups vegetable broth
1/4 tsp saffron threads
2 bay leaves
1 egg
handful fresh parsley
pinch sea salt
dash black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Meanwhile, roughly chop the carrot (peeled), finely dice the onion and roughly chop the garlic

Add the chopped vegetables into the pan with the hot olive oil, mix continuously, after 3 minutes and the vegetables are lightly sauteed, add in 1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika, quickly mix together, then add in 2 tomatoes finely grated, mix together and simmer

After 4 minutes and the grated tomatoes have thickened up, add in 2 1/2 cups canned pinto beans (drained & rinsed) and season with sea salt & black pepper, gently mix together, then add in 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 tsp saffron threads and 2 bay leafs, raise to a high heat

Once the broth comes to a boil, lower back to a medium heat and simmer

Meanwhile, heat a small fry pan with a medium heat and add in 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, after a couple minutes crack in 1 egg, fry the egg for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the yolk is fully cooked through, then transfer the fried egg into a mortar, add in a small handful of fresh parsley and a kiss of sea salt, using a pestle pound down until the egg is well mashed

After simmering the beans for 10 minutes and most of the broth has been absorbed, remove the bay leafs and turn off the heat, then add in the egg mixture and gently mix together until well mixed

Transfer into shallow bowls and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley

This Spanish Chickpeas with Beer is probably the most flavorful and unique one yet. We´re talking an insane amount of flavor, super easy to make and all done in 30 minutes.

Try adding other vegetables at the end, even sausage.

Serves 4

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 30 ml
1 small onion
6 cloves garlic
3 tomatoes
2 cans chickpeas 15.5 oz / 440 grams each
12 oz bottle beer 33 cl
1/2 cup vegetable broth 120 ml
1 tsp ground cumin 2 grams
1/4 tsp saffron threads .17 grams
2 bay leaves
pinch sea salt
dash black pepper
fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in the extra virgin olive oil

Meanwhile, roughly chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic and roughly chop the tomatoes

Add the onion and garlic into the hot pan with the olive oil, mix together, after 4 minutes add in the ground cumin, give it a quick mix, then add in the tomatoes and continue to mix, after 5 minutes and the tomatoes are lightly sauteed, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool

Meanwhile, drain the cans of chickpeas into a colander and rinse under cold water

Once the mixture has slightly cooled off, add into a food processor, along with 1/4 cup (40 grams) of the chickpeas, 1/2 cup vegetable broth and season with sea salt & black pepper, pulse until you end up with a smooth puree

Heat the same pan with a medium heat, add in the puree, the beer and the saffron, mix together and simmer, after 5 minutes add in the drained chickpeas and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then add in the bay leaves and place a lid on the pan, lower to a low-medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes

Transfer into shallow bowls and garnish with fresh parsley