Comfort on a Plate: Traditional Spanish Food to Savour in the Cooler Months

As the summer heat fades and the evenings on the Costa Blanca cool, both locals and visitors gravitate towards comforting, traditional Spanish dishes that warm the soul while also celebrating the region’s rich culinary heritage. From hearty stews to overbaked rice dishes, the Costa Blanca in autumn and winter is a foodie’s dream, with each bite telling a story about history, family, and flavour.

Here are some must-try traditional foods that shine when temperatures drop.

Cocido Madrileño is a popular winter dish in Spain, particularly on the Costa Blanca. Slow-cooked chickpea stew with veggies, chorizo, black pudding, and pork. Served in courses, the rich broth soup is typically served first, followed by the chickpeas and meats. It’s filling, flavourful, and very traditional.

Arroz al Horno, also known as baked rice, is a popular dish in the Valencia and Alicante provinces. It is made with rice, chickpeas, pork ribs, morcilla, tomato, and potatoes, all baked in a clay dish until perfectly golden. Arroz al horno is a true Costa Blanca comfort food, frequently served during family Sunday lunches as the weather cools.

Pulpo a la Gallega is originally from Galicia; but this octopus dish has also become popular in coastal regions such as the Costa Blanca..Tender octopus slices are served over boiled potatoes, seasoned with sea salt, smoked paprika, and olive oil. It’s often served as a warming tapas with a glass of red wine.

Callos con Garbanzos is not for the faint of heart, but it is a popular local dish during the cooler months. This slow-cooked stew contains beef tripe, chorizo, and chickpeas in a spicy tomato base. It’s a dish that harks back to generations of Spanish home cooking.

In the autumn, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, known as castanas, fills the air in towns along the Costa Blanca. Vendors set up stalls on corners and plazas, selling cones of warm chestnuts that are ideal for strolling through the markets. You’ll also find bonitos asados, which are roasted sweet potatoes. Both are simple, nostalgic treats related to the cooler season.

As the holiday season approaches, bakeries and homes begin to prepare pasteles de boniato, which are delicate pastries filled with sweetened mashed potato and hints of lemon, cinnamon, or anise. They’re a Costa Blanca Christmas staple that goes perfectly with a warm café con leche.

Olleta, a less well-known but deeply traditional Alicante dish, is a hearty one-pot stew made with rice, pork, beans, and greens. It’s earthy, rustic, and frequently made in large batches for family gatherings or fiestas in mountain villages.

Many of these dishes are seasonal specialities, which are frequently served in traditional mesones, bodegas, and village bars. Look for them on daily menus in inland towns such as Rojales, Crevillente, and Orihuela, as well as at winter food festivals in Alicante, Elche, and Torrevieja.

While the Costa Blanca is best known for its beaches and sunshine, its winter cuisine tells a unique story of tradition, heart, and community. So, when the temperatures drop, swap your beach towel for a bowl of arroz caldoso and discover a different, delicious side of Spain.

Author: Melissa Williams