Menus to Host a Parrillada (Barbecue in Spanish)

A parrillada, as it is known in Spain, is a barbecue and is sometimes referred to as a barbacoa. The word parrillada is actually used in most Spanish-speaking countries; however, you will also hear parrilla and asado. A parrillada in Spain is similar to those prepared in Argentina and the rest of Latin America, with one big exception - In Spain, it's not just about the meat. Fish, shellfish, and vegetables are popular on the braza, and are grilled just as often at parrilladas in Spain.

Two Parrillada Menus

The two menus below are all appropriate for warm summer weather and eating "al fresco." Both menus provide several dishes for each course - Tapas, First Course, Main Course and Dessert, or in Spanish Tapas, Primer Plato, Plato Principal, and Postre. Pick and choose, mix and match as you wish. There is no right or wrong way to throw a parrillada, with the exception that there should be plenty of food to go around! Following the two menus are drink suggestions.

The idea for Menu 1 is to allow you the most time to socialize with your guests by picking dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. Except for the meat grilling on the barbecue, (which needs attention, so it doesn't go up in flames,) all the dishes are make-ahead and are cool summer fare.

For Menu 2 we picked some very traditional Spanish dishes from start to finish. Although much of the food may be prepared ahead of time, there are several dishes which should be served just after cooking, and most of the dishes are served warm.

Menu 1 - Easy, Make-Ahead Spanish Menu

Tapas

• Melon with Serrano Ham
• Grilled Eggplant with Tomato Vinaigrette
• Roasted Red Peppers in Oil, Vinegar & Garlic

First Course

• Gazpacho Andaluz Recipe - Andalusian Cold Tomato Soup

Main Course

• Simple Spanish Barbecued Ribs - Costillas de Cerdo a la Parilla
• Spanish Marinated Beef Kabob Recipe - Brochetas de Ternera

Dessert

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• Coffee-Cocoa Ice Dessert Recipe - Granizado de Café y Cacao

Menu 2 - Traditional Spanish Parrillada Menu

Tapas

• Tortilla de Patata - Spanish Potato Omelet Recipe, or How to Make a Tortilla de Patata Step-by-Step with Photos
• Jamon Serrano for more information
• Grilled Shrimp Tapas - Gambas a la Plancha
• Grilled Chistorra Chorizo, Introduction to Spanish Chorizo & the Varieties of Spanish Pork Sausage

Main Course

• Easy Grilled Lamb Chops - Chuletas de Cordero
• Roasting Peppers Step-by-Step with Photos
• Fried Potatoes - Patatas Fritas
• Spanish Mixed Green Salad - Ensalada Mixta

Dessert

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• Spanish Vanilla Flan with Caramel Sauce or Top Flavored Spanish Flans (orange, coffee, strawberry, blueberry cheesecake, and more)

Drinks

Regardless of which Spanish dishes you choose to serve, cold drinks are important. Traditional drinks at a Spanish gathering include:

• Mineral Water - carbonated or still
• Spanish Red Wine - Rioja or Ribera regions both have excellent choices to pair with grilled meats and seafood

In addition to water and wine, you may choose to serve Spanish Sangria, Tinto de Verano, a Spanish wine cocktail, or claras, also known as "lemon beer," a refreshing drink made with cold beer and soda or lemonade.

After dinner drinks usually include espresso coffee and Spanish Sherry Brandy (Brandy de Jerez).