Where to Buy Spanish Ingredients in Canada: A Starter Guide

Want to cook Spanish food at home in Canada? Start with ingredients you'll use more than once: good olive oil, smoked paprika, a rice suited to paella and a few tapas that need little preparation. This guide shows what to buy first and how to put it to work.

Start with a small Spanish pantry

For everyday cooking, choose extra virgin olive oil and Spanish vinegar. Olive oil works for sautéing vegetables and finishing a dish; a splash of vinegar brightens a salad or gazpacho. Add pimentón to potatoes, stews or roasted vegetables. Check the labels for the flavour and heat level you prefer.

For paella, choose the rice before the extras

Rice changes the texture of a paella. Bomba is a dependable starting point, but your pan and heat source will affect how much liquid you need. Read our guide to paella rice, then browse rice, saffron and paella ingredients. Our paella Valenciana recipe gives you a place to begin.

Build a tapas board without cooking

Choose one or two cured meats, a Spanish cheese, olives and a tin of seafood conservas. Serve with bread and let each ingredient have room on the board. Explore Ibérico and charcuterie, Spanish cheeses and seafood conservas; check the current product listings for availability.

Finish with something sweet

Spanish sweets make an easy finish to a meal. Turrón is especially associated with the Christmas season; our guide to Jijona and Alicante turrón helps you choose a style. You can also browse the sweets currently available.

How to choose your first order

1. Pick one dish or occasion: paella, a tapas night or a dessert table.
2. Buy the core ingredient for it, then add two or three items you can reuse.
3. Check product details, availability and shipping information at checkout before ordering.

Little Spain Market brings Spanish ingredients to customers in Canada. Explore the current selection and use the linked guides whenever you want to try a new dish.