What are the staple foods of Spain?

There are a number of staple foods of Spain, including shellfish and fish, as well as numerous vegetables, fruits, meat and poultry. Some of the national dishes of Spain include paella, serrano ham and chorizo.

Paella is considered to be the national dish of Spain and originated in the fertile rice-growing area around Valencia, Spain. The word "paella" actually refers to the pan that the dish is made in and not the dish itself. The pan is wide, about 1 foot in diameter, with low sides and handles on both sides. It is a rice-based dish that is loaded with seafood, although some recipes call for poultry, other meats or vegetables. The basic recipe requires three ingredients: olive oil, water and rice.