For those of you who have just arrived in Spain, have you ever felt too exhausted to cook after all the shopping, washing, chopping, and preparing? Sometimes, when studying or working gets busy, you just wish for a simple and quick solution. That’s where supermarket ready-made and pre-cooked meals really come to the rescue for us “lazy foodies”! But the question is, what are these products called in Spanish?
Actually, it’s quite simple. You only need to remember two key terms: Platos Preparados and Precocinados. Platos Preparados usually refers to heat-and-eat meals—foods that are already prepared and just need to be heated, such as packaged Spanish paella or pasta from the refrigerated section. On the other hand, Precocinados is a broader term that can include foods requiring a little extra cooking, like frozen croquettes that you need to fry yourself.
Walk into any Spanish supermarket, such as Mercadona, Carrefour, Dia, or Lidl, and you’ll find a dedicated area displaying a wide range of these meals. From classic Spanish potato omelettes to various flavors of croquettes, and even bottled or boxed cold Spanish soups that are a summer essential, the selection is truly impressive. If you’re a Spanish ready-made food beginner, starting with these national favorites is always a safe choice.
To make your shopping easier, here’s a handy chart with some common ready-made foods and their Spanish names, perfect to take with you next time you go grocery shopping! Many supermarket own brands, like Hacendado from Mercadona, offer excellent value for money and are well worth trying.
| Common Ready-Made Food | Spanish Name | Shopping Tips |
|---|
| Spanish Potato Omelette | Tortilla de Patatas | Usually found in the refrigerated section, heat in a microwave or pan |
| Spanish Churros | Churros | Found in the freezer section; cook with an air fryer or deep fry, then sprinkle with sugar |
| Croquettes | Croquetas | There are many flavors—ham, chicken, mushroom, all recommended! |
| Ready-Made Paella | Paella Precocinada | Basic in flavor—good for a quick craving, but keep expectations moderate |
| Spanish Cold Soup | Gazpacho / Salmorejo | Comes in carton packaging, ready to eat; avoid in winter but a must-have for summer! |
Ready-made meals in Spain are super convenient for daily life. While they might not measure up to freshly prepared restaurant dishes, they’re definitely up to the task as a supplement for everyday meals. Have you tried any other delicious—or disappointing—ready-made foods? Feel free to leave a comment below and share your experiences with newcomers!
