Hungry to learn Spanish? Step into our kitchen! In this A2 lesson, you’ll pick up practical cooking vocabulary, easy verbs for recipes, and friendly ways to give instructions like “Corta” and “Añade.” We’ll cook simple dishes (ensalada, huevos revueltos) and practice as we go. ¡Vamos a cocinar! (Let’s cook!)

Kitchen essentials: herramientas y ingredientes

Let’s start with tools and ingredients you’ll see in everyday recipes. We’ll use Spanish words with clear examples, so you can name what you use in the kitchen.

Other helpful words:

• aceite de oliva = olive oil
• sal = salt
• pimienta = pepper
• ajo = garlic
• cebolla = onion
• tomate = tomato
• cuchillo = knife

Mini practice: choose the right tool

Use the right noun when you see the action. Spanish hint: “Calienta la sartén” = “Heat the pan.”

Calienta la en la estufa.

Verbs you’ll use all the time: verbos de cocina

Here are core actions. Learn them with short recipe-style examples.

• cortar = to cut
• mezclar = to mix
• añadir/agregar = to add
• hervir = to boil
• freír = to fry
• hornear = to bake
• batir = to whisk/beat
• pelar = to peel

Tip: In recipes, you often see tú commands: “Corta,” “Mezcla,” “Añade.” They’re friendly and direct.

Yo cocina hoy. → Yo cocino hoy. Use the correct present tense ending: yo + -o for -ar verbs (cocinar → cocino).

Easy recipe 1: Ensalada de tomate (Tomato salad)

A simple, fresh dish. We’ll give steps mostly in Spanish, with support in English.

Ingredientes:

• tomates (tomatoes)
• cebolla (onion) – optional
• aceite de oliva (olive oil)
• sal y pimienta (salt and pepper)
• jugo de limón (lemon juice) – optional

Pasos:

• Lava los tomates. (Wash the tomatoes.)
• Corta los tomates y la cebolla. (Cut the tomatoes and onion.)
• Mezcla aceite de oliva y jugo de limón. (Mix olive oil and lemon juice.)
• Añade sal y pimienta al gusto. (Add salt and pepper to taste.)

Practice: put the instructions in order.

Cultural bites: sabores y horarios

• In Spain and many Latin American countries, aceite de oliva is a kitchen staple. You’ll hear “aceite de oliva virgen extra” a lot.
• La comida (the main midday meal) can be later than in many countries—around 2–3 pm in Spain.
• Tortilla de patatas is a classic Spanish dish (potato omelette). Be careful: torta can mean cake (Mexico) or sandwich (some countries). Context matters!

Easy recipe 2: Huevos revueltos (Scrambled eggs)

Short, cozy breakfast. We’ll add one new verb: batir (to whisk/beat).

Ingredientes:

• huevos (eggs)
• sal y pimienta (salt and pepper)
• mantequilla (butter) o aceite (oil)

Pasos:

• Bate los huevos. (Whisk the eggs.)
• Calienta la sartén con un poco de mantequilla. (Heat the pan with a little butter.)
• Añade los huevos y mezcla lentamente. (Add the eggs and stir gently.)
• Sirve y añade sal y pimienta. (Serve and add salt and pepper.)

los huevos con un tenedor.

Polite kitchen Spanish

In a shared kitchen, add por favor and gracias:

• ¿Puedes cortar la cebolla, por favor? = Can you cut the onion, please?
• Gracias por cocinar. = Thanks for cooking.

Mini-check: verbs vs. nouns

Remember: cortar (to cut) is an action; cuchillo (knife) is a thing. Don’t say “Yo cuchillo la cebolla.” Say “Yo corto la cebolla.”

Quick review phrases

• Vamos a cocinar. = Let’s cook.
• Hay que pelar las papas. = We need to peel the potatoes.
• Mezcla bien. = Mix well.
• Añade sal al final. = Add salt at the end.

You’re ready to read basic recipes and give friendly instructions. Practice in your kitchen tonight—mejor con una ensalada fresca o unos huevos revueltos. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)