Spain By Food Enthusiasts · 5 min read

National Dish Spain: Alubias con Almejas (Recipe)

Spanish white beans with clams in a rustic bowl garnished with parsley

In this article

Bring a taste of the Spanish coast to your table with Alubias con Almejas, a soulful pairing of tender white beans and fresh clams. This is the kind of dish that turns a quiet evening into something memorable: the beans soak up a fragrant base of garlic, onion and smoked paprika, while the clams open up to release their briny sweetness into the pot. Simple to prepare yet generous in flavour, it captures the unfussy elegance of Mediterranean cooking and makes a striking main course for guests.

About Alubias con Almejas

Alubias con Almejas is a traditional Spanish dish that puts the flavours of the Mediterranean front and centre. It brings together tender white beans and fresh clams, a combination that is as impressive to look at as it is to eat. Using good-quality ingredients ensures that every meal feels like an occasion. Ideal for sociable evenings or as a main course for a festive gathering, Alubias con Almejas is sure to win over every palate.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

250 g white beans (dried or tinned)
300 g fresh clams (such as carpet shell clams)
1 onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 bay leaf
100 ml olive oil
1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, to garnish

Shopping for the ingredients

When shopping for Alubias con Almejas, freshness is everything. A good source for fresh clams is your local fishmonger or a well-stocked supermarket. For the beans, you can choose between dried or ready-cooked varieties. Make sure the beans are of good quality, as they form the foundation of the dish and carry much of its flavour.

Preparing the dish

Before you begin cooking, it is important to prepare the beans properly. If you are using dried beans, ideally soak them overnight in water. This shortens the cooking time considerably and gives a pleasant, creamy texture. The clams should be washed thoroughly and scrubbed free of grit to guarantee maximum freshness and flavour.

Step-by-step instructions

Bring the soaked beans to the boil in a pan of fresh water and simmer until tender.
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and gently sweat the onion and garlic until translucent.
Add the clams and cook briefly, just until they open.
Stir in the paprika, bay leaf and the cooked beans, mix well, and season with salt and pepper.
Let everything simmer for around 10 minutes so the flavours have time to come together.
Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

The recipe for Alubias con Almejas is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. That said, some shop-bought products may contain gluten or lactose, so read the labels carefully before adding them. Simply stick to natural, fresh ingredients to avoid any potential allergens. That way every guest can enjoy the dish without a second thought.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Although Alubias con Almejas is traditionally made with clams, vegan alternatives are easy to create. In place of the clams, you can use sautéed mushrooms or oyster mushrooms to bring a hearty, savoury note. A little smoked paprika also helps deepen the overall flavour. These tweaks make the dish accessible to vegan and vegetarian guests too — much like the meat-free comfort of Espinacas con Garbanzos.

More tips and tricks

To make the dish even tastier, try experimenting with different herbs and spices. Fresh thyme or a hint of chilli adds an extra layer of depth. Presenting it on a handsome serving platter turns it into a visual highlight as well. Play around with various ingredients to create your own perfect version of Alubias con Almejas.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The recipe for Alubias con Almejas is wonderfully adaptable. If there is an ingredient you do not care for, simply swap it for another. For example, you could use red beans instead of white beans to create a different colour and flavour profile. Be creative and tailor the recipe so that it suits your personal preferences exactly.

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find clams, there are plenty of alternatives. Pre-cooked prawns or squid also taste fantastic in this dish, bringing a fresh dynamic to the recipe and often easier to source — the same seafood spirit you will find in Almejas en Salsa Verde. You can also try different varieties of beans, or add other pulses to boost the nutritional content.

Drink pairing ideas

A lightly chilled, dry white wine pairs beautifully with Alubias con Almejas. A Spanish Verdejo or an Albariño, with their fresh aromas, harmonise perfectly with the seafood. Alternatively, you might try a refreshing glass of sangria to underline the Mediterranean mood. Just make sure the drinks are not too heavy or sweet, so they do not mask the flavour of the dish.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation can shape the entire dining experience. Serve Alubias con Almejas in an attractive, deep bowl and garnish it with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. This not only makes a striking visual impression but also brings bright, fresh aromas to the dish. Using rustic crockery can underscore the Mediterranean atmosphere and delight your guests, just as it does with a comforting bowl of Fabes con Almejas.

A bit of history

Alubias con Almejas is a dish rooted in traditional Spanish cuisine, bringing together regional produce from the coast with the finest ingredients from inland. Historically, combining beans and clams was a way to create nourishing, flavoursome meals that were both affordable and filling. This dish reflects the creativity and variety that define the cooking of Spanish cuisine and its Mediterranean heart.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Alubias con Almejas

Alubias con Almejas is an outstanding example of the richness and variety of Spanish cooking. The combination of hearty beans and fresh clams creates an unforgettable taste experience. With simple ingredients and an uncomplicated method, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. Let the flavours of Spain win you over and enjoy an exquisite meal with family and friends.