Tapas Recipes

tapas recipes

Tapas – The Small Plate With The Big Flavour !

Tapas is a vibrant and authentic variety of appetizers or snacks which are cooked very quickly. Tapas is in the very heart, culture and lifestyle of the Spaniards and is seen as a way of eating rather than a style of cooking. Originally tapas was served as a between meal snack, however nowadays it is often eaten as a light evening meal served to groups of friends and family, with the main meal being served at lunch times.

Tapas dishes can be served warm or cold and in the different regions of Spain you will find not only different selections and mixes of tapas but a huge variety in portion size and price. Don’t expect to find the same thing in neighboring bars! Over the years, Tapas has evolved into an entire and often sophisticated cuisine, and by ordering a selection of tapas dishes you can create a bespoke meal just as you like it.

The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation as people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them. In many regions of Spain small tapas dishes are served free with every beer that you order but this is becoming increasingly local to certain areas.

When you are in Spain, you will often find that tapas dishes are not listed on a menu, but are showcased in a glass chiller cabinet by the bar area. You can order as many dishes as you like although often they will be bought at different intervals so don’t expect them all to come at once. Bread will often be served alongside the first dish.

Tapas recipes vary hugely by region and tradition, even if they are called the same name on the menu.

Some of the more common dishes found on Tapas menus are:

aceitunas

Olives

albóndigas

Meatballs

allioli

Garlic Mayonnaise

anchoas

Anchovies

boquerones

Fresh Anchovies in oil and herbs

calamares a la romana

Fried squid

champinones

Mushrooms

ensaladilla rusa

Russian Salad

gambas a la plancha

Grilled prawns

mejiilones

Mussels

pulpo

Octopus

queso (manchego)

cheese (from the Mancha region)    

sardinas

sardines

sepia

cuttlefish

tortilla

Spanish omelette (potato based)

Along with these dishes, you will find Chorizo, a spicy sausage usually served in its cooked juices, and Serrano ham, a dry cured Spanish ham which is one of the cornerstones of Spanish Gastronomy, on all tapas menus.

About the Author

Julie Suttle has lived and worked in Spain with various estate agents for 4 years. Using her experience in her roles within the property industry, she is now a director of www.spanishholidaysdirect.com a Spanish property rental site offering you a wide choice of rental properties throughout spain. Also offering a low cost way to advertise your Spanish holiday home to 1000′s of potential holiday makers.

Spanish Tapas Recipes

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