Spanish tapas recipes

Spanish tapas recipes

For the foodies amongst us…

What are tapas

Tapas is a type of Spanish cuisine that consists of small, flavorful dishes typically served as appetizers or snacks. Tapas can include a wide variety of foods such as olives, cheese, cured meats, seafood, grilled vegetables, and more.

Tapas are often served in bars and restaurants in Spain, and it’s common to order several different types of tapas and share them among friends or family. The tradition of tapas also involves a social aspect, as it encourages people to gather and enjoy food and drinks together in a relaxed atmosphere.

Overall, tapas are a delicious and fun way to experience the flavors and culture of Spain.

A few simple tapas recipes that you can try at home

Patatas Bravas

This is a classic tapas dish made with crispy fried potatoes and a spicy tomato sauce.

Peel and cut 2-3 potatoes into bite-sized cubes and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
For the sauce, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft, then add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp sugar, and salt to taste.
Cook the sauce until it thickens, then pour it over the potatoes and serve.

Gambas al Ajillo

This dish features shrimp cooked in garlic and olive oil.

Heat 2-3 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 dried chili pepper.
Cook for a minute, then add 12-16 peeled and deveined shrimp and cook until pink and slightly browned. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top and serve with bread.

Tortilla Española

This is a traditional Spanish omelet made with potatoes and onions.

Slice 1 onion and 2-3 potatoes thinly and fry them in olive oil until tender. Beat 4-5 eggs in a bowl and add the fried potatoes and onions to the bowl.
Season with salt and pepper and pour the mixture into a greased pan.
Cook on medium heat until the bottom is set, then flip it over and cook the other side until set.
Cut into small pieces and serve.

Croquetas de Jamón

These are small, crispy croquettes filled with ham and creamy bechamel sauce.
First make a bechamel sauce by melting 2 tbsp butter in a pan, adding 2 tbsp flour, and cooking for a minute. Gradually add 1 cup of warm milk while whisking constantly, and cook until thickened.
Add 1/2 cup diced ham and mix well, then let the mixture cool.
Roll the mixture into small balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and deep fry until golden brown.
Serve hot.

Albondigas

These are Spanish-style meatballs in a tomato-based sauce.

Mix 1 pound of ground beef with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
Roll the mixture into small balls and brown them in a pan with some olive oil.
Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
In the same pan, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft, then add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika, and salt to taste.
Add the meatballs back to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Serve hot.

Pimientos de Padrón

These are small green peppers that are fried and served with coarse salt.

Heat some olive oil in a pan over high heat and add the peppers.
Cook until they are blistered and slightly charred, then sprinkle with coarse salt and serve.

Boquerones

These are marinated anchovy fillets.

To make them, rinse 1 pound of fresh anchovy fillets and pat them dry.
In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1/2 cup of water, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
Add the anchovy fillets to the mixture and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Serve cold with bread.

Gazpacho

This is a cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic, and bread.

Blend 3 ripe tomatoes, 1 peeled and seeded cucumber, 1 green bell pepper, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 slice of bread (soaked in water and squeezed dry), 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tbsp of sherry vinegar, and salt to taste in a blender until smooth.
Chill the soup in the fridge for at least 1 hour, then serve cold.

Chorizo al Vino

This is a tapa made with chorizo sausage cooked in red wine.

Cut 1 chorizo sausage into thick slices and sauté in a pan until browned.
Add 1 cup of red wine and simmer until the wine has reduced by half. Serve hot with bread.

Pinchos Morunos

These are skewers of marinated pork or chicken.

Cut 1 pound of boneless pork or chicken into small cubes.
In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp of olive oil, 2 tbsp of paprika, 1 tsp of ground cumin, 1 tsp of ground coriander, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste.
Add the meat cubes to the bowl and toss to coat.
Thread the meat onto skewers and grill or broil until cooked through.
Serve hot with a dollop of yogurt sauce.

Queso Manchego con Membrillo

This is a tapa made with Manchego cheese and quince paste.

Slice 1/2 pound of Manchego cheese into small wedges.
Spread a thin layer of quince paste on each wedge and serve with bread.

Huevos Rotos

This is a dish made with fried potatoes and eggs.

Peel and cut 2-3 potatoes into thin slices and fry them in hot oil until crispy.
Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
In a separate pan, fry 2-3 eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
Place the fried potatoes on a plate and top with the fried eggs.
Break the yolks with a fork and serve hot.

Enjoy trying these recipes and experiencing the delicious flavors of Spanish cuisine!

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