What Are Tapas And How To Make Them

Patatas Bravas

Patatas Bravas are nothing but chunks of fried potato topped mostly with a spicy tomato sauce. However, the dish is popular and a crowd-pleaser, something everyone, vegetarian or not, can try. Let’s see how you can make them at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 Medium Sized Potatoes 

• 1 Clove Garlic

• ½ Tbs. Pepper 

• 2 Cups Olive Oil

• 1 tsp. Salt 

• ¼ Cup Mayonnaise

• 1 Onion

• 1 Can Tomatoes (14 Ounce)

• ½ Tbs. Paprika

• ¼ Tbs. Chilli Powder

• Pinch of Sugar 

Recipe

1. Slice the potatoes into wedges and cook them in water until tender. Drain and rid potatoes of water as much as possible. One can do so using a paper towel. Arrange the potatoes in a casserole dish and coat them thoroughly with olive oil. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and then bake the potatoes until crispy and golden. 
2. Mix a good amount of crushed or finely chopped garlic into mayonnaise along with some pepper and salt. 
3. In a pan, cook some chopped onions in olive oil. Then add tomato paste and sauce, garlic, chili powder, salt, paprika, and a hint of sugar to the cooked onions. Let it simmer for ten minutes, and it’s complete.

Note:

• One can add or eliminate ingredients as per taste. You can further alter the ingredient quantities as per your liking.
• You may keep the Patatas Bravas sauce ready 24 hours before serving.

Cured Meat 

Cured meats happen to be one of the most classic and loved tapas dishes, and are equally simple and easy, which just requires you to slice up an assortment of hams (jamón) and sausages (chorizo) as per your liking. You can serve it with some olive oil and baguette slices.

Pintxos 

A classic mini sandwich or Pintox would follow toppings such as – tomato and jamón, meatballs, jamón and manchego cheese, chèvre cheese and fig jam, Spanish tortilla, smoked salmon, sardines and canned peppers, and more. However, one can always add or eliminate ingredients and make their version of the dish. 

The mini sandwiches are served with toothpicks to hold them in place alongside overflowing toppings. 

Other Popular Tapas Dishes 

• Bacalao–  Salt Cod, Fried, Breaded, Or Stewed In Tomato Sauce
• Gambas Al Ajillo– Fresh Prawns In Sizzling Olive Oil Along With Garlic And Chili Peppers.

• Cazón En Adobo– Marinated Fried Dogfish

• Ensaladilla– Potato Salad Alongside Mayonnaise With Either Tuna Or Prawns

• Espinacas Con Garbanzos– Spinach And Chickpeas With Olive Oil And Garlic

• Calamares Del Campo– Fried Onions And Peppers Or With Bread

• Revuelto– Scrambled Eggs With A Variety Of Fillings

• Jamón Iberico– Finely Sliced Salt-cured Ham
• Arroz Del Día– Meat Or Seafood Served Along With Rice Dishes Typically At Lunch Hours

Best Drinks to Compliment Your Tapas Delight 

Though red wine, typically Spanish red wine is the most common drink with tapas. One can also give other Spanish beverages a try. Let’s look at two such beverages. 

Tinto De Verano – In a large glass, mix equal portions of red/white wine and lemon/orange soda and serve it with ice and lemon.  

Sangria – In a large bowl or pitcher, pour an entire bottle of red wine. In the wine, add chopped orange, lemon, and apple. Then mix a dash of brandy and a few tablespoons of sugar. Let the drink sit in the cold for as long as possible, preferably overnight. While serving, mix a little club or lemon soda to it and enjoy. 

Conclusion 

There are many types of tapas and recipes available. If you are looking for a new cuisine, this is the perfect item to try out first. This cuisine is easy and fun to make at home, but you must try a local tapas bar if you find yourself in Spain.