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    Home » World Recipes » Spanish recipes » What are tapas? (+ some traditional Spanish tapas)

    What are tapas? (+ some traditional Spanish tapas)

    April 6, 2018 by Caroline's Cooking

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    If you think about Spanish food, for most people it won't be long before you talk about tapas. Along with paella, it's probably the best known part of Spanish cuisine. But what are tapas, and what are some typical, traditional examples?

    what are tapas? A guide to different types of Spanish tapas and some classic examplesWhat are tapas?

    Tapas are basically small plates of food. They're essentially bar snacks served alongside beer or wine. Traditionally they would have been free with each drink but times have changed.

    You will still often get the odd plate in some places, particularly in Southern Spain, but it's more likely to be olives or chips than something more elaborate, although there are a few places you'll be pleasantly surprised. However even if you have to pay for them, it's well worth it as you'll normally find lots of tasty options.

    Spanish tortilla, tortilla Española slices

    Tapas make a great snack before a late dinner, as is common in Spain. Alternatively, go bar hopping and make a meal out of a range of tapas as you go. One of the best things about tapas is if there are a few of you, they're a great way to sample a range of dishes without over-ordering and/or spending a lot.

    At home, tapas are great for casual entertaining. Most are easy to make and they're a great way to offer a range of tasty bites to suit different tastes.

    piquillo peppers stuffed with salt cod

    The origins of tapas

    As with many long-held traditions, the origins of tapas are a bit vague. There are some tall tales about former kings, but the most plausible story links to the name.

    'Tapa' means 'lid' in Spanish and many stories go that some bartenders started using a piece of bread as a lid to keep flies out of the glasses of beer. Over time food was added on top. and tapas were born.

    pinchos morunos - a tasty spice-marinated pork skewer that's a Spanish tapas classic

    Different types of tapas

    In Spain, you'll see tapas in a few different forms. The main groups are:

    • pinchos/pintxos
    • cheese and charcuterie platters
    • cold tapas
    • hot tapas

    First, let me talk about pinchos (pintxos in Basque), which are probably what many people think of when you talk about tapas. These are slices of bread with various different toppings. The name comes from the Basque Country in the NorthEast where you'll find bars dedicated purely to pinchos. Often the bar is lined with plates of them, you get a plate and help yourself.

    Each pincho has a cocktail stick in it and when you are done, the bartender counts up your sticks and charges accordingly. San Sebastian in particular is where you'll find some incredibly creative and delicious toppings. So much so, you'll hardly believe you're just eating a piece of bread with stuff on it.

    Spanish cheese plate

    Cheese and charcuterie platters are as you might imagine, a range of local cheeses and/or cured meats. Despite manchego being the best known, there's much more to Spanish cheeses than just that. Spanish cheeses include both hard and soft cheeses, blue cheese and are made using different milks. See my Spanish cheese plate for more on some classic Spanish cheeses.

    Charcuterie also comes in a broad range of varieties, from jamon serrano (serrano ham) and chorizo (a kind of salami with paprika) to more regional cured meats like fuet (a thin cured salami-type sausage from Catalunya/the Balearics).

    simple summer Spanish tapas (no cook)

    Cold tapas can be everything from salads to cold soups like gazpacho and salmorejo, and snacks like olives and anchovies. A slice of Spanish tortilla may be included in there too.

    A few favorite examples are in my no cook Spanish tapas, including pan con tomate which is a base for many simple open sandwiches (and pinchos).

    Many cold tapas, like potato salads and seafood, are all ready to go in dishes behind the bar to make things easier, but they are usually very fresh. At home, they're great for a quick, light lunch and snacks.

    healthier patatas bravas

    Then hot tapas are where, to me, things get interesting. Some typical dishes include:

    • patatas bravas (potatoes with a spicy sauce)
    • blistered Padron peppers, pimientos de Padrón
    • gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic)
    • pinchos morunos (Moorish pork skewers)
    • chorizo al vino (Spanish chorizo sausage cooked in wine)
    • salt cod stuffed piquillo peppers
    • paella, and it's variations including arroz negro
    • calamari
    • albondigas (meatballs, recipe from Love Foodies)
    • croquetas (croquettes, ham, cheese or salt cod the most popular - ham recipe from Curious Cuisinere)
    • pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus)

    Despite what you may think from the above, you do get some vegetarian ones but in fairness, not a huge number, at least traditionally. Even another common tapas of sautéed mushrooms usually has ham in it.

    crema Catalana with spoonful sitting on top

    Traditionally tapas don't include sweet dishes per se, but there are some common that may feature on a menu. Crema Catalana (similar to creme brulee), flan (like creme caramel), arroz con leche (rice pudding)) and natillas (a kind of custard) are some the most popular.

    Tapas are such a key part of eating in Spain, and come in such a variety. Of course the same idea exists in other cultures, like mezze in the Eastern Med/Middle East. It's an idea being adopted and adapted around the world too. And why not, it's a fun way to eat! So next time someone asks what are tapas, you're next question is what tapas do you want to enjoy first?

    And if you want a broader taste of Spain, get many more Spanish recipes in the archives.

    Remember to pin for later!

    You've probably heard the name, but what are tapas? Take a look at this easy-to-follow guide to different types of Spanish tapas and get some classic examples to look for or make at home! Many of them are easier than you might think, and tapas are perfect for entertaining.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michaela Kenkel

      April 14, 2018 at 11:38 pm

      Such a gorgeous collection!! I love tapas!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 15, 2018 at 8:14 pm

        Thanks, there's so much variety, something for everyone.

        Reply
    2. Ann from Sumptuous Spoonfuls

      April 14, 2018 at 11:03 am

      Thanks for all the information! I knew what Tapas were, but I didn't know the whole story behind them. This was really interesting.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 15, 2018 at 8:07 pm

        Thanks, I'm glad!

        Reply
    3. Abbe@This is How I Cook

      April 13, 2018 at 3:54 pm

      This is one good reason to head to Spain! This is another good reason to read your blog! Fantastic!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 15, 2018 at 8:07 pm

        Thank you, and I agree Spain is definitely worth visiting (for tapas and more!)

        Reply
    4. The Food Hunter

      April 13, 2018 at 9:35 am

      I am a huge fan of tapas

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 15, 2018 at 8:06 pm

        It's easy to understand why!

        Reply
    5. Claudia Lamascolo

      April 12, 2018 at 9:16 am

      Wow Can I come over and join you I love everything you are serving in this post how delicious it all looks!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 15, 2018 at 8:05 pm

        Ha, thank you, I need to make them all again soon, I agree it's all too tempting!

        Reply
    6. Christine

      April 12, 2018 at 12:01 am

      Awesome! 🙂

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 15, 2018 at 8:04 pm

        Thanks

        Reply
    7. Christine Friesenhahn

      April 11, 2018 at 10:18 pm

      LOVE tapas. Good job. Looks beautiful

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        April 15, 2018 at 8:04 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply

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