Understanding Spanish Tapas
Tapas in Spain THE FREE TAPA, often when you arrive at a bar and order a drink, you may be offered a free tapa of which you will have no choice. This may be Guacamole on white bread, olives, crisps, peanuts or some cold cuts of meat.
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Understanding Spanish Tapas
The word ‘tapas’ does not refer to a specific type of food. The word ‘tapas’ refers to a way of eating. Tapas are usually a small quantity of food offered to accompany a refreshment.
You can order a selection of tapas to make a full meal. or Tapas Revolution
The word tapas is derived from the Spanish verb ‘tapar’ which means ‘to cover’. It is thought that the snack was used to cover the top of the glass to prevent flies going into your drink.
There are many other theories as well, such as hiding the smell of the bad wine or stopping the wind from blowing the wine or beer everywhere.
There are many different types of tapas, so much so that you are bound to find at least one that you may like. There are lots of different types which are explained below:
THE FREE TAPA,
often when you arrive at a bar and order a drink, you may be offered a free tapa of which you will have no choice. This may be Guacamole on white bread, olives, crisps, peanuts or some cold cuts of meat.
TAPA EXTRA, you may enter a bar showing a blackboard or menu with a list of tapas.
You can order these and there will be a small charge.
With these you will probably have a much wider choice.
RACION OR MEDIA RACION, this tapa is usually larger in size and can be shared between 2-4 persons.
You can order 2 or 3 dishes, put them in the middle of the table and all tuck in. he portions (raciones) are usually varied and can include fish, meat, vegetables and salad.
PINTXO, Pintxos are typically in the North of Spain and are very similar to tapas. They are more elaborate and have a stick in them to pick them up.
The price is normally the same as a tapa and the bill can be produced on how many sticks are left on your plate.
MONTADITO
this is something small served on a slice of baquette bread. They cab be topped with ham and cheese.
Following is a brief description of many of the tapas you have probably seen and wandered what they are.
GAMBAS AL AJILLO, Garlic Shrimp, this one is great for garlic lovers, as it is bursting with flavours and fresh aromas.
PATATAS BRAVAS, fierce potatoes, the sauce on the potatoes contains a hint of tobasco, hence the name ‘bravas’ which means ‘fierce’.
JAMON, QUESO O CHORIZO CON PAN, Cheese or Chorizo with bread.
BOQUERONES EN VINAGRE, Anchovies marinated in vinegar, oil and garlic.
CHOPITOS, Baby Squid, battered and fried.
ACEITUNAS, Olives with a filling of anchovies or red beel pepper.
ALBONDIGAS, meatballs with a sauce.
CALAMARES, rings of battered squid.
CHORIZO AL VINO,
Chorizo sausage slowly cooked in wine.
CROQUETAS, a small bread crumbed fried food roll usually containing mashed potato and ground meat.
EMPANADILLAS, large or small turnovers filled with meats and vegetables.
ENSALADILLA RUSA, mixed boiled vegetables with tuna, olives and mayonnaise.
PULPO A LA GALLEGA,
octopus pieces seasoned onion.
All the above, along with many other dishes are well known and much loved throughout Spain, so if you get a chance to try some good quality tapas, you will not be disappointed!
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Many of the dishes can be made in advance such as the Gazpacho, Albondigas, Alioli or marinated fish dishes, leaving you free to enjoy time with your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Tapas contains all of the recipes you need to discover a new way of eating and entertaining.
If you find yourself in a tapas bar in Spain, chances are you find these delicious garlic mushrooms, which you can now enjoy at home!
This is an easy tapas recipe, perfect to serve with a late afternoon glass of white wine in the garden.
No need for fancy ingredients to transport yourself to Spain. In this simple tapas recipe, mushrooms are cooked with a mixture of olive oil, white wine, garlic, parsley and a hint of chilli. Enjoy as they are or serve with crusty bread.
Find this tapas recipe and loads more on Allrecipes.co.uk, the UK and Ireland’s largest online community of home cooks:
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Welcome World Cuisine demystifies International food and shares the secrets behind popular restaurant dishes including Pad Thai, Tikka Massala, Pho, Sushi, and more!
In this video, you’ll watch how to make two classic Spanish tapas dishes. These little bites are perfect cocktail party snacks and make great little plates for dinner.
You’ll see how to make patatas bravas, braised potatoes with a spicy sauce. And huevos endiablados, Spanish devilled eggs made with tuna and spices. Your palate will never get bored with these small, flavorful, appetizer-size portions.
An interesting Tapas bar is Los Carmelos in La Marina. For details of Los Carmelos please click link
Local La Marina area Tapas Spanish bars
Tapas bars La Marina Spanish local Restaurants Where you will be able to taste the real Spain. Well worth a few tries at different bars they will make you most welcome.
Spain info
Tapas
covers local towns with local accommodation.
Spain info also covers info local days out in Spain on the Mediterranean. Site with information on gardening in Spain Mediterranean style. Local info with information on cooking Mediterranean style.
Covers Bowls Clubs Golf Go Karting fishing Caves and other sports here in the Mediterranean.
also lists the Local Hot Water Spas many of them dating back to Roman times.
Optimised March 17 P92 w 100 Aug 31 H 88 Tapas 37 H 92 now 90? May 10 Oct 21 H 88 P 90 H 93 P 90/92 FK 100 F Tapas march 2 67 2.22
Spain Info. Tapas San Francisco De Asis, Urb Marina, San Fulgencio, 03177, Alicante, Spain 38n21, 0w29
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