11 of our favourite tasty tapas – There’s something so much fun about dining tapas-style. Not only is it a sociable way to eat, with plates designed to be shared by a group, but you also have the added joy of getting to try a little bit of everything.
The tale of tapas began in the 1800s when people used to cover their drinks with a small piece of bread or ham to keep the flies away in the midday Spanish heat. In fact, ‘tapa’ means to ‘cover’ or ‘top’. Originally hailing from southern Spain, tapas are sometimes confused with pintxos, another type of small snack which are mainly enjoyed in the Basque country in the north.
There’s no end to the variation of dishes enjoyed across Spain, from the town of Padron’s native peppers to the classic spinach and chickpea stew from Andalusia. If you’re keen to discover more about Spanish cuisine, or just need help with ordering in a restaurant, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite tapas dishes below.
Tortilla de Patatas
No, we’re not talking about Mexican tortillas! Spanish tortilla is a tasty omelette made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. The onions and potatoes are sliced thinly and cooked slowly in oil, before eggs are added to make an omelette. It’s then sliced into small wedges to be served as a finger food and can be enjoyed both warm and cold. The best tortilla should be barely cooked in the middle and still a little oozy inside.
Patatas Bravas
Crispy potatoes in a spicy sauce – what’s not to like? Patata bravas is thought to have originated in Madrid and comprises small chunks of potato deep-fried in oil, then doused in a spicy ‘bravas’ sauce made with smoked paprika and oil, although some people add tomatoes. You can’t beat it.
Croquetas
Crispy croquetas are a genius invention that sees creamy bechamel sauce encased in crispy fried breadcrumbs. Croquetas de jamon is a common order in Spain, made with the addition of ham, but you can add pretty much any meat or veg you like. They’re great with a pre-dinner drink to get your taste buds going.
Pan Tomate (Tomato bread)
Just like the Italians have bruschetta, the Spanish have pan tomate. This Catalan recipe is the perfect way to transform simple ingredients into something great. It’s only made with five ingredients – bread, tomato, olive oil, salt, and garlic – so they must be fresh. Rub toasted bread with a slice of garlic then top with tomato pulp and a drizzle of olive oil. This simple snack is enjoyed all day in Spain, including for breakfast!
Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic prawns)
Garlicky prawns are one of our favourite things to order in Spain. They’re usually served still sizzling in a hot clay pot, with lashings of garlic-infused oil that’s perfect for soaking up with some crusty bread.
Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spinach and chickpeas)
This vegetarian dish is more common in the south and comprises a simple stew of wilted spinach, chickpeas, and spices. It’s particularly popular in Seville where you’ll find it in almost every tapas bar! No question that it would feature on this list of 11 of our favourite tasty tapas.
Gazpacho
Gazpacho is an Andalusian specialty of cold soup made with tomatoes and peppers. Don’t be put off by the idea of soup being cold. It makes a refreshing starter in the heat of sunny Spain, and is made with other sprightly ingredients like cucumber, garlic, and vinegar. In some tapas bars, gazpacho is included on the drinks list instead of the food menu because you can order it by the glass.
Jamon Iberico
It might not be a specific dish, but ham is taken very seriously in Spain and will usually feature in most Spanish meals. Iberian ham is a delicacy in Spain and beyond, a highly fatty cut that’s cured for up to 48 months for the best possible flavour. A must-try for meat lovers.
Boquerones en vinagre (Anchovies in vinegar)
Unlike the tinned anchovies you buy in supermarkets, which are intensely salty, Spanish ‘boquerones’ are light, fresh, and taste of the sea. In this traditional tapas dish, anchovies are lightly marinated in vinegar to cut through the richness of the oil they’re often served in. They’re very different from tinned anchovies and we urge you to give them a go.
Pimientos de padrón (Padron peppers)
Charred, soft padron peppers are the perfect opener to a meal in Spain and make a nice contrast to dishes often heavy on meat and cheese. Padron is a town in northwest Spain and its peppers are green, small, and fairly mild in flavour – not dissimilar to a standard green pepper. They’re brushed with oil, charred over open flames, and seasoned with plenty of salt.
Try your hand at making these delicious peppers here: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/padron-peppers
Chorizo al Vino
The final entry in our 11 of our favourite tasty tapas is Spain’s signature spicy sausage is the hero in this classic dish. Here, it’s simmered with red wine until the sauce has reduced and taken on a deep, intense flavour. Delicious.
Don’t just take our word for it. Why not book a holiday to Andalucia or Seville with Flavours Holidays to experience authentic tapas for yourself?
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