What You Should Know About Tapas
Whether you are planning to attend a Tapas night, or you just want to try some Tapas, there are a few things you should know about Tapas before you go. Having some knowledge will help you order the right dishes and will give you a sense of what to expect from this popular cuisine.
Origins
Various legends have emerged about the origins of tapas. The oldest one suggests that the custom was introduced in the thirteenth century. In fact, the tapas style of cooking has a history that dates back to the Moors.
The first tapas were hot and cold dishes. These were typically accompanied by a glass of wine. It is believed that these were a snack before the main meal. This practice is still used today.
It is believed that tapas originated in the Andalucia region of southern Spain. At that time, Andalusian taverns were popular with travelers. Guests would cover their glass of wine or sherry with slices of bread or cheese. This was because the bread would help keep flies from entering the glass.
The name “tapa” comes from the word “tapar” which means to cover. At the time, tapas were served free with drinks. In the olden days, this practice helped entice patrons to stay in the tavern. It also gave bartenders a way to serve complimentary food.
Tapas have evolved throughout the years, and now feature a range of regional cuisines. They can be as simple as a bowl of olives or as hearty as a slice of Serrano ham. The culture of tapas is alive and well in Spain and around the world.
The modern take on tapas includes sweet desserts, foams, mousses, and even non-Spanish ingredients. In some areas, tapas are served at restaurants, but in the rest of Spain, they are more commonly found at tapas bars. Some popular tapas include albondigas (Spanish meatballs), patatas bravas (fried potato chunks smothered in tomato sauce), and fried squid.
The first tapas were served with wine or sherry. Bartenders covered the drink with bread or cheese to keep flies from entering.
Varieties
Whether you’re looking for an informal dinner, a quick snack or just want to try new things, you can find tapas to suit your taste. There are hundreds of different varieties of tapas. You can find anything from cheeses to vegetables to seafood. These tapas can be served warm or cold. You can also have them served with beer or wine.
Most tapas are served with wine or beer. You can get a variety of different cheeses and sausages. You can also find smoked fish. Some places also emphasize fresh ingredients.
Some tapas are vegetarian. Espinacas con garbanzos is one vegetarian tapas dish. This dish is a classic from Jewish and Moorish history. It is a delicious dish that you can get in most places.
Another classic is grilled prawns. You can get them with garlic, chilli flakes and olive oil. Another popular tapa is fried baby squid. It’s also popular in Spain, and can be found in many restaurants.
Besides meat and seafood, there are also vegetarian tapas to choose from. These include albondigas (veal or pork), chipirones (deep fried cuttlefish) and pintxos (mini sandwiches).
Tapas are an excellent way to try different dishes. The variety is endless, and there are a lot of bars that specialize in only one type of tapa.
You can find hundreds of different varieties of tapas in Spain. The best way to get an idea of what is available is to try a tassiz. Traditionally, tascas were informal, dusty roadside taverns. Upon ordering a drink, the tavernkeeper would serve you a small bite to eat. Afterwards, you would pay for the tapas.
There are also many modern and innovative tapas in Spain. You can find fried baby squid, smoked anchovies, and calamari rings. Besides these dishes, you can also find desserts such as natillas, flan, and crema catalana.
Ordering at restaurants
Taking a break from your usual menu of pasta and steaks and ordering tapas at restaurants is a great way to experience a variety of foods. Tapas are small plates of food that are usually served with drinks. They are meant to be shared.
Typical tapas include the tortilla de patatas, which is a Spanish omelette made with potatoes. Other common tapas include gambas al ajillo, chorizo a la plancha and patatas bravas. You can also try a traditional Spanish potato salad.
To get the most out of ordering tapas at restaurants, you should plan ahead. You can order several dishes to share, but if you’re not careful, you may end up with 5-6 tapas at once.
It’s also a good idea to ask your server for recommendations. You don’t want to be stuck with a menu you don’t understand.
The most important thing to remember is to enjoy the experience. The best tapas bars have a communal feel, so you’ll get the most out of your visit by talking to other patrons.
In addition to the usual suspects, you’ll probably find a few novelty dishes. A lot of tapas bars don’t mention meat, but if you ask, you can usually find some tasty vegetarian dishes.
The most exciting thing about ordering tapas at restaurants is the fact that you get to sample a wide variety of foods. Even if you don’t have a taste for Spanish cuisine, you’ll get a good idea of what the locals are raving about.
To make the most of your trip to Spain, ask your hotel staff for recommendations on tapas bars. Some will even offer you a complimentary tapas to try the local cuisine.
Tortilla Espanola
Known as Frittata in Italy, Omelette in France, and other names, Tortilla Espanola is a delicious and simple Spanish dish. It can be served as a light lunch or served as part of a tapas platter. The recipe was first discovered by locals in Spain in the 19th century, and it became a signature dish. It is also popular in Iran.
Tortilla Espanola is made with a few simple ingredients. Thinly sliced potatoes, onions, olive oil, and eggs are the primary ingredients. The recipe is best prepared in a large frying pan.
It is a good idea to pre-season the eggs with salt, which will help retain moisture during cooking. Also, use a medium to low heat to avoid burning the tortillas.
You should also be able to find tortillas that are free of onion. However, if you are going to add some, there is a simple trick to get the best results.
The best tortillas are made by gently cooking potatoes and onions in enough olive oil to develop a silky texture. This may take up to ten minutes.
It is also a good idea to use extra virgin olive oil. This is the least processed form of olive oil, and it retains the natural antioxidants in the oil.
There are many hors d’oeuvres in Spanish cuisine. A tortilla is a popular one. It can be served warm or cold, and can be served as part of a tapas plate or a sandwich. It is best eaten with Cava or Rioja, which pair nicely with the rich flavors of tortilla.
The best tortillas are made in a large skillet. This is because tortillas are thin, and can cook unevenly.
Pulpo a la Gallega
Polbo a la Gallega (octopus in Galician style) is one of the most popular tapas dishes in Spain. This simple dish can be served as a main dish or as a snack. You can prepare it yourself at home with simple ingredients.
Polbo a la Gallega is a very popular dish in Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain. Galicians love seafood and enjoy a variety of fish and catches. They have a rich culinary history that includes seafood dishes.
Polbo a la gallega is made with octopus and olive oil. The octopus is cooked in a copper pot. It is then sprinkled with olive oil and paprika. A little sea salt is also added. It should be cooked for at least twenty minutes and left to rest for twenty more minutes.
Pulpo a la gallega can be made from freshly caught octopus or frozen ones. Before putting the octopus in the pot, make sure that it is not too hard. It should be cooked until it is tender. It is then cut into small pieces. The pieces should be topped with sliced potatoes. A small amount of extra virgin olive oil is drizzled over the top.
It is important to use high quality olive oil for preparing pulpo a la gallega. It should be lightly spiced and taste like seafood. It should be rich and tender when cooked well. It can be prepared ahead of time, so it is perfect for entertaining guests.
Polbo a la galega is usually served with crusty bread. It is also served with boquerones, quail en escabeche, and salt cod fritters. It can also be served with homemade sangria.
