Most people have heard of tapas. But do you know what tapa means? It literally translates to a lid or the cover of a pot. Historically in cafes, they would serve a glass of wine or beer with a piece of bread or jamón (ham) on top.  This was to prevent flies, mosquitos or dust from getting inside the glass. Also by the sea, it was to prevent sand from blowing inside. Some bars will also offer a free small tapa with every glass of wine or beer you order, as an incentive to visit their establishment.

Nowadays, tapas are very typical of Spanish cuisine. They are considered appetizers or small bites. It is very typical to gather at an outdoor cafe in the afternoon or evening and enjoy a glass of wine and a tapa. They can also easily make a complete meal by ordering several different kinds of tapas.

RECIPES:

Cheese and Vegetable:

–Butternut squash with gorgonzola 

– Coca de recapte (flatbread)

–  Crunchy brie bites

– Escalivada – Goat Cheese over red pepper & Eggplant

– Goat cheese ball topped with pecans and cranberries

– Huevos cabreados (angry eggs)

– Mini mozzarella Sandwiches with Tomato Jam

–Mushrooms al ajillo 

– Patatas Bravas

-Palmiers de Ham and Cheese

– Peppers del Padrón

–Pea Soup Shooter

– Tortilla de patatas – Spanish potato omelette

-Watermelon & Feta Salad

Seafood: 

–Almejas a la Marinera (clams)

– Chipirones a la Andaluza (squid)

–Cod brandade

– Gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic)

– Gambes de l’àvia (Grandma’s shrimp)

– Pulpo a la Gallega (octopus)

–Àvia´s mussels 

Croquettes:

– Chicken croquettes

–Chickpeas Croquettes 

– Cod croquettes 

– Ham and cheese croquettes 

– Mushroom croquettes

–Mushroom and bacon croquettes

Montaditos:

– Anchovy & pepper montadito

– Bacon & brie montadito

– Brie and asparagus

– Tres quesos

–Pear and blue cheese

– Montadito de apple, cheese y onion

• Montadito de manzana y burger