There are so many different Spanish tapas recipes that it can be hard to know where to start. There are a wide range of different nutritious options out there and they all pack as little or as much of a punch as you want them to. Spanish tapas can be tailored to your individual palate or designed to give your guests a real taste sensation. Here are five tasty Spanish tapas options for you to try out at your next get together.
Spicy Toasted Almonds
Almonds are a staple of the Spanish diet and whilst you’ll often find them on desserts they also make a fantastic regular dish. Toss them in a pan with virgin olive oil and add in a range of spices and flavours including hot paprika, thyme, salt and cayenne pepper. It’s a simple dish but it really works and you can be sure everyone will want to grab a handful.
Empanadas
Empanadas are one of the most versatile dishes in the Spanish repertoire. They are small pasty-shaped turnovers with a crisp pastry casing and an inner filling which can be almost anything you can think of. Common combinations including sweet sundried tomatoes and cheese, spicy mince or ham and pine nuts, cheese and spinach. For something a little different consider combining pungent goat’s cheese with fresh tuna flakes with paprika to taste. Small bite sized empanadas are known as empanadillas and are a popular choice for larger parties as they remove the need for cutlery.
Lemon Olives
Simple, zesty and a favourite amongst many, lemon olives don’t take much preparation at all but you can guarantee they’ll be enjoyed. Simply opt for green or black olives, or a mix, and then add in your seasoning, mix the olives in extra virgin olive oil with your freshly squeezed lemon juice and your own choice of seasoning including anything from fresh rosemary to garlic gloves, fennel seeds and peppercorns. Garlic works particularly well with the tang of the lemon.
Chorizo al Sidra
It may not sound very Spanish but in fact cider is a popular cooking ingredient and it brings out the tangy natural flavours of the spicy chorizo sausage. This dish is traditionally from the Asturias region of Spain and the area is also well-known for its sweet ciders. The dish is made by simply chopping up your chorizo and pan frying it with the sweet cider, allowing the meaty and tangy cider flavours combine. For alternatives consider sautéing the chorizo in a summery white wine or a deep, rich red.
Figs with Mascarpone
Desserts aren’t always a top priority in tapas but there is absolutely no reason not to offer one that both fits with the theme and is a great end to the meal. There are a wide range of Spanish desserts to try but this one is simple, tasty and should be a big hit with all your guests. It’s very simple, just ensure the figs are ripe and halve them, top them with mascarpone and drizzle with honey. You can add nutmeg or cinnamon to taste or leave them to be enjoyed for their natural flavours.
Including these tasty offerings in your tapas feast will ensure it goes down a treat.
Maria Cumming Panadero is a Managing Director in El Olivo. She is committed to sharing her passion for delicious, high quality olive oils and fine food from her homeland Spain.
