What Are Tapas?
Tapas, is how the Spanish call their wide variety of appetizers. Small snacks the Spaniards love and that can be eaten at any time of the day.
At times people have a wrong concept of tapas and think that they are only eaten at night. That is actually not right and the Spanish enjoy this traditional way to serve food during the whole day. In Madrid for example, Spain's capital, but also in Barcelona, Marbella or Sevilla and basically everywhere in Spain's bars and restaurants, you will have the chance to try this delicious food morsels. In your next trip to Spain, enjoying the sunlight the country has to offer, you will for sure try them accompanying a delicious glass of Rioja wine.
Where Do Tapas Come From?
The tapas tradition was born in Andalusia. Especially in this region of the Iberic Peninsula, the cuisine meshes together all the flavours of the Moorish influence with the Spanish traditions. It is said that the tapas are derived from the Muslims. If you have ever visited Morocco for example, you will have noticed that in the restaurants usually you will be first served a small “trial portion” to start your lunch. In Spain, the first tapas were simple pieces of bread. You will smile hearing that they were put on top of your glass of wine in order to prevent flies to fall into your precious grape juice. That's how it started. Clever people!
Tapas are usually served as a starter, but many Spaniards enjoy them during the whole day and sometimes their lunch or dinner will consist of them. The act of having tapas is called “tapeo”. A group of friends or a family will go out together and while conversing they will order their favourite tapas. Usually different tapas bars do have a specialty and will be known for it.
Examples Of Tapas, And Preparing Your Own
Creating tapas there are no limits to your fantasy. Some bars will offer more than 30 different types of this delicious food snack. If you ever go to Spain or to your local Spanish bar you will be able to purchase single portions but usually half and full serves of the tapas of your choice. They are served both hot and cold. Example of tapas dishes are: cured ham (jamón serrano), ham from Andalusian pigs fed on acorns (jamón iberico), olives, calamares, prawns, snails, tortilla, different cheeses (especially queso manchego), fresh anchovies, meatballs, marinated meats and salads.
Why not enjoying also tapas at home? There are various cookbooks teaching you how to best prepare them. Try them with your loved ones; you will be enjoying part of the famed Mediterranean lifestyle. Enjoy!
