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    Home >> Tapas

    Ten Tasty Tapas

    Published: July 12, 2015 • Modified: August 7, 2022 • by Author: Analida • Word count:502 words. • About 3 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links.

    513 shares
    • 6
    Ten tasty tapas recipes for your next party. | ethnicspoon.com


    Tapas
     are the appetizers famous in Spanish cuisine, and which in recent have gained popularity in metropolitan areas around the country. The word "tapa" actually means lid in Spanish, and some say the word originated because the original tapa were slices of bread used by those sipping sherry to guard their glasses against fruit flies. Whether this is true or not, no one knows. What is true is that tapas have become an integral part of Spanish cuisine and culture. In northern Spain, they are called pinchos, "bocas" in Latin America and "bocanas" in Mexico.

    There are multiple explanations regarding the origins of tapas. The one I found most interesting was the following: legend has it that King Alphonse the Wise was recovering from a disease. His physician recommended that for a speedy recovery what he needed was small plates of food with a glass of wine, a few times throughout the day. Apparently it worked. Once recovered Alphonse declared that no establishment in his kingdom would serve wine to its patrons without a small dish of food to go along with it. Whether this is true or not, no one really knows. It does make for interesting conversation though!

    As can be expected tapas are subject to regional differences, and can also be eaten hot or cold. They are also unique to different establishments who often boast to carry the best shrimp tapas, or the best chorizo tapas in Spain. Yes they are proud of their culinary abilities!!!  It is said that tapas are meant to encourage conversation since the focus is not so much the big meal, but the interesting small dishes everyone is ordering and sharing.

    The diversity of tapas evolved from the multiple ethnic influences that came into contact with Spain, from the Romans in antiquity who introduced olives, to the Arabs who brought with them almonds, citrus fruits, and exotic spices.  My family and I usually have a tapas dinner Friday nights when no one wants to cook a meal after a hard week at work.

    If you want to host a tapas party, I suggest 2 things: ease and variety. Provide your guests with a mixture of hot and cold, sweet and savory. Also, don't forget to add a bit of color into your food display. Remember we eat with our eyes. Here's a small smattering of some of my favorite tapas. Make one, make them all. Enjoy with a glass of your favorite beverage.

    2 minute spicy mango pico de gallo salsa | ethnicspoon.com

    Two Minute Mango Pico de Gallo Black Bean Salsa

     

    Ezme-Turkish Tomato Pepper Salsa

    Ezme: Turkish Tomato Pepper Salsa

     

     

    Dolmas filled with rice, onions, parsley and currents. | ethnicspoon.com

    Dolmas: Stuffed Grape Leaves

     

    How to make goat cheese at home - chèvre | ethnicspoon.com

    DIY: Homemade Goat Cheese

     

    fig, ricotta prosciutto croustini

    Fig, Ricotta, Prosciutto Crostini

     

    Prueba de cerdo - Spanish style marinated pork | ethnicspoon.com

    Spanish Style Grilled Marinated Pork

     

    Mushroom tapas - champiñones

    Mushrooms in Sherry Sauce

     

    beef empanadas

    Mini Beef Empanadas

     

    hummus recipe

    Hummus

     

     

    Shrimp ceviche

    Shrimp Ceviche

    You might also like to try these:

    • Avocado, Shrimp, Grapefruit Tapas
      I love Spanish tapas and I hope you love this too! Shrimp with grapefruit & avocado is a great balance of flavors. Sprinkle a little thyme for an herbal note too! | ethnicspoon.com
    • Mango Black Bean Salsa Recipe
      Need a dish for a summer picnic? Try this super easy mango black bean salsa! This is my go-to dish to bring to summer picnics. If you can chop and stir this is the salsa for you! I love the sweet, savory and spicy flavors this dish brings. | ethnicspoon.com
    • Hummus Made With Greek Yogurt Recipe
      A bowl with hummus and za'atar with a wooden spoon.
    « Turkish Orange and Onion Salad
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    513 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura @MotherWouldKnow

      July 13, 2015 at 1:34 pm

      I could eat the tapas you're spread out before us for dinner and be perfectly content. (Ok, I would like dessert, but these would be appetizer, main course, and sides:) They are lovely individually and collectively.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 13, 2015 at 2:00 pm

        Thanks Laura!!! I love tapas. I could live on them.

        Reply
    2. Stephanie Chavez

      July 14, 2015 at 2:54 pm

      Great round-up! I've always wanted to learn how to make Dolmas.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 14, 2015 at 4:20 pm

        Thanks Stephanie!!!
        Dolmas are not hard to make; once you get the hang of how they are rolled it's easy.

        Reply
    3. Sarah

      July 17, 2015 at 8:34 pm

      Yum! Everything looks delicious. I'll be there for dinner in a couple of hours, ok? 🙂 Thanks for linking up to Blogger Brags. I've pinned your post to the Blogger Brags Pinterest board.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 18, 2015 at 4:52 pm

        Thanks for pinning Sarah!

        Reply
    4. Miz Helen

      January 10, 2016 at 6:59 pm

      What a fantastic collection of Tapas, I can't wait to try some of these recipes! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great day!
      Come Back Soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 10, 2016 at 7:03 pm

        Thanks very much! I will be back soon!

        Reply
    5. Miz Helen

      January 16, 2016 at 1:49 pm

      Congratulations!
      Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week! Hope you enjoy your new Red Plate and have a great weekend.
      Come Back Soon,
      Miz Helen

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 16, 2016 at 7:26 pm

        Thanks so much Miz Helen! I am so excited!!! 🙂

        Reply

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    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

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