With a long culinary background, Spain is renowned for its flavorful and diverse cuisine. Among Spain’s many culinary delights, appetisers or “tapas” are a staple of the country’s dining tradition.
This post will examine some of the most mouth-watering and delightful Spanish dishes. Whether travelling to Spain or preparing Spanish food at home, you must try these appetisers.
The Variety of Spanish Appetisers (Tapas)
The term “tapas” is derived from the Spanish verb “tapar,” which means “to cover.” Serving tapas is said to be originated when the innkeepers in Spain had the tradition of serving a small plate of food to cover, or tapar, drinks.
Today, Spanish appetisers come in various flavours and textures, from the traditional “patatas bravas” to the more exotic “boquerones” that will tantalise your taste buds. Spanish appetisers have something for everyone, whether you prefer seafood, meat, or vegetarian cuisine.
Here are 7 tapas recipes for making them from scratch:
1. Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas is an iconic and beloved dish that represents Spain’s rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage. The name comes from the Spanish words “patatas,” meaning potatoes, and “bravas,” meaning fierce or wild, referring to the sauce’s spicy and bold flavour. Here’s how to make patatas bravas from scratch:
Ingredients
4 medium potatoes
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup tomato sauce
Salt to taste
Instructions
Peel the potatoes, rinse well, and cut them into small cubes.
Preheat oven to 200°C.
Place the potatoes in a large bowl, add olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika, and mix well.
Place the potatoes in a single layer on a baking pan covered with parchment paper.
Bake the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepan to prepare the sauce.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for less than a minute until fragrant.
Add smoked paprika, tomato sauce, and salt. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Once the potatoes are done, place them on a serving dish and top with the bravas sauce.
2. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a popular Spanish appetiser, especially during the hot summer months when a refreshing and cool soup is needed. It is a versatile dish as the exact ingredients can vary for different tastes and preferences. Here’s a recipe for gazpacho:
Ingredients
6 large chopped tomatoes
1 chopped red bell pepper
1 cucumber cut into chunks
1 small onion, chopped
2 minced cloves garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups chilled water
Croutons and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Combine the tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and garlic in a blender until smooth.
Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper while blending.
If the mixture still seems watery, add more olive oil until it becomes creamy.
Add the chilled water and blend again until smooth and well combined.
Adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and vinegar.
Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until cold.
Pour the gazpacho into bowls and, if preferred, garnish with croutons and parsley.
3. Chicken Croquetas
Croquetas are a popular Spanish appetiser made with a creamy bechamel sauce and various fillings, such as ham, chicken, and mushrooms. Here’s a recipe for making croquetas at home:
Ingredients
1/2 kg cooked and chopped chicken
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup butter
1 minced onion
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of poultry seasoning
2 cups breadcrumbs
2 beaten eggs
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes or until softened.
Add the chicken, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the flour to the pan and stir for about 2 minutes, then gradually add the milk while constantly whisking.
Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes while frequently stirring until the sauce thickens.
Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours until completely chilled.
Using a tablespoon or wet hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into croquette shapes.
Dip the croquettes in beaten eggs, and then coat them in breadcrumbs.
Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pan, then fry the croquettes until crispy and golden brown.
Remove the croquettes from the oil, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, and serve.
4. Tortilla Española
Spanish omelette with potato and egg, accompanied by olive oil
Also known as “tortilla de patatas,” tortilla española is a classic, simple, and popular Spanish dish. It is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavours of Spain and is the perfect recipe for beginners. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 minced onion
6 large eggs
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pan.
Add the potatoes and onion and cook for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Remove the potatoes and onion from the pan and put them in a large mixing bowl.
Beat the eggs with salt and pepper in a separate bowl until well combined.
Add the cooked potatoes and onion to the beaten eggs and stir until evenly distributed.
Re-heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the potatoes mixture and spread it out evenly.
Cook the tortilla for 5 to 7 minutes or until the sides begin to set.
Flip the tortilla over using a spatula and cook the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown.
Move the tortilla to a serving plate and let it cool before cutting and serving.
5. Empanadas
Empanadas are a popular type of pastry in Spanish cuisine. They are a delicious and perfect appetiser for a hearty meal. Here’s how to make them from scratch:
Ingredients
For the dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
2 large eggs
1/2 cup cold water
2 tablespoons white vinegar
For the filling
1/2 kg ground beef
1/2 cup grated onion
2 minced cloves garlic
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup pitted green olives, chopped
1/4 cup tomato sauce
For assembly
1 beaten egg
Water
Instructions
Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
Add the cold butter to the bowl and rub it into the flour combination until it resembles rough crumbs.
Whisk the eggs, water, and vinegar in a separate mixing bowl.
Add the egg mixture to the flour and combine until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Add the red bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Add the egg, raisins, olives, and tomato sauce to the pan and stir until well combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface, then cut it into circles using a round cutter.
Put a tablespoon of the filling in the middle of each dough circle.
Brush the dough’s edges with the beaten egg, then fold it to create a half-moon shape.
Crimp the edges of the empanadas with a fork to seal them closed.
Organise the empanadas on a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Mix the beaten egg and water in a small bowl, then brush the tops of the empanadas with the mixture.
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Bake the empanadas for about 25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and serve at room temperature.
6. Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al ajillo is one of the most popular Spanish appetisers and a unique shrimp dish with a strong flavour that will please any taste. It is easy to make, with only a few basic ingredients needed. Here’s a recipe for making it from scratch:
Ingredients
1/2 kg large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup olive oil
6 minced cloves garlic
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pan.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 2 minutes or until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes while occasionally stirring until it turns pink.
Pour in the sherry vinegar and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.
7. Boquerones
Boquerones is a popular Spanish appetiser made with marinated anchovies. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases Spaniards’ love for seafood and traditional flavours. Here’s how to make it easily:
Ingredients
1/2 kg fresh anchovies
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
3 minced cloves garlic
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt to taste
Instructions
Clean the anchovies by removing the head, tail, and bones. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and parsley in a large bowl until well combined.
Add the anchovies to the bowl and cover them completely in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
When ready to serve, take the anchovies out of the marinade, place them on a serving platter, and sprinkle them with salt to taste.
Garnish the boquerones with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, and serve them cold.
More from the Spanish Culinary
Spanish cuisine is full of delicious appetisers that can satisfy any palate. Exploring Spanish appetisers is just the beginning of a delicious journey through the flavours of Spain. If you’re eager to try these appetisers and explore more Spanish dishes, you can start by checking out the top Spanish desserts on our website.
Salma Ihab 