These small, savory dishes are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a great choice for gatherings or casual dinners. In this blog, we’ll explore how to make a selection of classic tapas dishes that will transport your taste buds to the lively streets of Spain.
What Are Tapas?
Tapas are Spanish appetizers or small dishes that are often served with drinks in bars or restaurants. The word "tapas" comes from the Spanish verb "tapar," which means "to cover." Legend has it that tapas were originally served as small snacks to cover drinks and prevent flies from landing in them. Today, tapas encompass a wide range of dishes, from simple olives and cheeses to more elaborate preparations like seafood and stews.
Classic Tapas Dishes You Can Make at Home
Here’s a guide to preparing some of the most popular and delicious tapas dishes that will make your next gathering a hit.
1. Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas are a staple in tapas bars across Spain. This dish features crispy potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the bravas sauce:
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
For the bravas sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve the crispy potatoes with the bravas sauce drizzled on top.
2. Spanish Tortilla
Spanish Tortilla, also known as a Spanish omelette, is a simple yet delicious dish made with eggs, potatoes, and onions.
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
6 large eggs
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and onions, and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and onions, and return them to the skillet.
In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Pour the eggs over the potatoes and onions.
Cook the tortilla on medium heat until the edges start to set. Carefully flip the tortilla and cook the other side until golden brown.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
3. Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)
Gambas al Ajillo is a popular tapa that features shrimp cooked in a fragrant garlic and chili oil.
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the parsley and season with salt.
Serve the shrimp hot with crusty bread to soak up the garlic-infused oil.
4. Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)
Albondigas are Spanish meatballs that are typically served in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into small meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
In a separate saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 15 minutes.
Serve the meatballs with the sauce spooned over them.
5. Pimientos de Padrón
Pimientos de Padrón are small green peppers that are typically fried and sprinkled with sea salt. They’re a popular tapas dish, especially in Galicia.
Ingredients:
1 lb Padrón peppers (or small green peppers)
2 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the peppers and cook, turning occasionally, until they are blistered and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sea salt.
Serve hot.
6. Croquetas (Spanish Croquettes)
Croquetas are creamy, fried bites that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ham, cheese, or mushrooms.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cooked ham, finely chopped
1/2 cup grated cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs, beaten
Oil for frying
Instructions:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the ham, cheese, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cool.
Shape the mixture into small balls or logs, then coat in breadcrumbs, dip in beaten eggs, and coat again in breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet. Fry the croquetas until golden brown and crisp.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
7. Ensaladilla Rusa (Russian Salad)
Ensaladilla Rusa is a Spanish version of Russian salad, typically made with potatoes, carrots, peas, and mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Boil the potatoes and carrots in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Add the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Drain and let cool.
In a bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, peas, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper.
Fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs if using.
Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
8. Jamón Ibérico: A Spanish Delight
Jamón Ibérico is a type of cured ham that is considered one of the finest in the world. While you might not make this at home, it’s worth seeking out for an authentic Spanish tapas experience.
How to Serve:
Slice the ham thinly.
Serve on a platter with crusty bread and olives.
9. Tortilla Española: Spanish Potato Omelette
Tortilla Española is a classic Spanish dish made from eggs, potatoes, and onions. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can be served as a tapa or a main course.
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
6 large eggs
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and onions, and cook until tender.
Drain and return to the skillet. Beat the eggs and pour over the potatoes and onions.
Cook until the edges set, then flip and cook the other side.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Boquerones en Vinagre are marinated anchovies that are a popular tapa in Spain. They’re tangy, flavorful, and perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh anchovies, cleaned
1 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Soak the anchovies in a mixture of vinegar and water for 2 hours. Drain and pat dry.
Layer the anchovies in a jar, alternating with garlic slices and red pepper flakes.
Pour olive oil over the anchovies and seal the jar.
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Final Thoughts
Tapas are all about sharing and enjoying a variety of flavors, and making them at home allows you to bring a piece of Spanish culture to your kitchen.
If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of Spanish cuisine and master the art of creating authentic tapas, join us at Otao Kitchen for our Spanish Master Cooking Class. This immersive experience will guide you through the preparation of traditional Spanish dishes, from Patatas Bravas to Jamón Ibérico, with expert instruction and hands-on practice.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, our class offers the perfect opportunity to explore the rich flavors of Spain and enhance your cooking skills. Sign up today and bring a taste of Spain into your kitchen with Otao Kitchen!
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