Everything you wanted to know about tapas. Tapas is a traditional Spanish snack.

Features of the use of tapas

Anyone who wants to feel like a real Spaniard should remember a few good manners when ordering tapas. So, in the country it is customary to eat these snacks while standing, not sitting down. And in the evening it is advisable to visit at least 2-3 tapas bars - as they say, "dip". And, of course, tapas aren't tapas if those who eat them don't actively communicate and gesticulate.

In the "lobby" of Spanish bars, there is usually a plaque with a list of snacks and prices. The prices there are different - depending on the size and filling. In some tapas bars, the entire range of snacks is displayed under glass at the counter, and the printed menu simply does not exist. In this case, point to the dish you are interested in, and it will be brought to you.

Another subtlety concerns the way tapas are consumed. They can be eaten without cutlery and taken with your hands - no sidelong glances in your direction will follow. So feel free to go on a tapas tour of Spanish bars, and let it turn out to be unforgettable!

Tapas is an appetizer for an alcoholic drink. But not everything is so simple. Tapas reflects the whole philosophy, lifestyle, habits of the native Spaniard. Let's figure out what tapas can be called, how it is cooked, eaten and washed down.

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"Cover" of manners, or the philosophy of tapas

Tapas is Spanish for "lid". Where does the appetizer get its name from? There are several versions of this. According to one of the most popular, King Philip III forbade serving alcoholic drinks in taverns without snacks so that people would be less drunk and behave decently. The appetizer was put simply on a mug with a drink. According to another, more prosaic version, the vessels with drinks were covered with bread or ham, so that flies swarming in the heat would not get into them.

Later, the concept of tapear appeared in Spanish, meaning literally walking with friends from one bar to another in order to repeatedly drink, eat well and chat a lot. This scheme is still in effect today. In one evening, a Madrid office worker can visit 3-5 bars.

Light snacks are conducive to informal conversation and unhurried rest. They are served on a common plate, without cutlery, size - for one bite. No shyness, no manners, no protocol.

Russian salad or fried squid - what's on the plate?

Any dish can act as tapas, whether it be chips or a saucer of snails. Each bar or restaurant has its own signature recipe. tapas. And the Spanish hostess will easily collect a snack from what she has in the refrigerator. What is most commonly served as tapas?

• or chorizo;
• a plate of olives;
• grilled vegetables;
• fried potatoes with sauce;
• squid, mussels or anchovies;
• Ensaladilla rusa - Russian salad (like our winter salad);
• small sandwiches or canapes;
• small portions of national dishes, for example,.

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Especially popular is pintxos - a mini sandwich with various ingredients, for convenience, pinned on a skewer.

Julia, Moscow:

“During our trip to Spain, we found the largest variety of pintxos in the north. In the towns there, on every corner, they only do what they cut and prick on toothpicks whatever their heart desires. A pintxos costs about 4 euros. 3-5 pieces for me personally replaced a full meal. Of course, you won’t be so full every day, but for a snack on a hot afternoon with a glass of beer, that’s it.”

The art of making tapas is regularly competed by the chefs of tiny eateries and fashionable restaurants in tapas competitions and festivals that take place in every Spanish province. The manner of serving tapas, by the way, differs not only in different parts of Spain, but even in establishments adjacent to each other.

One tapa (snack portion) is always small, 3-5 small pieces. Depending on the size of the company, you can order tapas of different sizes. Tapas, designed for a large group of friends, is called raciones.

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Cooking tapas - here are a couple of recipes for you

Fried shrimp with garlic

For 15 large shrimp - 100 ml of olive oil, 4-6 cloves of garlic, 1 chili, 2-3 sprigs of parsley, salt, 1 tsp. brandy.

Marinate the peeled shrimp in olive oil with garlic cloves, salt and chilli. Then heat up a frying pan with plenty of oil, quickly fry the shrimp and add some brandy. After a minute, remove from heat, serve in the oil in which the shrimp were fried, sprinkled with chopped parsley.

Bread with tomatoes

Grill or toast bread slices in the oven. While hot, rub them with a clove of garlic and tomato pulp, cutting the tomato in half. Salt and season with olive oil.

Irina, Ulyanovsk:

“After traveling around Catalonia, I was looking for a cookbook for a long time with recipes for those same sandwiches with a variety of ingredients. I came across a book by the famous Spanish chef Adrian Quetglas "Tapas". The topic of snacks is revealed in it even wider than I expected. These are not just recipes, but an interesting culinary journey.”

What to drink tapas with?

In the bar tapas is ordered with low alcohol with a light taste. When drinking, it is important for a Spaniard to feel not only the taste of the drink, but also the taste of the food.

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Traditional drinks for tapas:

• cider;
• sherry;
• table white wine;
• cava - Spanish sparkling wine;
• vermouth;
• beer.

Of course, you can order with tapas and a soft drink or eat a portion, just to satisfy your hunger. For this, no one will look askance at you.

Until recently, tapas was served with drinks for free, but today in most establishments, snacks have to be ordered separately. The institution reserves the right to treat the client in gratitude for a large order or frequent visits.

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Tapas bar - the atmosphere of Spain

You can try the most delicious tapas and plunge into the atmosphere of Spanish ease in tapas bars. There are many such establishments in Barcelona and Madrid today. These are usually small, noisy and smoky places where tapas is eaten right behind the bar. Here there is no menu, and the entire assortment is presented simply in the window. It is not customary to sit dignifiedly here, so there are a minimum of tables in the tapas bar.

Since each tapas bar has its own rules and etiquette, in order not to get into trouble, you should ask the waiter to help you with the choice. You can simply point with your finger that you want to order how much and mention how much you are willing to spend on it. The chef or waiter will surely offer you the best and most delicious.

One of the oldest bars in Barcelona - Quimet & Quimet at Poeta Cabanyes 25. A small, family-run establishment serving traditional Spanish tapas.

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Denis, St. Petersburg:

“We came here on purpose, after reading rave reviews from tourists. Everything was not in vain! Small bar with amazing atmosphere, original food and fast service. A portion of three tapas costs about 2.5 euros. I advise you to try beans with cod and shrimp with red pepper.

Worth a look in Madrid De 1911 at Plazuela de San Gines 5. The name of the tapas bar contains the year of its foundation, and this says a lot.

Feel the atmosphere of Spain in Moscow you can in institutions: El Basco, Cork Wine and Tapas Bar, Tapa Rillas, Tapas Marbella.

Tapas are a variety of small but hearty dishes that are great for a quick bite to eat, as well as snacks during lunch or a party with friends at a bar or at home. Tapas is made from everything: vegetables, cheese, fish, bread, meat and so on. The main thing is that snacks are of such a size that they can immediately fit in the mouth.

History of appearance

Tapas did not appear in Spanish cuisine immediately. The inhabitants of Spain love to tell legends about the appearance of this dish. For example, that the peasants supported their strength with wine and cheese or corned beef while working, or that one day a certain innkeeper came across an unsuccessful batch of wine, and he decided to hide its taste by serving him free cheese and sausage. There are many options, but the most popular and most plausible among them are two.

According to one version, the tradition of such snacks was started by King Alfonso X, when doctors prescribed him several glasses of wine a day to maintain health. In order not to get drunk and keep a clear head, the king seized wine with a small amount of food. Subsequently, he issued a decree ordering innkeepers to serve wine only accompanied by a certain amount of food, so that the people, especially the soldiers of his royal majesty, would not get drunk. Of course, the owners of the taverns did not like that they were subjected to such a gastronomic tax, so they contrived and began to serve as much food as could fit on a mug.

According to another version, another king, Alfonso XIII, who somehow went into a tavern and asked for wine, had a hand in creating tapas. The day was hot, dust hung in the air and clouds of insects frolicked. So that there would be no unauthorized items in the wine, the glass for the king was covered with a slice of ham. The king liked this serving: you can immediately drink and have a snack, and he made it a tradition. "Tapa" is Spanish for "cover". Since then, jugs of wine in taverns have been served covered with slices of ham, bread, cheese, etc. Over time, edible lids have been replaced by regular plates, but the tradition of serving drinks along with snacks has survived. Appetizers were transformed into an independent dish. Now it can be olives, small sandwiches with different fillings, paella, tortilla, cheese, vegetables, mushrooms and so on.

Tapas atmosphere

Thus, in the Spanish dictionary for "tapas" a new meaning appeared - a light snack served with wine or beer. Tapas have become very popular in Spain, moreover, they have become a symbol of Spanish cuisine. Residents of sunny Spain adore gatherings in a bar with family and friends with drinks and a variety of tapas: portions are easy to share among themselves. The atmosphere in tapas bars is always very cheerful, friendly and relaxed: what a tired person needs after a working day. Each bar tries to stand out from the rest and serves its own set of tapas.

Tapas is taken so seriously in Spain that they regularly hold festivals and competitions dedicated to tapas. All establishments take part in the competitions, from the smallest cafes with two tables and a bar to serious restaurants where a famous chef conjures up a tapas menu, inventing more and more new combinations for snacks.

Types of tapas:

Hot or cold tapas are a variety of dishes served in small portions on small clay plates.

Montaditos - small closed sandwiches with filling, the filling can be very diverse.

Pichos - a piece of bread, with cheese, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and other snacks, chopped on skewers.

In Spain, you can get tapas at any time of the day, in many establishments snacks are served free of charge with wine or beer.

Tapas spanish snacks

Tapas- it's spanish snacks which can be made from almost anything. The range of tapas is very diverse: from cold meats and cheeses to hot seafood, meats and vegetables. They can be cold and hot, meat and vegetables, mushrooms and fish, spicy and tender, light and satisfying.
Mini delicacies-tapas appeared in Spain as snack to sherry. Cunning innkeepers covered their sherry glasses with slices of ham or sausage so that the guests would not complain that the main course was not brought for a long time. Ham and salami can be wrapped with almonds and olives, often fried shrimp are added. Pepperoni pods are stuffed with a mass of curd cheese and grilled, and carrots are stewed in a marinade of vegetable oil, sherry, balsamic vinegar and rosemary.

On this page you will find an overview of delicious recipes tapas. They are easy to make and will be a delicious surprise for your guests. Tapas- an excellent option for a buffet and appetizers at a Spanish-style party.

Tapas "Spicy shrimp and mango"

Ingredients: cooked shrimp, 1 mango, spicy cayenne pepper, 1 lemon, parsley, tabasco sauce, ground black pepper.

Squeeze the juice from the lemon into a container, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, Tabasco sauce, ground black pepper and finely chopped parsley. Mix everything well. Clean the shrimp and place them in a container with the lemon juice and spice mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and leave to marinate at room temperature for at least 4 hours. Peel the mango, cut into cubes.

Thread one or two shrimp and a mango cube onto a wooden skewer and serve with white wine.

Tapas "Cheese balls with jamon"

Mix two types of cheese, make balls and leave for an hour in the freezer. Meanwhile, bake the jamon (ham) in the oven until crispy, pass through a blender. Roll the cheese balls in crispy ham pieces, stick a toothpick into each ball and refrigerate until serving.

Tapas "Stuffed olives with marinated anchovies"

This easy tapas recipe features marinated anchovies wrapped in strips and held together with a toothpick.

Tapas "Jamon with melon"

Jamon and melon - a classic combination of sweet and salty.

Tapas "Salmon with cream cheese and anchovies"

This appetizer recipe consists of a slice of crispy bread with a slice of smoked salmon wrapped around a slice of cream cheese and garnished with an anchovy fillet roll. Secure all ingredients with a toothpick.

Tapas "Red peppers with anchovies and garlic"

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients: any canned pepper (store-bought or), anchovy fillets in olive oil, thinly sliced ​​garlic, bread.
Optional: toothpicks.
Options: You can substitute a piece of garlic for example with a small piece of onion or an olive.

Tapas "Salmon with egg and mayonnaise"

For this appetizer recipe, you will need the following ingredients for 10 people: 10 thinly sliced ​​smoked salmon, 2 hard-boiled eggs (white of one egg grated), freshly ground black pepper, mayonnaise, fresh and crispy bread, lemon or lime juice. Optional: toothpicks.

Place a slice of salmon on a slice of bread. If you like, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or lime juice on top of the salmon. Using a teaspoon, place the grated egg white on a circle of hard-boiled egg and pepper to taste. Garnish with mayonnaise and secure all ingredients with a toothpick.

Tapas "Salmon with egg, shrimp and anchovy"

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients: smoked salmon, thinly sliced; shrimp, cooked, chilled and peeled; anchovy fillets in olive oil; lemon or lime juice, hard boiled egg, fresh bread.

This style tapas on bread is very common in tapas bars and restaurants in San Sebastian, Bilbao and other cities in the Basque Country.

Olives with garlic and chili

In Spain this style tapas When you pick an appetizer from a plate or bowl with your fingers or a toothpick it is called "Cosas de Picar" or "Things to stab". With this recipe, you can turn a rather boring jar of olives in salt water into a great one. savory snack.

For this spanish olive appetizer recipe you will need the following ingredients: jar olives; 1-3 garlic cloves, chopped; 1-3 garlic cloves, pressed or crushed; red chili pepper, chopped, with seeds; olive oil; provencal herbs.

Drain the olives, put in a bowl, pour over olive oil, add garlic, red chili, herbs and mix everything thoroughly. Store in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to blend. Serve these Cosas de Picar with toothpicks for everyone!

Tapas "Grapes with cheese"

Wash the grapes and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 5 minutes or so.

Cover the bread slices with the cheese slices and place in the preheated oven for about 6 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Put a few grapes on each slice of bread and cheese and serve..... grapes with cheese taste like a kiss.

Apple chips and Roquefort cheese

Ingredients for 6 people: 2 red apples, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1/3 cup wheat flour, corn oil for frying, 100 g Roquefort blue cheese, nuts to taste.

Cut apples into thin slices (as far as possible). Mix flour with powdered sugar, breaded apple slices in this mixture and fry until golden brown on both sides. Lay them out on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve with blue cheese on top and walnuts to taste.

Tapas "Dates stuffed with goat cheese in bacon"

Before the arrival of guests, any hostess thinks what can be served for a snack, before the main meal with a glass of wine? Tapas is the perfect solution! Probably, many people hear this word, but perhaps not everyone knows what it is.

On the one hand, the word "Tapas" means a way of serving small pieces of baguette, vegetables, meat or seafood with filling, and on the other hand, this combination of filling and bread is called tapas.

The tradition of serving small cold snacks before meals, which include meat, vegetables, fish, and so on, came to us from Spain. Now these snacks are popular not only in Spain, but also in the countries of the Balkan Peninsula and in countries located on the Mediterranean coast.

Usually tapas are served on small plates, but the variety of toppings can truly surprise any gourmet. Each national cuisine, of course, has its own traditions of table setting and combinations of various ingredients, but you can still identify the basic principles for composing tapas fillings. For example, mushrooms are stuffed with meat, cheese and herbs. Seafood is usually served with pies or grilled or pickled vegetables. Well, and of course, such an appetizer is served with bread, which is baked in each country according to its own technology.

In the modern world, there is often a mixture of different cuisines from different countries, and this also affects tapas. In Europe, Asian cuisine has recently become popular, so you can find elements of Japanese sushi in tapas.

Tapas in Spain

In Spain, tapas is considered not just a simple meal, tapas is part of the culture of Spain. The word itself comes from the Spanish word for "lid" or "cover". One of the opinions is that originally tapas was meat, vegetable and bread cuts, which were covered with a glass of wine so that insects would not get there. According to another version, the king of Castile and León, Alfonso X the Wise, introduced a law according to which alcoholic drinks could not be served in refectories and taverns without snacks, so that visitors would not drink on an empty stomach and behave properly.

In Spain, there is a whole tradition of how to eat tapas: it is customary to eat it standing up, with wine or sangria, in a large company and for easy communication during a siesta. There is even a so-called "tapas marathon" - tapeo: after 09 pm, the Spaniards gather in groups and wander from bar to bar, in each of which they eat several pieces of tapas, washing them down with wine and make new, pleasant acquaintances.

In Spain, making tapas is an art. There are even special competitions that evaluate the ability to cook them, the variety of fillings and the way they are served. The main venue is the city of Valladolina.

Below is a list of tapas toppings that you can find in any small cafe in Spain, and of course, repeat yourself:

• serano ham
• olives and cheese (Manchego)
• meatballs (albondigas)
• marinated or deep fried anchovies
• chorizo ​​sausage
• salted cod (bacalau)
• fried squid rings (squid)
• crispy salted potatoes (papas arrugadas)
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• garlic sauce (alioli) with bread and potatoes
• omelette

Each country has its own preferences for making tapas.

In Portugal, tapas are even called differently - "petiscos". They may include deep-fried fish, meatballs, octopus salad, olives and the national dish of Portugal - salted dried cod - "bacalau". It is difficult to resist such a variety and not to try.

In Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, these snacks are called "ouzo", "raki" or "meze". They are prepared from vegetables, fish and seafood. Well, in each region, of course, you can find something typical or unusual. For example, the famous tzatziki are grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, yogurt, cucumber and garlic. Or a seafood salad topped with baked vegetables and sheep's cheese.

Tapas in Italy

In Italy, tapas are referred to as "antipasti". Here are some toppings popular in this country:

• Parma ham
• Mozzarella
• grilled bread with a slice of tomato and a couple of drops of olive oil (bruschetta)
• very thin slices of beef with parmesan, olive oil and balsamic sauce (carpaccio)
• grilled or deep-fried vegetables (eggplants, sweet peppers, zucchini)
• veal with tuna sauce (vitello tonnato)
• pickled sardines
• baked clams

In Italy, small appetizers (commonly called antipasti) are usually served in transparent glassware. This way of serving dishes is very convenient, because guests can immediately see what and where lies.

Despite. that the tradition of preparing tapas in each country is different, but in any case it is a very tasty, unusual and quick snack. You can turn on all your imagination, use all the ingredients that are in the refrigerator - and the result will be amazing in any case. You will be able to surprise and feed all the guests. By the way, tapas can be prepared as a dish for a buffet table, picnic or taken to work.