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To entertain guests with a blend of sophistication and simplicity, tapas recipes are ideal to cook this summer. "A tapa is a dish that is neither a starter, a main course, nor a dessert," explains Spanish chef Sergi Arola to L'Express magazine. It's an appetizer meant to be shared among friends, usually over a glass of wine. These appetizers are characterized above all by their large portions. So, you can transform any of your favorite recipes into tapas. The possibilities are truly endless!
To inspire you to embrace this Spanish gastronomic tradition, here are 5 tapas recipes to cook this summer:
1. Salmon tartare tapas
Salmon tartare is delicious served as tapas, in small glasses. However, you must ensure the freshness of the raw fish before preparing it. The salmon offered by Alimentation l'Épicier is prepared, vacuum-sealed, and frozen immediately after being caught, making it perfect for tartare.
(To avoid cross-contamination when preparing raw fish, consult the 8 rules of kitchen hygiene now .)
You could also, as the photo in this article suggests, place some mashed avocado and a slice of smoked salmon on cucumber slices for a perfect combination of freshness!
2. Beetroot and goat cheese tapas
When cooking tapas, have fun with colors! This will make your appetizers stand out when served to guests. This beetroot recipe will make your mouth water: simply spread a thick layer of cream cheese between two cold beetroot slices. For an even more delicate touch, you could also slice the beetroot very thin and roll them around the cheese. Serve the rolls with walnuts and radish slices. For a sweeter touch, add a drizzle of honey.
3. Plate of cold meats
In Andalusia, tapas are served as a simple plate containing cheese and a few slices of cold cuts. Nothing could be easier to prepare! Use leftovers from your recent meals by thinly slicing pieces of roast beef, ham, lamb, or pork. Get creative when arranging the elements on the plate, creating contrasts in color and texture. Also, prepare a tapa of mixed olives to accompany the platter, as served in Spain.
4. Pintxo skewers
Pintxos are simply a regional variation of the tapa. According to Basque custom, they are small bites held in place with a toothpick. For example, you could prepare mini skewers to cook on the barbecue. To enjoy Spanish flavors, the following two combinations are perfect:
– Pork, pepper and chorizo skewers, flavored with saffron
– Chicken skewers, seasoned with garlic, paprika and oregano
5. Churros
Yes, tapas are served right up to dessert! Churros are as simple as they are delicious: the newspaper Le Monde offers a recipe that can be prepared in just a few minutes, with an equal volume of water and flour:
“Put the flour in a mixing bowl.
Bring the water to a boil with a pinch of salt.
Pour the boiling water into the mixing bowl with the flour and mix with a spatula (you can add a little orange blossom water if you wish).
You will get a fairly compact dough, this is normal.
Place the dough in the churros maker or fill a piping bag fitted with a fluted nozzle, taking care to expel the air.
Drop ribbons of dough into the frying oil at 180°C.
Let it fry for 2 minutes.
Drain the churros on paper towels and sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.2 »
You can also serve the churros with a chocolate sauce. It's a real treat!
The origins of tapas are humble: in the Middle Ages, it was simply a slice of ham placed on a glass of wine to prevent insects from falling into it! Today, tapas are much more elaborate: there are options for every budget, and some of the finest restaurants offer luxury versions. Highlighting its diversity and accessibility, the Spanish government recently submitted an official request to UNESCO to include the tapa as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
A tapas menu is ideal for both chic dinners with colleagues and casual get-togethers with friends. For a successful tapas evening, gather your guests around a large table that will encourage conversation, then serve the appetizers on wooden platters or boards. Dare to try the "potluck" concept, asking each guest to prepare a different type of tapa. Don't forget the glass of wine, to respect Spanish tradition!
Alimentation l'Épicier offers a wide variety of premium meats and non-perishable grocery products from the most popular brands. Our delivery service is available throughout Quebec. Our trucks are refrigerated to keep your food fresh. It's a real alternative to the supermarket!
References :
1 “Tapas, little heroines of a gastronomic revolution in Spain” (L'Express)
www.lexpress.fr/actualites/1/styles/les-tapas-petites-heroines-d-une-revolution-gastronomique-en-espagne_1647211.html
2 Chef Simon, “Churros: Small Spanish donuts like in Barcelona!” (Le Monde)
“Tapas and Bites of the World” (Culinary Academy)
“Tapas, a popular classic elevated to the rank of universal heritage?” (Courrier International)
www.courrierinternational.com/article/gastronomie-les-tapas-un-classique-populaire-hisse-au-rang-de-patrimoine-universel
“El Tapeo or the art of the tapa” (Andalusia Culture History)
andalusia-culture-history.com/el-tapeo-ou-lart-de-la-tapa/
Catherine Crépeau, “We host with tapas: simple and practical” (Coup de pouce)
www.coupdepouce.com/cuisine/conseils-pratiques/article/on-recoit-avec-des-tapas-simple-et-pratique
Sophie Ginoux, “Summer rhymes with tapas” (See)
www.voir.ca/voir-la-vie/gastronomie/2014/05/22/lete-rime-avec-tapas/
Claudie Hinse, “How to entertain in tapas mode” (Nerds)
