Order a number of different tapas, or small dishes, to share with your friends.
In Spain, tapas are small plates of food -- similar to but not the same as our appetizer dishes -- that are meant to be eaten while enjoying drinks at a bar. Recently, tapas have become an increasingly popular food trend at many restaurants in the United States, where guests will often order several plates to share with their table mates.
Tapas History
Tapas originated in the Andalusia region of Spain. The word "tapa" means lid or cover in Spanish; originally, little plates or covers were placed on drinks in a bar to keep the flies and insects out of them. The proprietors of the bars began to place small portions of food onto the lids as a way to entice customers. In Spain, an enjoyable night out for many will consist of barhopping and tapas sampling.
Types of Tapas
Almost any dish that can be eaten in small portions can be a tapas. In Spain, tapas are broken down into three categories. Finger foods that are easy to nibble on are known as "cosas de picar," while tapas that are picked up by means of a toothpick or other small utensil are called "pinchos." The third category, "cazuelas," are dishes that are served with a sauce or are cooked in the traditional Spanish pot of the same name. The Spanish eat a lot of seafood, so many tapas incorporate fish or shellfish. Lastly, tapas can be served hot or cold.
Popular Tapas Dishes
Tortilla Espanola, Calamares Fritos, Pulpo Gallego and Gambas al Ajillo are four examples of tapas dishes that are popular in Spain. The first is one of the most common dishes found on a tapas bar menu. It is a potato and onion omelet. Some chefs will add sausage or other meats to the omelet. Calmares Friteo--more commonly known as calamari--is fried squid. Pulpo Gallego is a Galician dish consisting of boiled octopus that is served with boiled potatoes. The last dish, Gambas al Ajillo, is shrimp that has been sauteed in garlic and olive oil.
Modern Takes on Tapas
As often happens with food trends, the Spanish tapas have been fused with other types of cuisine to create new, unique versions. In the United States and Europe, foodies can find restaurants that have fused the tapas idea with Japanese, Indian, Italian, Mexican and other cuisine. Some restaurants will simply make their dishes smaller and call them tapas, while other chefs will actually blend Spanish spices and ingredients together with their native dishes to create unique offerings for their guests.
Tags: dishes that, chefs will, create unique, Gambas Ajillo, Pulpo Gallego