Who doesn’t love sampling different types of delicious food while having some drinks and socializing with friends? Tapas are much-loved small plates of food, often served with drinks, and are found everywhere these days, not just in their native Spain. But what exactly are they and what is the origin of tapas? Read on for a brief history of tapas and tips on how to throw your own tapas party.
Origins
The word ‘tapas’ is the plural of ‘tapa’, which means ‘top’ or ‘lid’ in Spanish. It’s widely believed that the origin of tapas started from medieval barkeepers serving drinks covered with a slice of bread and toppings like ham and cheese to prevent flies and dust from getting in the customer’s cup, acting as a top for their drink. Another theory is that when King Alfonso X was prescribed to consume large quantities of wine after falling ill, he ate small plates of food as he drank to keep him from getting too drunk. Some believe this led the king to decree that small portions of food were to be served with alcohol to prevent public intoxication in the kingdom.
Today, tapas (also known as pintxos,) are ubiquitous in Spain and the dishes vary greatly by region. Similar to an appetizer, tapas are any small plate of food or snack and can be served cold or hot. Customarily, tapas are served in tapas bars alongside alcohol and the atmosphere is casual, fun, and sociable. Spaniards eat dinner very late, so it is very common to ‘ir de tapas,’ which is to go tapas bar-hopping in the evening before dinner.
Tips for Throwing a Tapas Party
Tapas are dishes that typically require little to no cooking. Some common tapas dishes to serve at your tapas party are olives and cheese plates, patatas bravas – which are spicy fried potatoes & shrimp in a sizzling garlic sauce. Also popular are cured meats and ham such as jamón Iberico & chorizo, tortilla de patatas (a Spanish omelet with potatoes,) and calamares a la Romana or fried calamari. Olives, anchovies, mussels and fried fish are other common items served as tapas. Also, ham croquettes or croquetas de jamón, chorizo, an octopus dish called polbo á feira, albondigas (meatballs), and blistered Padrón peppers, are some other popular tapas found throughout Spain. One of our favorites while visiting Madrid was the Pan con Tomate with Garrotxa cheese which translates to bread with tomato, which is actually toasty ciabatta, fresh garlic, tomatoes (inside only rubbed onto the bread,) olive oil, salt & pepper. It’s super easy to make and tastes delicious! You can find tapas in just about every city and town in Spain. Browse Spain tours 2022.
Throwing a tapas party is a fun way to gather friends and family and enjoy different foods and drinks. The essential thing about a tapas party is everyone getting together to eat, drink, talk, and have fun. A great tapas party offers plenty of variety so that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Tapas are typically served on small plates, so be sure to have plenty of small serving plates on hand for your tapas party, as well as serving utensils and toothpicks or forks. Tapas are almost always accompanied by alcohol. Wine, beer, and sangria are great options to serve alongside tapas. You can also serve non-alcoholic drinks at your tapas party. The key is to make it your own and serve what you and your guests prefer, and HAVE FUN! Salud!
Spain Travel Highlight: Tapas, An Authentic Spanish Cuisine
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