by alextabar
Are you looking for an original dinner idea? Do you want to surprise your guests with some easy and delicious bites that go well with a refreshing beer or a glass of wine? Then tapas are your best option!
The origin of these appetizers is unknown, but several accounts point to Spain, a country where beer traditionally comes accompanied by small bites of something delicious.
The variety of tapas you can make is endless, just unleash your creativity and have fun creating the perfect side. Today we will share some ideas that you can adapt to your liking.
Shrimp Scampi
This dish never fails, it’s super easy to make and the ingredients required by this recipe are staples in any kitchen. To prepare it, you only need fresh peeled shrimp, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt and a good squirt of white wine. Some recipe variations include a touch of chili or chili peppers for a spicier flavor. Try them with mini homemade tostones (fried green plantains).
Bread with Tomato, Ham and Manchego Cheese
Another jewel of the Mediterranean crown. The ‘Pa am tomàquet’, or bread with tomato, is a very traditional tapa in Spanish cuisine, especially in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia and Murcia. To make this delicacy, all you need is a good toasted artisanal bread, tomatoes, salt, olive oil, pepper and garlic cloves. They go perfectly with thin slices of Iberian ham or wedges of Manchego cheese and are best washed down with a cold, refreshing beer!
Croquettes
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, croquettes are another perfect tapa. The only problem is not eating them all once they reach the table! There are many delicious varieties including beef, chicken, fish, mushrooms and vegetables, and even ones filled only with cheese. Although they originated in Europe, croquettes are prepared throughout the Caribbean islands. The recipes vary by region, but the base always starts with a mixture of whole milk, butter, flour, egg, breadcrumbs and frying oil. Make them small, fry until golden and enjoy them while they’re hot!
Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms
Easy, fast and delicious, this appetizer looks great and only takes a few minutes to prepare. You will need whole big mushrooms, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and a little parsley. Earthy, well-seasoned mushrooms fresh out the oven, with bubbly cheese on top, what’s not to like?
Montaditos
Montaditos are mini sandwiches, tiny pockets filled with mouthwatering flavors. There are infinite varieties. Here’s one: Tuna and Piquillo Peppers montadito. The base is a good rustic bread, topped with piquillo peppers cut into strips, tuna, green olives, salt and olive oil. For an extra layer of flavor, add strips of anchovies on top.
by Alex Tabar & Jose V. Arcieri
