Albóndigas en Salsa
Albóndigas en Salsa is a traditional Spanish dish often enjoyed as a tapa. It consists of meatballs in a flavorful tomato sauce. The meatballs are typically made from a mixture of beef, pork, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, garlic, flour, and seasonings. The sauce is prepared with garlic, onions, tomatoes, red wine, olive oil, paprika, and salt, among other ingredients.
It is typically enjoyed with crusty bread and a glass of red wine. It is said that these meatballs originated from Berber or Arab cuisine and were introduced to Spain during the period of Muslim rule.
Gambas à la Plancha
This is a traditional Spanish appetizer where whole prawns are seasoned with salt and quickly grilled at high heat. It is often drizzled with a few drops of lemon or lime juice, and some may sprinkle black pepper on top.
These prawns pair well with chilled beer or a glass of wine.
Mojama
Mojama is made from salt-cured and air-dried tuna slices. Traditionally, the tuna is dried for at least three weeks until the flesh shrinks and turns a dark reddish-brown color.
Mojama is typically served as an appetizer or snack. It can also be used in salads with anchovies, bread, and olives. A simpler way to enjoy it is by drizzling olive oil over the tuna slices and consuming them directly.
Chorizo a la sidra
Chorizo a la sidra is one of the most traditional Spanish tapas.
Fresh or unseasoned chorizo, sliced thick, is fried in olive oil and then simmered in the traditional Asturian apple cider. Typically, it is prepared in small clay pots and served with a glass of Asturian apple cider.
Buñuelos
Buñuelos is an original Spanish delicacy, and the simplest version is made with milk, eggs, butter, and flour. It was initially crafted by the Spanish Jews living on the Iberian Peninsula and later spread to Latin America, becoming a staple.
Rabas
Rabas are fried calamari, made from sliced squid or squid rings. The squid is coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, often seasoned with a sprinkle of salt or a drizzle of lemon juice.
There are many variations of this fried calamari dish. The best fried calamari is made from fresh squid, providing a taste reminiscent of the sea.
Escalivada
Escalivada is one of the most famous dishes in the Catalonia region of Spain, and it is also one of the simplest. Its main ingredients include eggplant, bell peppers, sometimes onions, and tomatoes. After roasting and peeling, the vegetables are seasoned and served as an appetizer or side dish, often accompanying various grilled meat dishes.
Its name comes from the word “escalivar,” which means to roast on embers or in the ashes. It is said that the first escalivada was invented by farmers in the Pyrenees mountains, who would prepare meals in the pastures.
Chicharrón
Chicharrón can be described as the Spanish and Latin American version of pork cracklings, but it involves frying pork skin until it becomes crispy. It is said that this type of pork cracklings originated in Andalusia and later gained popularity in various regions.
Today, Chicharrón comes in many varieties. For example, in Peru, it may be served with fried yuca and onion relish; in the Philippines, it can be paired with liver sauce and pickled papaya; and in Bolivia, it might be accompanied by tomato sauce.
Pinchitos
Pinchitos are Andalusian delicacies influenced by Moorish cuisine, consisting of marinated chicken, lamb, or pork pieces skewered and grilled over charcoal. The meat is typically seasoned with spices such as fennel, coriander, cinnamon, saffron, and paprika, or simply with a spice blend called “ras el hanout.”
Traditionally, Pinchitos are served with lemon wedges and bread. These grilled skewers are particularly popular during summer barbecues and are commonly found in many tapas bars across Spain.
Merienda
Merienda is a typical afternoon snack in Spain, usually consumed between 5:00 and 6:30 in the afternoon. It is particularly important for children and can consist of sweet options like pastries, fruits, and yogurt, or savory choices such as sandwiches with cheese, sausage, or ham.
The term “Merienda” originates from the Latin word “merenda,” which means something earned, obtained, or deserved, referring to snacks as something special, a prize, or a treat.
