What Are Tapas?

"Tapas" are a uniquely Spanish culinary tradition. You might not know that Spain has the largest number of bars per capita of any country in the world! To wash all of that wine and beer down, Spaniards always receive a little plate of food with their drink. This is a "tapa" -you might even go out for tapas instead of dinner, enjoying a huge variety of what we in the U.S. might call appetizers.

The word "tapa" comes from "tapar" which means "to cover". Some say this expression originated with the need to cover the cup of wine with a small plate to keep the flies out. Others, such as www.arrakis.es, which covers tapas extensively, say that Alfonso X, recovering from a serious illness, decreed that all drinks should be served with small bites of food, as he was required to eat during his illness and recovery. Still others say that these small bits of food allowed farmers and laborers to maintain their energy levels until the large meal of the day.

Whatever the origin, tapas are a Spanish tradition that has spread throughout the world. It seems that every trendy bar now serves their version of "tapas". What's missing however is the fact that tapas are free with your drink, like a basket of chips or a dish of peanuts in the U.S., and, for the most part, they are very simple - nothing too "gourmet" or fancy like we are served in the U.S. I will never forget having a beer in Carbonera, Spain. A little beach bar was serving freshly caught squid as their tapa, hot off the grill and free with a 50-cent beer. It was amazing and too delicious for words!

Tapas can vary regionally and there are many bars that are well-known for serving a certain specialty tapa. Casa Labra in Madrid, for example, is the ultimate place to have a deep-fried salt cod tapa with a little glass of beer or wine - people are spilling out of this famous restaurant on any given day before the traditional 2 pm lunchtime.

Here are some of my favorite tapas. Most are very, very simple, as is much of the delicious Spanish cuisine.

1. Tortilla patata. A staple in Spanish households, this potato omelet is probably one of the most frequently served tapas. You can make this at home too. Lean more at http://www.spain.info.

2. Seafood including "gambas al ajillo" (garlic shrimp), "pulpo" (octopus), "calamares" (squid), "chipirones" (baby squid), "bacalao" (salt cod), and "boquerones" (marinated fresh anchovies). As unappealing as some of this may sound to less adventurous eaters, these dishes are fantastic! You'll be amazed at how much you crave octopus after eating it with some spicy smoked Spanish paprika on top! Here is a recipe for the best garlic shrimp you'll ever have: http://www.in-spain.info/top20/recipes/gambas-al-ajillo.htm

3. Smoked meats including jamón ibérico, salchichón, lomo ibérico, and chorizo. The key is to order "ibérico", which ensures quality. If you see terms like "pata negra", referring to the special black-hooved pig prized for its exceptional meat, or "bellota", referring the acorns on which prized Iberian pigs are allowed to graze, you know you have an exceptional tapa awaiting you! Savor each slice of these incredible meats. In the U.S., you can order these meats at: www.latienda.com.

4. Spanish cheese. As in most parts of Europe, Spain has an endless array of artisanal cheese to savor. The most popular is "queso manchego", an aged sheep's milk cheese, that combines deliciously with strong Spanish Rioja wines and crusty Spanish bread. Most higher-end American supermarkets carry manchego cheese, but at a hefty price. There are many websites, including www.latienda.com, that offer a variety of Spanish cheeses. I also love a smoked cheese known as Idiazabal, a delicious cheese from the Basque region of northern Spain.

I am sure that I am forgetting to mention some of my favorite tapas, but the variety is so tremendous that you just can't go wrong with Spanish tapas. The simplest things like crusty bread smeared with olive oil and tomato can be a tasty tapa. Roasted almonds are another popular accompaniment to wine and beer. Whatever you choose, eat and drink in moderation, which is a key aspect of the healthy Mediterranean diet. And enjoy your food and the company you keep! Indeed, perhaps, the most important part of going for "tapas" is laughing, talking, socializing, and getting out and enjoying life! That's the Spanish way!