Authentic Spanish Tapas: Delicious Recipes for Small Plates

Ingredients

  • 200g chorizo sausage
  • 1 baguette
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by slicing the chorizo sausage and baguette into thin slices.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the chorizo slices to the pan and cook until they start to brown.
  4. Remove the chorizo from the pan and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, minced garlic, and onion. Cook until they are soft.
  6. Add the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to the pan. Stir everything together.
  7. Add the canned diced tomatoes and red wine to the pan. Stir and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked chorizo back into the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
  9. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Garnish the dish with the chopped fresh parsley.
  11. While the dish is cooking, toast the baguette slices.
  12. Serve the tapas dish with the toasted baguette slices on the side.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A medium-sized pan for cooking the chorizo and vegetables.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the chorizo, baguette, and vegetables.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting board for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Can Opener - A can opener to open the canned diced tomatoes.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the spices.
  • Cooking Spoon - A cooking spoon for stirring and serving the tapas dish.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press for mincing the garlic cloves.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the chorizo sausage with sliced Spanish ham (Jamón Serrano) for a different flavor.
  • Use a gluten-free baguette or bread option to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the chorizo with sliced mushrooms or grilled tofu.
  • Add a sprinkle of grated Manchego cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy flavor.
  • Include some sliced jalapenos or chili flakes for a spicier version.
  • Experiment with different types of bell peppers, such as green or orange, to add more color to the dish.
  • Instead of using diced tomatoes, try using tomato sauce or passata for a smoother texture.
  • Include some cooked shrimp or prawns to make it a seafood tapas dish.
  • Add a splash of sherry or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavors.
  • Serve the tapas with a side of aioli or garlic mayonnaise for dipping.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delicious Tapas dish featuring spicy chorizo sausage, bell peppers, and red wine. Tapas are small, appetizer-sized dishes that originated in Spain and are typically enjoyed with drinks. This dish is a flavorful medley of sautéed chorizo sausage and vibrant bell peppers, simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce and seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. It's all garnished with fresh parsley for a fresh finish. It's a simple and satisfying recipe that's perfect for sharing with friends or family at a casual get-together. Enjoy this tapas dish with toasted baguette slices on the side, perfect for dipping into the savory sauce. Whether you're familiar with Spanish cuisine or are new to it, this dish is sure to impress and delight your palate.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?
    Yes, you can substitute chorizo with any other spicy sausage of your choice.
  2. Can I use a different type of bread instead of a baguette?
    Certainly! Feel free to use any type of bread you prefer, such as ciabatta or crusty rolls.
  3. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?
    Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chorizo and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the vegetable and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, heat it up, add the cooked chorizo, and toast the baguette slices.
  6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    While it's best to enjoy tapas fresh, you can freeze any leftover dish. Just make sure to store the vegetable and sauce mixture separately from the toasted baguette slices and reheat them separately when ready to eat.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for slicing and chopping ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the chorizo, baguette, and vegetables.
  • Pan - A frying pan or skillet for cooking the chorizo and vegetables.
  • Spatula - A utensil for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Can Opener - To open the can of diced tomatoes.
  • Measuring Spoons - For accurately measuring the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
  • Cooking Spoon - A long-handled spoon for stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Oven or Toaster - To toast the baguette slices.
  • Serving Platter - A plate or platter for presenting the tapas dish.
  • Small Bowls - Optional bowls for serving additional condiments or dips.

Origin stories

In the heart of Spain, tapas have a rich and engaging story deeply intertwined with Spanish culture. Legend dictates that the tradition was born out of necessity, when 13th-century Spanish King Alfonso X fell ill. As part of his recovery process, he had to eat small portions of food with wine in between meals. Once recovered, the king issued a decree that no wine is to be served at inns unless it’s accompanied by food, as he believed this practice had aided his recovery. This food was often served on a small plate or a "tapa" (which means 'cover' or 'lid' in Spanish), which was placed over the wine glass to keep dust or insects out. Tapas have evolved since then, and today it is less about the food itself and more about the act of sharing and socializing. This tradition of sharing small plates allows for trying a wide range of dishes, making mealtime a lively and engaging social affair.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.