Gather a group of friends and/or family members and let’s cook up something wonderful! Every quarter, LCK creates a seasonal menu that can be used for hosting a dinner party or for a cooking club. Several options are provided - meat, seafood, and plant-based.
Use the ideas presented, or gain inspiration. Prepare the dishes yourself, or divvy out the recipes for others to prepare and bring to the shindig. Make-ahead suggestions are included below.
Interested in starting a cooking club? Get started HERE.
Happy cooking!
“FOOD is our common ground, a universal experience.”
–James Beard
Tapas are synonymous with Spain, and if you have traveled there, you know that enjoying tapas is a cherished part of Spanish life and culture. In the United States, tapas bars and restaurants have become chic, popular hang-outs. While going out to eat tapas is one of my favorite things to do, hosting a tapas party at home is equally enjoyable.
SO, WHAT ARE TAPAS?
The word tapas originates from the Spanish words tapa (meaning “a covering or lid”) and tapar (meaning “to cover”). These terms come into play in several widely disputed legends that center around enjoying a small glass of wine or sherry with a “covering” or accompaniment of sorts.
One of the most famous stories claims that sometime around the turn of the 20th century, King Alfonso was on a long journey and stopped to rest in the southern province of Cádiz. He ordered a glass of jerez or sherry at the local Inn. The wind was gusting so strongly that the innkeeper served the King’s glass of sherry with a slice of ham over top to keep the dust out of the glass. The King enjoyed it so much that he ordered a second glass, requesting the tapa on it. And, as legend has it, tapas was born.
The definition of tapas varies greatly by location and the person responding to the inquiry. While traveling in Spain, I visited locations in which glasses of wine or sherry were automatically topped off with an adorned slice of bread. I also spent time in tapas bars and markets with elaborate tapas spreads where individual selections were made and purchased.
In general, tapas are created with seasonal and commonly-found ingredients that can be hot or cold bite-sized snacks or more elaborate dishes. They can be a precursor to a meal - usually a snack in the late afternoon or early evening before enjoying a light meal much later - or they can be the meal. Regardless, enjoying tapas is as much about the social aspect of gathering with others for a beverage and bite as it is about the food. This makes hosting a tapas party a wonderful way to gather with friends and family.
Tapas recipes are endless, and tend to fall into the following main categories:
Cold Tapas including gazpacho, or stuffed olives, peppers, or dates.
Hot Tapas such as grilled chorizo sausage, a potato or vegetable tortilla, or croquettes.
Tostas are almost anything spread or layered on toasted bread such as tomato-garlic spread, white bean spread, cheese, jamon, anchovies, or smoked salmon.
Pintxos are tasty bites on toothpicks or skewers such as tuna, shrimp, or other seafood paired with a cocktail onion or olive, marinated chicken, pork, or vegetables, or cubes of cheese, bread, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves.
Conservas include foods like tinned fish and seafood, asparagus, mushrooms, and peppers.
Tablas cover items usually found on a cheese and charcuterie tray including Jamon Iberico, various cheeses, olives, nuts, and condiments.
WHY I LIKE THIS TYPE OF MENU
Tapas is a fun way to explore Spanish culture, flavors, and cuisine.
Many recipes require only simple preparation, can be prepared ahead, or are very quick-cooking right before serving.
It is easy to incorporate seasonal, health-boosting ingredients.
The menu can be served in a casual, serve-yourself fashion.
Leftovers are great for subsequent lunch or dinner.
MENU PLANNING TIPS
Remember, this is about gathering and being social, not stressed! Just as with any party, the key to planning an appealing menu is finding balance in the number of dishes that need to be prepared versus no-cook items. It is also helpful to consider a balance of flavors and textures.
Here are a few tips to help you put together an enjoyable tapas party.
Check serving sizes for each recipe and plan on several bites per person per dish.
The number of items will vary by the size of each dish, the number of guests, and if the food is to be a snack or a meal. In general, for 2 - 4 guests, consider having at least 3 - 4 items. For 6 - 8 guests, aim for at least 4 - 6 items.
Be realistic about the amount of cooking and prep time available and choose recipes that you feel fit well within that timeframe. Fill in with ready-made items.
Choose a combination of hot tapas and cold tapas.
Balance rich, savory, and spicy flavors with lighter flavors, creamy spreads or cheeses, and naturally sweet items such as dried fruit or lightly sweetened condiments.
Enlist the help of others! Tapas parties are great experiences for cooking clubs. Or, if hosting family and friends, many guests enjoy bringing a dish or helping in the kitchen.
Think about how tapas are typically served in restaurants. Each dish is served as it is available, rather than all dishes served at once. That same model can work at home if you choose - have a few cold or ready-made items immediately available, adding hot items as they are ready.
RECIPES
To get you started, I have assembled several popular tapas recipes and ready-made options. Depending on the number of guests attending the tapas party, choose any combination of the recipes from this list, including some ready-made items from the grocer.
Romesco Sauce with Blanched or Roasted Asparagus
Ready-Made Options
Marcona almonds (a favorite!)
assorted Spanish cheeses
Spanish chorizo sausage or jamon (ham)
olives
artisan bread
WINE PAIRING IDEAS
One cannot enjoy tapas without a delightful beverage in hand!
Spanish wines are well-made, tend to be more pocket-book friendly, and of course pair wonderfully with tapas. From light and citrusy, to rich and fruity with a hint of warm spice, there is something to please every palette.
I have tasted and can recommend many of the wines listed below, and have also included others that earn high ratings from trusted sources such as James Suckling, Wine Enthusiast, and Lettie Teague. Check your local wine shop for current offerings and pricing - and be sure to watch for wine-tasting opportunities!
Beer is also a popular beverage pairing tapas in Spain. As always, sparkling water, or a non-alcoholic wine or cocktail can be enjoyed with tapas, as well.
NOTE: I receive no compensation from any of these retail outlets. I simply use them as examples as I share the information.
Cava
Rose
White Wine
Red Wine
Sherry / Jerez
Vermouth / Vermut
Do you have a favorite tapas? We’d love to have you share it with our cooking community.
Do you know of someone who would enjoy reading this post and receiving recipes? Feel free to share it!