Spanish Cookbook: Tapas Cuisine

By James Newton

This glorious cookbook explores great Spanish dishes that are 'Tapas' and the cultural significance of how these delicious snacks are a daily pleasure for those who are lucky enough to live in Spain (or near to a Tapas Bar).
Explore in this book the history of Tapas before sampling - Traditional Fish, Meat & Chicken and Vegetarian Dishes fit for a King.
Spanish dishes were meant to be shared

• Language: English
• Publisher: Springwood Emedia
• Release date: Apr 5, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476493848

James Newton

James Newton is a retired Chef who has had a great career catering for the rich and famous. He has worked all around the world in some of the most exotic locations. Now in his series of ecookbooks he brings together the know how of how to cook regional and international dishes from the places he has visited.From the USA, South American, the Caribbean, Morocco, Middle East, Greece, Italy, UK, Spain and many more discover traditional dishes like the ones you liked on vacation.

Book preview

Tapas

Cuisine

James Newton

Smashwords Edition

© 2011-12 Springwood emedia

All rights reserved

Contents

Tapas History

What is Tapas?

Spain's Dinning Culture

Common Spanish Tapas dishes

Seafood Tapas Recipes

Clams in Green Sauce Recipe

Spanish Boiled Prawns Recipe

Fried Squid Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Tapa Recipe

Galician Style Octopus Recipe

Mussels in Tomato Vinaigrette Recipe

Red Peppers Stuffed with Tuna

Banderillas Recipe

Cod with Caramelized Leek and Orange

Meat and Chicken Tapas Recipes

Vegetarian and Egg Tapas Recipes

Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese Recipe

Clams a la Marinera Recipe

Crayfish in Tomato Sauce

Murcian Style Clams Recipe

Seafood Filled Pastry Tapa Recipe

Meat and Chicken Tapas Recipes

Fried Quail Eggs with Chorizo or Morcilla

Ham Croquettes Recipe

Eggplant, Chicken & Peppers Recipe

Ham, Cheese and Chorizo with Bread Recipe

Vegetarian and Egg Tapas Recipes

Bravas Potatoes Recipe

Alioli Potatoes Recipe

Grilled Eggplant in Tomato Vinaigrette Recipe

Olives a la Madrilene Recipe

Sautéed Peppers with Garlic, Eggplant and Potatoes Recipe

Brie Cheese with Roasted Garlic-Paprika Filling Recipe

Fried Eggplant with Molasses Recipe

Tapas History

The word tapas is derived from the Spanish verb tapar, to cover.

According to legend, the tapas tradition began when king Alfonso X of Castile recovered from an illness by drinking wine with small dishes between meals. After regaining his health, the king ordered that taverns would not be allowed to serve wine to customers unless it was accompanied by a small snack or tapa.

The original tapas were the slices of bread or meat which sherry drinkers in Andalusian taverns used to cover their glasses between sips. This was a practical measure meant to prevent fruit flies from hovering over the sweet sherry. The meat used to cover the sherry was normally ham or chorizo, which are both very salty and activate thirst. Because of this, bartenders and restaurant owners began creating a variety of snacks to serve with sherry, thus increasing their alcohol sales. The tapas eventually became as important as the sherry.

Tapas have evolved through Spanish history by incorporating ingredients and influences from many different cultures and countries. Most of the Iberian Peninsula was invaded by the Romans, who introduced the olive and irrigation methods. The invasion of the North African Moors in the 8th century brought almonds, citrus fruits and fragrant spices. The influence of their 700-year presence remains today, especially in Andalusia. The discovery of the New World brought the introduction of tomatoes, sweet and chilli peppers, maize (corn), beans and potatoes. These were readily accepted and easily grown in Spain's microclimates.

What is Tapas?

Tapas are a wide variety of appetisers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold like mixed olives and cheese or warm like chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid. In select bars in Spain, tapas have evolved into an entire, and sometimes sophisticated, cuisine. In Spain, patrons of tapas can order many different tapas and combine them to make a full meal. In some Central American countries, such snacks are known as bocas.

The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them. Also, in some countries it is customary for diners to stand and move about while eating tapas.

Spain's Dinning Culture

In Spain dinner is usually served between 9 and 11

Reviews for Spanish Cookbook

[Cicely McClennon Yeboah · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great background on tapas & a great where to visit guide for Spain. What I wouldn’t do to have seen pics in this book!