Small and tasty wonder
Don’t we love indulging in bite-size food because they are so convenient to have? But of course. You can’t get enough of our desi Pakora, Tikki, Appe or Kebab! Just like us, Spanish people too have the concept of eating bite-size food called Tapas. The snacks are so famous that they have designated bars and restaurants that sell just Tapas and nothing else.
Swatantra Gautam, executive chef, Azaya Beach Resort, Goa, says that Tapas are something that bring people together over tasty small bites and drinks. “It is more like a weekend tradition for the Spanish people to meet and have Tapas and drinks,” he explains adding that Tapas are snacks or small plates that originated in Spain and now have evolved as a cuisine.
Available throughout Spain in different forms, Tapas vary from town to town based on the local produce. “In Spain, they include anything like a fish fillet, a cocktail sausage, olives, cheese and even red meat served over a bruschetta,” he says pointing out that even though Tapas are made with a limited number of ingredients they are still packed with a lot of flavours. The combination of flavours is used in a certain manner so that it enhances the overall drinking experience. “After all, they are bar bites and have to be enjoyed on the go and in a relaxed manner,” says Gautam adding that one can have as many as they want through the night.
The most famous and common Spanish Tapas are Tortilla Espanola — Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions; Patatas Bravas — potatoes with spicy brava sauce; Patatas Alioli — potatoes with aioli sauce; Gambas al Ajillo — shrimp in garlic; and Croquetas de Jamon — ham croquettes, to name a few. “These days Tapas are not limited to Spanish cuisine but have made their way into Indian kitchens,” says Gautam. Since Tapas does not take much time to make, many Indians are now serving them as finger foods at house parties. “Instead of going the old school way where there are starters and main course, people these days combine the goodness of Indian main course with Spanish Tapas and put together a dish which not only looks good and is Instagrammable but also tastes awesome,” he shares.
Ask him what is the best way to create a platter of Indian Tapas, he says, “If one is looking for a vegetarian option, it is best to serve a good tomato and onion salad mixed with spices on a lightly toasted bread, topped with some coriander. It indeed makes a refreshing Tapas.” Those looking for a non-vegetarian version can serve chicken salad on toasted bread with a hint of herbs like oregano or chilli flakes. He says another interesting Indian Tapas would be potato and peas croquettes served with a dollop of mint chutney. “You can also have chicken cooked in butter chicken masala to a dry consistency or grilled and serve them with skewers; it is one of the best bar foods and is filling too,” he adds.
Gluten-free Tapas are easy to make like Paneer Corn Kebabs, which can be prepared with homemade cheese and corn grilled over the flame, and Chicken Tikka Lettuce Wrap, which is tandoori chicken served with onion, cucumber and mint chutney packed in lettuce.
Gautam says those looking for a less elaborate dish yet a tasty one can try their hand at making some Sweet/ Regular Potato Fries dusted with peri-peri masala or chaat masala depending on the spice level they want. “One can also try Chicken Fritters by frying well-marinated chicken strips or shredded chicken and serving them with ketchup or chutney,” he says.
Those looking for an easy way out can serve well cut Pita Bread with a variety of hummus and Arabian salad dips on a fancy platter.
With the party season just kicking off, you can look forward to treating your guests to some lip-smacking Tapas along with a glass of wine.
