Some claim that Tapas are
semi-Moorish in origin and there are sources that locate its origin in
the Andalusian ventas (roadside inns), and it is told that, in order to
accompany sherry and aromatic wines, thin slices of chacina (cured meat)
began to be used to avoid evaporation of the wine’s aroma (due to this
region's temperatures) by placing them on the cups.
In the southern
winemaking region of Andalusia, it is customary to be given a small dish
of food, basically just a nibble, when buying an alcoholic beverage. In
some bars, the pairing of drink and tapa by the server is considered an
art in its own right- the marriage of alcohol and food is paramount:
"The drink stimulates the appetite and aids digestion, and the food
palliates the ethylic effects of the drink, the combination of these
factors results in a perfect balance."
It is widely believed that the
tapa originated in Seville and in particular in a restaurant called the
Cafe de la Iberia. When someone asked for a Manzanilla (a dry, white
wine) with something to cover (tapar) it, the landlord served the glass
with a slice of ham over the top. The ham served better than a plate and
this became a custom and finally a family business.
Other people
think that this practice came from protecting the wine from insects to
fall inside it and some that that the word "tapa" was used because it
"covers" the appetite.
Jamón, Queso y Chorizo con Pan - Ham, Cheese and Chorizo with Bread
This
is a simple, but delicious appetizer or that everyone enjoys. It
involves very little cooking and you can put it together at the last
minute. Be sure to use Spanish chorizo and Serrano ham for best results!
Pulpo Gallego
Galician-Style Octopus is
a traditional tapa from Galicia, served all over Spain today. It is
very simple - cooked octopus served with boiled potatoes, olive oil and
sweet Spanish paprika.
Boquerones en Vinagre
Fresh anchovies
marinated in vinegar, oil and garlic are a traditional and very popular
"tapa" in Spain. A good tapa bar always has a platter of boquerones on
the bar and it is a favorite of Spaniards and foreigners alike.