Finding the best tapas in Brighton has been made tricky due to lockdown conditions, so Tinto Taperia have rounded up some of the most popular, flavoursome and easy tapas recipes for you to try from home. There are lots of ways to get creative with these and add your own twist, so make sure you look them up first to see the best versions.
Also, like our paella dishes, many traditional tapas dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan by swapping only a few ingredients.
Chicken Empanadas
Empanadas are a kind of fried or baked turnover pie. Similar to a calzone pizza format, but smaller and with a buttery, flaky pastry.
A perfect way to use up leftover chicken, you can customise your own filling with caramelised onions, fresh vegetables, warm spices or roasted garlic.
You can easily prepare your own fresh dough in large batches and freeze for later use. Much more convenient than getting out a pastry roller every night!
Gambas Tapas
Gambas means shrimp. A fantastic starter anywhere, shrimp tapas can be light and refreshing with a lemon and tzatziki sauce, or rich and enticing with multi-layered salsa of tomato, peppers, spices and garlic. The typical Spanish way of eating shrimp is to fry them hard and fast in plenty of olive oil, finished with garlic, chilli and parsley.
When people remember a specific starter they had that one time at a friend’s house or at a restaurant, there’s usually gambas involved somewhere.
Tortilla Española
From tortilla paisana, with chorizo and fresh vegetables, to tortilla with morcilla (blood sausage) and peppers, there are many ways you can add your own twist to this traditional and heart Spanish dish.
To make it authentic, just make sure to include potatoes into your omelette. The thicker it is, the more Spanish you’ll feel! And don’t forget the red wine.
Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas (wild potatoes) are a staple favourite among regular consumers of tapas in Spain. Simple, hearty and full of flavour, this tapas dish can easily be made vegetarian or vegan while staying fully authentic.
A little mayonnaise in the tangy tomato sauce will give the salsa an edge of creamy acidity, which you can enhance with garlic and plenty of salt and pepper. For that extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Cheese, Spinach & Chorizo Dip
Dips embody the purpose and experience of tapas, which is to share and enjoy food together. They pack a punch in flavour as well: the chorizo lends body and spice to the melted cheese, while the spinach adds colour and the illusion of healthy eating.
