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Top Spanish Tapas

Recipes for the Most Popular Tapas

By Lisa & Tony Sierra, About.com

The following are our top Spanish tapa recipe picks.

Tortilla Española – Spanish Omelet

No doubt about it, the Spanish omelet is the most commonly served dish in Spain. In fact, some call it the national dish of Spain, it is made of eggs, potatoes and onions. It is not only served as a tapa, but also as a main dish for a meal and a filling for sandwiches.

Gambas al Ajillo – Garlic Shrimp

One of the most common and most popular tapas in Spain, this dish is quick, easy and FULL of garlic flavor. Your guests will be asking for the recipe after the first bite, especially the garlic lovers!

Tigres – Mejillones Rellenos – Stuffed Mussels

If you have ever been to Spain, you’ve most likely tasted “tigres,” mussels that have been stuffed, breaded and fried. If you'd like to re-create that magical flavor of tigres at home, try our easy recipe for this tapa.

Croquetas de Jamón – Ham Croquettes

Croquetas or croquettes are small, lightly breaded and fried sort of fritter. They are a sure hit as a tapa or an afternoon snack with a glass of beer or wine. They are creamy and smooth and very tasty.

Calamares a la Romana – Fried Squid Rings

Fried squid or in Spanish calamares fritos or calamares a la romana is such a simple, but delicious and very popular appetizer or tapa in Spain and here in the USA.

Patatas Bravas – Bravas Potatoes

Bravas Potatoes is one of the classic Spanishtapas dishes and is served in bars all over Spain. The sauce has a slight bite from the Tabasco, hence the name bravas, which means "fierce" in Spanish.

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.

Aceitunas a la Madrileña

Olives a la Madrilene or in Spanish, "Aceitunas a la Madrileña" is served in Spain as a tapa or to accompany a meal. We like to enjoy this dish with a fresh baguette to soak up the dressing. It can be served year-round, but is especially enjoyable in the summer.

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