Are you in a hurry to get to a party? Or, unexpected out-of-town guests dropped in and you need something to serve? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Try any of these Spanish [i]tapas[/i] that you can prepare at the last minute – just two involve any cooking!
Banderillas
Lisa Sierra
These easy tapas called "Banderillas" get their name from the barbed darts used during a bullfight. They require no cooking! Basically, if you can open a jar and skewer the ingredients on a toothpick, you can make banderillas!
Gambas al Ajillo - Shrimp in Garlic
Lisa Sierra
One of the most common "tapas" of Spain, this dish is quick, easy and FULL of garlic flavor.
Jamón, Queso y Chorizo con Pan - Ham, Cheese and Chorizo with Bread
Lisa Sierra
This is a simple, but delicious appetizer that everyone enjoys. It involves very little cooking and you can put it together at the last minute. Although you could simply put out a basket of bread and a platter of Manchego cheese, jamón Serrano and Spanish chorizo, you would probably see it disappear almost instantly. Serving these simple tapa already prepared on individual baguette slices makes it last longer!
Olives a la Madrilene – 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. Although a simple and very quick dish to prepare, allow an hour for marinating the olives for full flavor before serving.Pimientos Rellenos de Atun - Red Peppers Stuffed with Tuna
Lisa Sierra
A "tapa" that is light and easy - and no cooking involved! A great dish for the summer or any time you want to prepare an appetizer quickly. Mix tuna with a bit of green onions and olives, then stuff into roasted red peppers and serve.
Pimientos Rojos con Anchoas - Red Peppers with Anchovies
Lisa Sierra
This is an easy and tasty appetizer that can be prepared at the last minute. Red peppers served with anchovies is a combination that is becoming more and more popular in tapas bars in Spain. It's a very colorful addition to your table and full of flavor, too.
Tomato Bread - Pan con Tomate
Lisa Sierra
Tomato Bread is simply toasted bread rubbed with fresh garlic and ripe tomato, then drizzled with olive oil and a bit of salt. It can be eaten by itself, but is often topped with cheese, ham or sausage and is eaten for breakfast or appetizer.
Salmon Ahumado con Queso Blando - Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese
Lisa Sierra
This is a delicious "tapa" or appetizer that you can serve along with a Spanish omelet, chorizo sausage or alone as an afternoon snack. No wonder it is becoming more and more popular in Spain!
Langostinos Cocidos - Boiled Prawns
Lisa Sierra (c) 2008 Licensed to About.com
"Langostinos" are large shrimp or prawns that are often simply boiled whole and chilled. They are then served alone on a plate or with “salsa rosa” or in a vinaigrette. They take 5 minutes to prepare.
