Tapas: Small Plates, Big Flavours

Continuing this month's Spanish flavour, let's take a look at one of my personal favourites, the good old Tapas. Tapas are small, flavour-packed dishes that are perfect for sharing. They’re a staple of Spanish cuisine and can range from simple olives to more elaborate creations. The beauty of tapas lies in their variety and the communal experience they foster.

Creating Tapas with the Thermomix

Here are two easy Thermomix tapas recipes to impress your guests:

1. Patatas Bravas

Ingredients:

• 500g potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 50g olive oil
• 200g canned tomatoes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Add the potatoes to a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 25-30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, add the garlic to the Thermomix bowl, chop for 3 seconds on Speed 8.
4. Add the olive oil and sauté for 3 minutes at 120°C on Speed 1.
5. Add the tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes at 100°C on Speed 2.
6. Blend the sauce for 20 seconds on Speed 8.
7. Serve the roasted potatoes with the spicy tomato sauce.

2. Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Prawns)

Ingredients:

• 200g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 50g olive oil
• 1 red chilli, sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Add the garlic and chilli to the Thermomix bowl, chop for 3 seconds on Speed 8.
2. Add the olive oil and sauté for 5 minutes at 120°C on Speed 1.
3. Add the prawns and cook for 3-5 minutes at 120°C on Reverse Speed Soft, until the prawns are pink and cooked through.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

With these recipes, you can bring the vibrant flavours of Spain right into your kitchen. The Thermomix makes it easy to recreate these traditional dishes, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your culinary creations. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving some Spanish delights, these recipes are sure to impress.

Stay tuned for more world culinary adventures, and happy cooking. 

¡Buen provecho!

Photo credit:

Avicentegil, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons