Why Tapas ?
The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them. Also, in some countries it is customary for diners to stand and move about while eating tapas.
The word "tapas" is derived from the Spanish verb tapar, "to cover".
According to legend, the tapas tradition began when king Alfonso X of Castile recovered from an illness by drinking wine with small dishes between meals. After regaining his health, the king ordered that taverns would not be allowed to serve wine to customers unless it was accompanied by a small snack or "tapa."
Some say the original tapas were the slices of bread or meat which sherry drinkers in Andalusian taverns used to cover their glasses between sips. This was a practical measure meant to prevent fruit flies from hovering over the sweet sherry. The meat used to cover the sherry was normally ham or chorizo, which are both very salty and activate thirst. Because of this, bartenders and restaurant owners began creating a variety of snacks to serve with sherry, thus increasing their alcohol sales. The tapas eventually became as important as the sherry.
Tapas has evolved through Spanish history by incorporating ingredients and influences from many different cultures and countries. Most of the Iberian Peninsula was invaded by the Romans, who introduced the olive and irrigation methods. The invasion of the North African Moors in the 8th century brought almonds, citrus fruits and fragrant spices. The influence of their 700-year presence remains today, especially in Andalusia.
The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them. Also, in some countries it is customary for diners to stand and move about while eating tapas.
The word "tapas" is derived from the Spanish verb tapar, "to cover".
According to legend, the tapas tradition began when king Alfonso X of Castile recovered from an illness by drinking wine with small dishes between meals. After regaining his health, the king ordered that taverns would not be allowed to serve wine to customers unless it was accompanied by a small snack or "tapa."
Some say the original tapas were the slices of bread or meat which sherry drinkers in Andalusian taverns used to cover their glasses between sips. This was a practical measure meant to prevent fruit flies from hovering over the sweet sherry. The meat used to cover the sherry was normally ham or chorizo, which are both very salty and activate thirst. Because of this, bartenders and restaurant owners began creating a variety of snacks to serve with sherry, thus increasing their alcohol sales. The tapas eventually became as important as the sherry.
Tapas has evolved through Spanish history by incorporating ingredients and influences from many different cultures and countries. Most of the Iberian Peninsula was invaded by the Romans, who introduced the olive and irrigation methods. The invasion of the North African Moors in the 8th century brought almonds, citrus fruits and fragrant spices. The influence of their 700-year presence remains today, especially in Andalusia.
A Brief History of Paella
The original paella was considered a poor man's fare, and was usually made with a little bit of whatever was on hand. Today, it has become one of Spain s most popular and best-loved dishes!
Paella takes its name from "paella" - the Valencian word for pan, and the meal takes its name from the dish in which it is cooked. "La Paella" is a circular and shallow pan with two round handles and a flat base traditionally made of iron.
During the centuries following the establishment of rice in Spain, the peasants of Valencia would use the paella pan to cook rice with readily available ingredients from the countryside: Tomatoes, Onions and Snails. On special occasions Rabbit or Duck might be included. Little by little this "Valencian rice" became more widely known. By the end of the nineteenth century "paella valenciana" had established itself.
Paella is really a Sunday dish eaten when the whole family is together. It is best cooked outside over an open wood fire and this is how it is often done. In Spain, grandmothers can still be found making it in the back garden for the family on a special occasion. When cooked properly, paella has a rich golden crust, known as the socarrat, on the bottom, this is the best part uuhhhmmm !!!
Varieties of paella now have a home all over Spain, and each region contributes to its own variation. The traditional Paella Valenciana features Chicken, Duck, Rabbit and Snails. . Paella Marinera is another favorite found in the South of Spain, and is made, of course, with seafood.
The original paella was considered a poor man's fare, and was usually made with a little bit of whatever was on hand. Today, it has become one of Spain s most popular and best-loved dishes!
Paella takes its name from "paella" - the Valencian word for pan, and the meal takes its name from the dish in which it is cooked. "La Paella" is a circular and shallow pan with two round handles and a flat base traditionally made of iron.
During the centuries following the establishment of rice in Spain, the peasants of Valencia would use the paella pan to cook rice with readily available ingredients from the countryside: Tomatoes, Onions and Snails. On special occasions Rabbit or Duck might be included. Little by little this "Valencian rice" became more widely known. By the end of the nineteenth century "paella valenciana" had established itself.
Paella is really a Sunday dish eaten when the whole family is together. It is best cooked outside over an open wood fire and this is how it is often done. In Spain, grandmothers can still be found making it in the back garden for the family on a special occasion. When cooked properly, paella has a rich golden crust, known as the socarrat, on the bottom, this is the best part uuhhhmmm !!!
Varieties of paella now have a home all over Spain, and each region contributes to its own variation. The traditional Paella Valenciana features Chicken, Duck, Rabbit and Snails. . Paella Marinera is another favorite found in the South of Spain, and is made, of course, with seafood.
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