Tapas, small portions of food similar to appetizers, originated in Spain as a way to keep bugs and dirt out of alcoholic beverages. They are now popular worldwide and can be served as a buffet or ordered individually. Classic tapas ingredients include cheese, ham, olives, potatoes, and seafood, but other types of foods are being adapted to the style.
Tapas is a type of cuisine generally thought to have originated in Spain several hundred years ago. Often called small bites or small plates, they are typically small portions of food similar to appetizers. They are popular not only in Spain where they originated, but also in other parts of the world. Dishes served as tapas often range from one- and two-ingredient, to more complex and multi-layered dishes.
Many food historians report that tapas originated in taverns as a way to keep bugs and dirt out of alcoholic beverages. The story often goes that the person serving the drinks would place a piece of bread, often topped with meat or cheese, on top of the glass of wine or other drink. In addition to helping prevent bugs or dirt from getting into the glass, this small bite of food has also been reported to help offset some of the effects of alcohol, allowing a person to drink more. Then, the story goes, it became popular with bartenders and customers alike.
Even today, the typical tapas dish is small enough to be eaten in just a few bites. For this reason, it is common to order several tapas at once. How a person’s orders can vary from place to place. In some cases, they may be served as a buffet, allowing a person to choose a variety of items from whatever is available. Other times, they are ordered individually from a menu, much like a typical restaurant dining experience.
Depending on the area, tapas can be served at different times of the day and in different locations. In Spain, for example, they are often served during the day as snacks to rest people between meals or breaks in bars. They are generally available in most local bars and restaurants. In the United States, tapas is most commonly served in the evening, as appetizers or in lieu of full-sized entrees at dinner. They are generally limited to restaurants specializing in Mediterranean or Spanish cuisine.
A variety of different foods and dishes can be served as tapas. Classic tapas ingredients typically include cheese, ham, olives, potatoes and seafood. Some of the simpler types include just a couple of ingredients, such as cheese and crackers or grilled meat on a skewer. There are also more involved versions, such as miniature potato, egg, and cheese croquettes and quiches. As tapas becomes popular around the world, many other types of foods are being adapted to the style, including classic American favorites like fried chicken wings and macaroni and cheese.
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