Fish and Potato Spread

Fish and Potato Spread

Inspired by the renowned restaurant and tapas bar, Nou Manolín in Alicante, this delightful fish and potato spread is best made with mild fish such as fresh cod, scrod, or tilefish. The addition of potatoes adds a thick and hearty texture. It can be enjoyed as a dip with bread or as a delectable canapé.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Servings: 8 to 10 tapas

For the Cooking Liquid (Partial Recipe)

Instructions

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

  • Begin by preparing the cooking liquid.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake them for about 5 minutes or until they turn lightly golden and crisp.
  • Set them aside.
  • In a small saucepan, place the potato, add enough cold water to cover it, and a pinch of salt.
  • Cover the saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat.
  • Cook for approximately 10 to 12 minutes or until the potato is tender when pierced with a knife.
  • Drain the cooked potato and let it cool slightly.
  • Peel and cut it into small cubes.
  • Set them aside.
  • While the potato is cooling, place the fish in a medium saucepan with enough of the previously prepared cooking liquid to cover it.
  • Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, turning the fish once, for 10 minutes.
  • Shred the fish into small pieces using your fingers and place it in a medium bowl.
  • Fold in the potato cubes, mayonnaise, finely chopped egg, shredded lettuce, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • (This can be prepared in advance.)

Notes & Wine Advice

To serve, you can either spread the fish and potato mixture on each slice of toasted bread or present it in a small bowl alongside the toasted bread. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a delightful touch.
Enjoy this delectable Fish and Potato Spread, a flavorful interpretation of Nou Manolín’s Alicante classic.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Fish / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Tuna and Tomato Canapé Triangles

Tuna and Tomato Canapé Triangles

Inspired by the Basque coastal town of Bermeo, this delightful tuna canapé offers a burst of flavor. To enhance the experience, opt for a robustly flavored tuna rather than the milder white variety.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Servings: 16 tapas

  • 1 can or jar 7 ounces of flavorful tuna, drained and flaked
  • 1½ teaspoons of red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pimiento
  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 5 tablespoons of tomato sauce or diluted tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped hard-boiled egg
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 16 thin slices of baguette or long-loaf bread
  • 1 large hard-boiled egg thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Time: 15 minutes / Marinating Time: 8 to 12 hours

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the flaked tuna, red wine vinegar, chopped onion, pimiento, and fresh parsley.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce, finely chopped egg, and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight.
  • Before serving, spread the marinated tuna mixture generously onto half of the bread slices.
  • Top each with another bread slice to create sandwiches.
  • With a sharp knife, cut each sandwich diagonally to form 4 attractive triangles.
  • To enhance their visual appeal, garnish each triangle with a slice of hard-boiled egg.
  • Serve two of these delightful canapé triangles per serving.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy these exquisite Tuna and Tomato Canapé Triangles, a contemporary twist on a classic Basque delight!
Feel free to adjust the wording to suit your preference or style.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Bread / Fish / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Egg, Hake, and Zucchini Canapé

Egg, Hake, and Zucchini Canapé

Luis Alberto, who has taken over Casa Fermin in Oviedo from his father-in-law Luis Gil Lus, is celebrated for his traditional Asturian dishes like bean stew (fabada). However, he also embraces contemporary culinary trends. This delectable egg dish can be enjoyed as a stand-alone delight or as a tasty tapa.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Small bowl

Ingredients

Serves 8

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, lightly whisk the eggs with milk, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground white pepper.
  • In a medium skillet over low heat, warm the olive oil.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.
  • Add the diced zucchini, a pinch of salt, and some white pepper, and continue to cook, stirring, for an additional minute.
  • Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 4 more minutes, or until the zucchini becomes tender.
  • Uncover, add the finely chopped hake, and cook until the fish turns white, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • In a larger skillet, half-fill it with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low and set the skillet with the zucchini mixture in the larger skillet, creating a double boiler setup.
  • Add the eggs and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the eggs are just set but still slightly soft. (This can be prepared in advance.)
  • Spoon the egg and zucchini mixture onto each bread slice and serve while still warm or at room temperature.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy this delightful Egg, Hake, and Zucchini Canapé!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Bread / Eggs / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Clam Toast

Clam Toast

This delectable clam toast, known as Tostá de Berberechos, was a favorite in our family. My mother-in-law, Clara Orozco, a Madrileña of Basque heritage, always added dried chili pepper to this recipe to give it a delightful spicy kick. It’s a popular and savory Spanish tapa.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Serves 8

  • 6 medium clams such as Manila or littleneck, or 2 (5-ounce) cans of Spanish cockles
  • â…“ cup of bottled clam juice or water
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped (about â…” cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • ½ medium-hot dried chili pepper like Spanish guindilla (seeded and crumbled) or ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper
  • 4 teaspoons of all-purpose flour
  • 4 slices of sandwich bread with the crusts removed and lightly toasted

Instructions

  • Begin by rinsing the clams.
  • Discard any with cracked shells or those that do not tightly close when touched.
  • Then, finely chop the clam meat.
  • In a medium skillet over low heat, heat the olive oil.
  • Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring, until the onions become wilted and transparent, which should take about 5 minutes.
  • Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the onions are tender but not browned.
  • Remove the cover and increase the heat to medium-low.
  • Add the garlic, parsley, and chili pepper, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Afterward, stir in the flour.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high, add the reserved clam juice and the chopped clams, and cook until the mixture thickens enough to spread.
  • (You can prepare this mixture in advance.
  • )
  • Slice each piece of bread in half diagonally.
  • Spread the clam mixture generously on each slice of bread

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve the clam toast while it’s still hot.
Enjoy your flavorful Clam Toast (Tostá de Berberechos) with a spicy twist!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Bread / Fish / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Mackerel and Serrano Ham Canapé

Mackerel and Serrano Ham Canapé

This delightful canapé is a Casa Poli specialty in Madrid, and it’s also a personal favorite of my husband, Luis. The pairing of mackerel and Serrano ham creates a delicious flavor combination.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Serves 8

  • ¼ pound of Serrano ham Spanish cured mountain ham or prosciutto, sliced into ¼-inch pieces
  • 8 slices of baguette about ¼-inch thick
  • One can 4½ ounces of mackerel fillets in olive oil, preferably imported from Spain

Instructions

  • Lay a slice of Serrano ham on each of the 8 slices of baguette.
  • Top each ham slice with one mackerel fillet.
  • Cover the canapés and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve the canapés cold.
Enjoy your Mackerel and Serrano Ham Canapés!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Bread / Fish / Pork
Cuisine; European / Spain

Fried Cheese Canapés

Fried Cheese Canapés

In this classic Spanish canapé, the cheese adheres nicely to the bread after frying.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Yields 10 to 12 Tapas

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the grated cheese and flour.
  • In a small saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and salt.
  • Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
  • Add the cheese and flour mixture, stirring until a semi-soft ball forms.
  • Remove from the heat, then add the beaten egg, and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
  • Heat at least 1/2 inch of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Alternatively, you can use a deep fryer set at 365°F (185°C) until a cube of bread turns light brown in 60 seconds.
  • With the cup side of a spoon, generously cover the bread slices with 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture, pressing it onto the bread to ensure it adheres well.
  • Place the canapés in the hot oil, cheese side down, and cook them, turning once, until they turn golden.
  • Let them drain on paper towels and serve them hot.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy these delectable Fried Cheese Canapés, where the crispy cheese exterior perfectly complements the soft and savory interior.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Bread / Cheese / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Marinated Lettuce Canapés

Marinated Lettuce Canapés

These simple, elegant miniature lettuce sandwiches are a delicious creation from the renowned Lhardy restaurant in Madrid. Everything about this restaurant is exceptional, and savoring these canapés can transport you to a bygone era.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 8 to 12 hours in advance / Yields about 24 Tapas

Instructions

  • Place the mayonnaise in a small bowl.
  • Gradually whisk in the olive oil.
  • Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper, and whisk until well combined.
  • In a large bowl, put the shredded lettuce, pour in the mayonnaise mixture, and mix thoroughly.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight.
  • Spread the marinated lettuce mixture on 3 slices of bread and then place the other 3 slices on top.
  • Gently press down and cut each sandwich diagonally twice to create 4 triangles.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve the canapés cold. If they are not served immediately, you can wrap them loosely in a damp towel until ready to serve.
These Marinated Lettuce Canapés are a simple yet refined delicacy, offering a delightful taste that can transport you to a different era. Enjoy!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Bread / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Cabrales Blue Cheese Crostini with Orujo, Honey, and Almonds

Cabrales Blue Cheese Crostini with Orujo, Honey, and Almonds

Cabrales blue cheese, hailing from the high mountains of Asturias and León, offers a unique consistency and flavor distinct from other well-known blue cheeses. In this recipe, it harmonizes with orujo, a northern Spanish liqueur similar to grappa, crafted from grape stems and skins leftover after winemaking. The resulting flavor is robust and thoroughly enjoyable.
Couverts8 Tapas
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 thin slices of baguette or long-loaf bread
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 pound Cabrales Spanish blue cheese or another blue cheese softened
  • 2.5 tablespoons Spanish orujo or grappa
  • Honey for drizzling
  • Lightly toasted blanched sliced almonds

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Brush each bread slice with olive oil and bake them until they become lightly browned, turning once to ensure even toasting.
  • In a small bowl, use a fork to mash the blue cheese until it achieves a smooth consistency.
  • Mix in the orujo (or grappa) until well combined.
  • Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of this mixture on each bread slice.
  • Drizzle the crostini with honey, and then sprinkle them with the lightly toasted blanched sliced almonds.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve these Cabrales Blue Cheese Crostini with Orujo, Honey, and Almonds at room temperature.
This recipe offers a flavorful journey, combining the distinctive notes of Cabrales blue cheese with the robust character of orujo, sweetness of honey, and the delightful crunch of almonds. Enjoy!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Bread / Cheese / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Blue Cheese and Brandy Spread

Blue Cheese and Brandy Spread

This simple yet delightful pâté features the renowned Cabrales blue cheese from Asturias, enhanced by the distinct flavor of Spanish brandy. The flavors meld beautifully when left to sit overnight at room temperature.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Yields 16 Tapas

  • 16 thin slices of baguette or long-loaf bread
  • 1/2 pound blue cheese such as Cabrales, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon brandy
  • Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for approximately 5 minutes or until they become lightly browned and crisp.
  • Allow them to cool.
  • In a small bowl, thoroughly mash the blue cheese with a fork.
  • Mix in the brandy until you achieve a smooth consistency.
  • You can serve the cheese mixture immediately, or cover it and let it sit overnight at room temperature or in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
  • Spread the cheese mixture onto each bread slice and garnish with the finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
  • Alternatively, you can serve the bread and cheese separately, allowing guests to assemble the toasts themselves.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy the rich and flavorful Blue Cheese and Brandy Spread, a delightful treat that’s perfect for tapas or appetizers!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Appetizer / Cheese / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Goat Cheese and Piquillo Pepper Canapés with a Honey Drizzle

Goat Cheese and Piquillo Pepper Canapés with a Honey Drizzle

This heavenly combination of flavors comes together in under 5 minutes, making it a quick and memorable canapé. The honey’s sweetness perfectly complements the complexity of this delicious treat.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Yields 12 Tapas

  • 3 ounces fresh goat cheese
  • 12 plain crackers or Melba toast rounds
  • 4 jarred piquillo peppers or pimientos cut into 1/2-inch strips
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  • Spread the fresh goat cheese onto the crackers or Melba toast rounds.
  • Top each cheese-covered cracker with strips of piquillo peppers.
  • Drizzle a touch of honey over each canapé.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve these delightful canapés at room temperature.
This quick and delicious Goat Cheese and Piquillo Pepper Canapé with a Honey Drizzle offers a harmonious blend of flavors that’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Cheese / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain