Shrimp appetizers.
Spanish sandwiches, also known as tapas, are made up of dozens of dishes with hundreds of variations. A wide range of Spanish appetizers celebrates the wonderful indigenous foods of sunny Spain, as well as showing the influence of other nearby culinary traditions. Some of the most popular types of Spanish appetizers include soups, cakes and egg-based dishes, prepared vegetables and ham dishes.
Large Spanish Spiced Olives are a popular tapas dish in Spain.
Spanish soups are unique and make a wonderful appetizer when served in shot glasses or porcelain spoons. One of the most popular types of Spanish soup is gazpacho, a tomato-based concoction with a hint of spice that is served cold. For a milder version, white gazpacho is prepared with yogurt, almonds, cucumbers, and herbs, and is usually served cold with grapes or small tomatoes. Another favorite appetizer soup is paella, which is a large rice dish filled with seafood, vegetables, or meat.
Spanish tortillas are closely related to the Italian frittata.
Egg dishes, cheese and tartlets are tasty and filling snacks that can even replace an entire meal. Possibly the most famous Spanish egg dish is the tortilla de patatas, or Spanish omelette, a mixture of eggs, herbs, butter, and freshly fried potatoes that resembles a frittata. Empanadas, which are small crescent-shaped pastries filled with meat, fish, or cheese, can be baked in large batches and are sure to please even the hungriest. Manchego cheese, a hard Spanish cheese served thinly sliced, is also a staple of a tapas feast, served plain or with bread and olives.
Gazpacho is a popular Spanish soup, usually served cold.
Vegetables in various preparations help make Spanish appetizers healthy and delicious. No tapas dish is complete without some plump Spanish olives with a light, fruity flavor and a firm texture. Olives can be served in olive oil or mixed with peppers and herbs for a distinctive flavor. Pickled vegetables such as bell peppers and garlic are often served as a spicy snack. Other popular vegetables include potato wedges with tomato sauce, marinated mushrooms, and fried asparagus or eggplant.
While Spanish cuisine features many meat and seafood dishes, the enticing flavor of ham finds its way into many different Spanish appetizers. Ham toasties, prosciutto with almonds and a variety of ham, fruit and cheese bruschetta help add vigor to an appetizer plate. Ham is often incorporated into dishes such as empanadas or tortillas, or can simply be served on its own. Other popular seafood and meat dishes include fried calamari, clams stewed in white wine, and Spanish meatballs. Paella, which is a large rice dish filled with seafood, vegetables, or meat, is a favorite snack or meal.