Paella, sangria, tapas—Spanish food seems to be popping up more and more these days, with all sorts of inventive spins on the traditional recipes (plus those too). Here’s a taste to cook at home
Using cava and sloe-berry liqueur, this sparkling cocktail makes a good start for a tapas party. The recipe comes from the San Francisco restaurant Aatxe (“aaa-che”).
Recipe: Aatxe Aperitivo
Thought to be one of the oldest pintxos—Basque-style appetizers—this is a shining example of how great preserved foods can lend themselves to nearly instant appetizers.
Deviled eggs are a great invention in and of themselves. Add smoked Spanish paprika, homemade mayo, and crisp Spanish chorizo, and they’re out of this world.
Recipe: Chorizo Deviled Eggs
Little fried dumplings constitute a whole category of Spanish snacks. These, from San Francisco restaurant Aatxe, are filled with a creamy mushroom-spinach mixture that contrasts delightfully with the very crunchy exterior.
Recipe: Mushroom Croquetas
Even if you don’t think you’re a fan of mussels, you should have at least one small bite of this bewitching dish, in which freshly cooked mussels are submerged in a smoky, earthy, garlicky paprika oil and marinated. The spicy oil alone, spooned on warm bread, is worth making the recipe.
Recipe: Mussels Escabeche
This garlicky shrimp dish, served bubbling hot and fragrant, is another must-have small plate on every tapas menu. How nice that it’s extremely easy to make.
Recipe: Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)
Crunchy fried potatoes swathed in spicy tomato sauce, with garlic mayo on the side: It’s hard to convey just how good this is. Plus, you can fry in advance, so no need to do it when your guests are there.
Recipe: Patatas Bravas (Crunchy Potatoes with Spicy Tomato Sauce)
Chef Ryan Pollnow of Aatxe Spanish restaurant, in San Francisco, created this salad to go with a tapas dinner party he put together for Sunset. It’s an ideal accompaniment to rich, bold Spanish flavors.
Recipe: Arugula Pear Salad with Brown-Butter–Almond Vinaigrette
In Spain, these luscious, sweet-savory bites are often filled with potent Cabrales blue cheese and wrapped in Serrano ham instead of bacon.
Recipe: Dates with Bacon