Spanish Tapas Party

Thought I'd entertain a few clients at my house and thought a Spanish Tapas theme would be perfect.  Great food, Spanish wine, a few beers- the perfect recipe.  Here's the menu and recipes.

 

Smoked Paprika Almonds (Almendras al Pimenton)

Mixed Spanish Olives
Tortilla Espanola (Spanish Tortilla)
Apple and Manchego Crostini
Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
Crispy Potatoes with Aioli and Spicy Tomato Sauce (Patatas Bravas)
Spanish Chicken with Chorizo and Olives
Braised Beef in Red Wine
Fresh Fruit
Lemon-Sugar cookies


 

Tortilla Espanola (Spanish Tortilla)

1/2 C. olive oil

2 # Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 onions, sliced into rings
6 eggs
1 roasted red pepper, drained and cut into strips
3 oz. Serrano ham, chopped
2 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley

Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add half of the potato slices, and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 15 to 20 minutes. When done, remove potatoes to a large bowl, leaving oil in the skillet. Cook the remaining potatoes in the oil until tender, then add to the bowl, leaving oil in the skillet. Gently toss potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion rings, and gently cook until soft and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Spoon onions onto a plate, and allow to cool while the potatoes finish cooking.

Whisk eggs in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in cooled onions, roasted peppers, and serrano ham. Gently fold in cooked potatoes.

Heat the skillet with the reserved oil over low heat. Pour in the egg mixture, and gently cook until the sides have started to set and the bottom has turned golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Loosen the tortilla with a spatula if needed, then carefully slide onto a large plate. Turn the skillet upside down and place onto the uncooked side of the tortilla. Turn the skillet right-side-up, and remove the plate. Return the skillet to the stove, and continue cooking until the tortilla has set in the center, about 4 minutes.

Slide the tortilla onto a serving plate and allow to cool to room temperature. Cut into six wedges and sprinkle with parsley to serve.


Smoked Paprika Almonds (Almendras al Pimenton)

1 1/2 C. raw almonds
1 Tbsp. coarse sea salt
1/2 Tsp. smoked sweet Spanish paprika
1 Tbsp. olive oil

Preheat oven to 400°  F.

Spread almonds onto ungreased baking sheet and toast in the oven, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 8 minutes.

While nuts are toasting, combine salt and paprika in a small spice grinder or mortar and pestle.  Grind into a fine powder.

Once almonds are out of the oven, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.  Sprinkle with the salt and paprika powder and stir again.  Transfer to serving bowls and serve at room temperature.  Enjoy!


Apple and Manchego Crostini

Ciabatta bread
1 Tbsp. garlic oil
olive oil
1 pink lady apple, cut into wedges
Manchego cheese, cubed
salt and pepper
chives, chopped

Turn on broiler to highest setting. 

Split the ciabatta bread horizontally and brush generously with garlic oil.  Season lightly with salt and pepper.  Toast to a golden brown under the broiler.  Remove and reserve to the side. 

Either on a hot grill or in a hot skillet, carefully brush a small amount of olive oil on the surface.  On the grill mark both sides of the apple, about 1-2 minutes per side.  In a skillet, sear each side.  Remove and reserve. 

Assemble each "bite" by first cutting the ciabatta into 1 or 2 bite sized pieces, add a wedge of apple and then cheese.  Use a cocktail pick to secure everything to the bread.  Sprinkle with chive.  Serve and Enjoy!