We always look forward to our summer holidays. There’s nothing more relaxing than a week (or two) filled with sun, sea and good food. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus, a lot of people’s holiday plans have been put on hold this year. However, we think this provides the perfect opportunity to try out some exciting new dishes in the kitchen.
If you’re lamenting the loss of your two weeks in Spain this year, why not bring the taste of Spain to you? Getting the family together and having your own Tapas night is a great way to test your kitchen skills and explore some exciting new flavours. While we can’t bring you the beach, we can bring you some great, yummy recipes which will get you shouting Olé! So, put on some flamenco music, make a jug of Sangria and let’s get cooking!
VEGETARIAN FAVOURITES
No Tapas dinner would be complete without a Tortilla, also known as a Spanish Omelette. This classic dish contains eggs, onions and potatoes and - when cooked properly - a yielding, custardy inside. For best results, cook it in a large ovenproof frying pan until it’s set, then finish it off in the oven. Tortilla is best served at room temperature, so this is one you can make a few hours beforehand and leave to one side. Best of all, the leftovers make a great lunch (so make plenty!)
Patatas Bravas is one of our favourite Spanish dishes. Full of potatoes, smoked paprika and other yummy things, you can easily find yourself wolfing down a plate of these in five minutes flat (or maybe that’s just us.) Daisy and Pie’s recipe for Patatas Bravas is easy, quick, tasty and a great way to use up any leftover potatoes you may have lying around.
SEAFOOD
You can’t have a Spanish feast without at least one seafood dish. If you’re wondering where to start (and have some picky eaters joining you for dinner), you can’t go wrong with Taming Twins’s recipe for Gambas Pil Pil (aka Spanish Prawns with Garlic and Chilli.) Laden with plenty of garlic and a nice hit of spice, they’re the perfect way to bring some Spanish shellfish flavours to your table. Taming Twins says that eating these reminded her of a blissful summer holiday and made her feel very happy. We think that when you try these, you’ll feel the same way.
We could eat paella for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it seems like Gluten Free Cuppa Tea feels the same way. Her Paella recipe is both gluten free and FODMAP friendly, although she does suggest adding chorizo and peas if you’re not following these dietary guidelines. You don’t even need a paella pan for this - any old saucepan will do.
MEAT DISHES
Chicken and Chorizo is a winning flavour combination, and our recipe for Chicken and Chorizo Casserole is sure to impress the whole family. It only takes 30 minutes to prepare and can be made in advance in a casserole dish. When you need to serve, simply heat it up in an oven and bring it to the table. Just make sure you have plenty of crusty bread on hand to mop up all of those delicious flavours!
If you’ve never tried a Spanish Croquette, now is the time to start. Imagine a deep fried savoury snack encompassing meat, cheese, mashed potatoes which is wrapped in breadcrumbs and fried. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it! Sorted Food’s recipe for Chourico (Chorizo) Croquettes is a great way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes you may have hanging around and are accompanied by a tasty roasted pepper dip. Don’t have a deep fat fryer? Use a stockpot instead- just be careful to keep hot oil away from little fingers.
What’s your favourite Tapas dish? Tell us by tagging @yourprestigekitchen on Instagram, or chatting to us on our Facebook page.
