TAPAS FOR EVERY SEASON: WHAT TO ORDER IN WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER AND AUTUMN
Tapas are a tradition that knows no season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t adapt them to the ingredients and dishes that are best enjoyed at any time of year. By taking advantage of seasonal products, we not only enhance the flavour of each tapa, but also support a more sustainable gastronomy that is connected to nature.
We explore the ideal tapas to enjoy in winter, spring, summer and autumn, offering suggestions that align with the flavours and needs of each season.
‘Tapas adapt to the rhythm of the seasons, offering fresh dishes in summer, comforting flavours in winter and unique delights in spring and autumn that celebrate the best of each season’.
WINTER TAPAS: WARMTH AND COMFORT
Winter calls for comforting, warm dishes with intense flavours to help combat the cold. Here are some tapas that are ideal for this season:
- Meatball casserole in sauce: A classic dish that combines juicy meat with a rich, aromatic sauce, perfect for dipping bread in.
- Truffle potato omelette: This twist on the traditional omelette adds a sophisticated and earthy touch, ideal for colder days.
- Peppers stuffed with meat: Baked and stuffed with spiced meat, they are a hearty dish that warms the body.
- Garlic mushrooms: Seasonal mushrooms, sautéed with garlic and parsley, are a winter delicacy that combines simplicity and flavour.
- Pumpkin cream in a glass: Smooth, creamy and slightly sweet, this small-format tapa is perfect as an aperitif.
SPRING TAPAS: FRESHNESS AND COLOUR
Spring brings warmer days and an explosion of fresh ingredients. Tapas for this season are light, colourful and full of life:
- Esqueixada de bacalao: A fresh salad of shredded cod, tomato, onion and olives that celebrates Mediterranean flavours.
- Goat’s cheese toast with honey and nuts: Sweet and savoury combine in this tapa that makes the most of spring ingredients.
- Grilled vegetable kebabs: Grilled peppers, courgettes and aubergines, served with a touch of extra virgin olive oil.
- Mini spinach and pine nut pasties: A vegetarian tapa full of flavour and texture.
- Broad beans with ham: A traditional dish that uses fresh seasonal broad beans combined with the intense flavour of Serrano ham.
SUMMER TAPAS: FRESHNESS AND LIGHTNESS
Summer calls for light and refreshing tapas that are easy to share on an outdoor terrace. Here are the best options:
- Gazpacho in a glass: This Andalusian classic, served cold, is ideal as a light and refreshing tapa.
- Tomato and tuna belly salad: A fresh dish combining the best summer tomatoes with tuna belly and olive oil.
- Salmon tartar with avocado: Light and sophisticated, this dish is perfect for hot days.
- Grilled octopus: A summer version of Galician-style octopus, served with a touch of fresh lemon.
- Padrón peppers: Fried and sprinkled with coarse salt, they are a fun and delicious option for sharing.
AUTUMN TAPAS: INTENSE AND COSY FLAVOURS
Autumn is the season of warm colours, deep flavours and harvest ingredients. These tapas celebrate the richness of this season:
- Fried aubergines with honey: Crunchy and sweet, they are an autumnal tapa that everyone loves.
- Mushroom croquettes: Seasonal mushrooms are the stars of these creamy and flavourful croquettes.
- Foie gras toast with caramelised apple: An elegant combination that makes the most of autumn fruits.
- Roasted chestnuts: Presented as a small side dish, they are a tribute to the flavours of autumn.
- Squid in its own ink: A comforting dish that stands out for its intense flavour and unique texture.
Taking advantage of seasonal ingredients not only guarantees fresher and more authentic flavours, but also connects tapas with the rhythm of nature. Every season offers us an opportunity to rediscover this tradition and adapt it to our needs and cravings.
So, next time you’re planning a tapas bar, take inspiration from the seasons and enjoy the best that each season has to offer. Bon appetit!
