Last month, I started a new feature called Let’s Talk About Tapas, when I gave you a general overview of what to expect if you want to eat tapas in Spain.
Each month I will be telling you about different tapas, and often I will include a recipe so you can make them at home for yourself.
So, what are tapas and how did they originate?
Well, it’s thought that originally in the wine-making regions of Andalucía, a cover in the form of a small plate or lid was placed over glasses of wine to keep fruit flies away. Titbits of food were later placed on the lid to be eaten with the wine. Remember too, that the word “tapar” in Spanish means “to cover”, which is where we get the word “tapas” from.
Let’s get started with one of my favourite tapas – Boquerones en vinagre (anchovies in vinegar).
You can buy boquerones from fish merchants or any supermarket with a fish counter such as Mercadona, where a kilo costs around €3.
They are not very difficult to prepare and are absolutely delicious! When we first arrived to live in Spain and rented a house for the first twelve months in Frigiliana, my Spanish next door neighbour showed me how she prepared them.
First you need to head and gut the fish. Do this by holding each fish using two hands – with the tail in one hand and the head in the other. Squeeze behind the head and pull it off. Split open the fish with your fingers and take out the guts, backbone and pull off tail.
Rinse in cold water until the water runs clear and place the filleted fish white-side up into dish.
Sprinkle with salt and cover with white wine vinegar. Depending on how many fish you have, you can arrange them into layers – making sure you perform this same task with each layer. The top layer of fish needs to be covered with vinegar.
The boquerones will start to turn white almost immediately as they “cook” in the vinegar.
I usually cover the dish with clingfilm and pop it into the fridge overnight to marinade.
Next morning, drain the salty vinegar away and cover the boquerones with extra-virgin olive oil, lots of chopped garlic and a little freshly chopped parsley – and by lunchtime they will be ready to eat with freshly baked bread.
Eat your boquerones with a glass of chilled white wine or manzanilla (dry fino sherry).
What are your favourite tapas?
Whilst you’re here, you might also enjoy:
Let’s talk about tapas, shall we?
Spanish Omelette: Tortilla Española
A Celebration of Fried Breadcrumbs
East of Málaga 
Great pictures Marianne, my Fave would have to be wafer thin slices of Pata Negra with shavings of Manchego on top, Oh no I need it NOW !
Mmmmm …. now you’re talking! 🙂
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Not a huge fan of anchovies, but your photos make me think I should give them another chance 🙂
There’s a HUGE difference between the vinegar or salty ones. I HATE the salty ones.
These photos look good enough to eat 🙂 I love marinated fish of any kind, and these look lovely. I like the thought of D.I.Y. but would have to co-opt the G.O. as I am terribly squeamish.
It’s OK – I understand. I sometimes get my hubby to do the dirty work, too! 😉
Those photos are amazing. They’ve always been S’s favourite tapa and now – with this – we are going to make them. Thanks.
I usually only buy quarter of a kilo, and there’s plenty for two of us. Let me know how you get on 🙂
Squeeze the head!?!!??! Pull it off?!?!?! SPLIT OPEN AND TAKE OUT GUTS?!?!?!? Ok. This looks absolutely delicious, and I’m sure I would love it. My mouth is watering, but… I CANT DO THAT ! LOL.
In that case, you have to pay extra for ready-made – but a) they wont taste as good and b) someone else still had to do it! 😉
Damn. The only anchovies I can get here in my patch of Ireland are the tinned kind. Yep, I like them but I`m guessing your version of anchovy is a whole ton nicer.
Your wonderful food photography is taking me right back to that tapas bar in Spain where I had my very first fix. Sigh.
…then you need to come back and try the real thing!
Thanks for kind comments – as always 🙂
I love tapas. It is such a fun way to eat as you can try so many different flavors and the servings are small. Mmmmm
I think it’s a healthy way to eat, too – plus if you are out with others, you usually get to share 🙂
I love the different tastes of tapas!
I guess we all have a few faves 🙂
Boquerones y patatas fritas are my first meal when I get to the coast! Your recipe sounds delicious too. Thanks for the clear directions and excellent photos!
Yes, give them try for yourself, Patricia. They are so easy (and cheap) to make 🙂
Thanks for your lovely comment. So kind.
I have to admit, I’m not a fan of anchovies, but this looks delicious.I love cervechi, so why not anchovies.
I used to think I didn’t like anchovies either, Lynne – but the problem was, I had tried the salted, brown coloured ones …. yuk!
These are an entirely different kettle of fish, so to speak! 😉
I say – give them a try!
Looks really yummy, Marianne. 🙂
Yes, indeed!
One of my favourites! Great photos, Marianne 🙂
Pity we didn’t get time to share any, Sue. Maybe in Malaga next weekend?
Or some other time 😉 – Have a nice time in Malaga
I was very surprised at how tasty boquerones actually are after my mum convinced me to try them on her latest visit here. They’re lovely!
My favorite tapa? Hmm….I’m a big fan of the bomba, although of course the tapas here are not nearly as nice as they are in the south of Spain.
Glad your Mum convinced you to try them, Jess – Mums (often) know best! 😉
We ARE spoiled for choice here!
Very true on both counts! 🙂
I adore these and brought some with us to England (vac packed) but have also found that our local butcher here in Bexhill sells them fresh 🙂
OOHHH excellent! A little reminder of home in Spain 🙂
This tapa is my idea of bliss! I absolutely adore it and my mouth is watering just at the sight of this photo!!!! Luckily, in the UK, you can buy something reasonably similar in Tesco and Waitrose, so I’m still able to get my “fix” 🙂
I must admit – that first photo looks as though you could pick one up, right from the screen, doesn’t it?
Glad you can get your fix in the UK, Sue 🙂
Did you take the photos yourself, Marianne? They’re very good!
Yes – they’re mine, thanks 🙂
It looks wonderful and very delicius – in fact I don’t think I have a favorite tapas – I really like many different… 🙂
Me too – that’s why I had to say it’s ONE of my favourites 🙂