Today we decided to share what tapas are, their origin and some recipes from Andalusian chefs.
In Spain, a tapa is essentially an aperitif (it can be cold or warm) served in most bars or restaurants to accompany a drink. In most regions of Spain it has become quite usual to dine out eating tapas, especially during weekends amongst friends (tapear).
The first culinary reference involved with the word “tapas” comes in 1939 and according to the Spanish Royal Academy it referred to a term used in Andalucía associated to snacks.
It is often argued that the etymological origin of the word comes from the custom to cover wine glasses in taverns and inns with a slice of cheese or a slice of ham to prevent flies and mosquitoes or dust to be deposited inside.
The Origins:
There are different versions on the origins of tapas, some go back centuries.
One of the most popular theories starts in the middle ages, during the reign of Alfonso X El Sabio during the XIII century. The story says that the King of Spain suffered from an illness and was prescribed to drink sips of wine often and in order to avoid the effects of alcohol; he would eat small bites between meals to accompany the drink. After recovering he obliged the taverns and inns in Castile not to serve wine without being accompanied by a serving of food, so that customers would not be so affected by the alcohol intake.
Another legend says that during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs (King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castille), due to increase of incidents caused by carriages on the roads just outside taverns because of the large amount of beer and wine intake, the bartenders were forced to serve wine or beer mug with a tapa (with a lid). This measure was intended to eliminate the incidents on the roads, ensuring that people got out of the taverns the least drunk possible.
Another version of the origin of the tapa involves a visit of King Alfonso XIII to the province of Cadiz, where he stopped with his entourage to take a sherry at an inn in the area, called "Ventorrillo del Chato "(which still exists today). While sitting in the balcony suddenly a “levantera” (very typical easterly winds in the area), stood up and the innkeeper, trying to keep out any dust or sand from the beach into the royal glass used a slice of ham to cover the glass. The legend says that the king liked the gesture so much that he ordered another “tapa”.
Below you will find a video with other versions of the origin of tapas, stories and recipes from famous chefs from Andalucía.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mfSEvsYJ10
