An explanation is in order to start with. Tapas does not mean what we think of Indian saints do in the forests.
In Spanish language, Tapa means appetizer or snacks. So, Tapas Party consist of several appetizer or snacks with wine. In a Tapas Party, there is no main course. All are appetizer with wine only. It is very popular in Spain, Central American countries and Mexico.
(Courtesy: Yahoo)
There are restaurants now in Spain serving only Tapas. People also give
Tapas Party at home. Invite friends, serve as many snacks as you can make or buy, have some wine and enjoy.
This is becoming very popular in USA also nowadays. But people are finding it difficult to make too many snacks. One idea is to ask friends to bring a few snacks each and gather at someone’s home.
The general rule is to have 3 to 5 snacks. If you have the time and can afford there can be more snacks. If you want to serve non-alcoholic drinks, you can serve soft drinks instead of wine.
I was thinking it will be very easy and interesting to give Tapas party with Indian dishes. If we don’t have time, we can buy from restaurants. Here are a few I thought of:
Samosa, Cutlet, Paneer Tikka, Chicken Tikka, Kothimbir Vadi, Masal Vada, Goli Bajji (Mangalore Bonda), Bengali Fish Fingers, Khaman Dhokla or anything else you like. If you are a vegetarian, just drop the non-veg items.
When is your next Tapas Party?
That is such an amazing idea i am now planning my next party in this theme ..... dry gobi manchurian is in for sure....thanks SG
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Dee. Have your party after July.
DeleteWonderful idea. Like the English afternoon tea with scones, sandwiches, cakes and tea.
ReplyDeleteOne of my must-do when I visit Spain is to do "tapear" - tapas bar hopping at Cava Baja gallery in Madrid. I've seen them on travel channels and these tapas bars are open all night. Being a vegetarian; getting veggie tapas might be a challenge but still the experience would be worth it!
Thanks for your comments Insignia. Long time no see. Hope you are doing well. I am sure you will enjoy the tapas bars in Madrid. There are a few vegetarian dishes available but not a lot. But plenty of excellent wine is available.
DeleteYummm... I was thinking of Indian version of the tapas party and there you have mentioned already! And its lunch time here - hungry!!! Thanks for this delicious post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Satya. Long time no see. Hope you are doing well. I think the Indian version of a tapas party will be excellent. When is your tapas party?
DeleteHaven't the party attendants been sensitised about the dangers of diabetes by the Spanish press, yet?
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Thanks for your comments Rajesh. HaHaHa. I don't know because I don't read Spanish media. I am not that familiar with the Spanish language.
DeleteTomorrow. I love Tapas party. All are welcome.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Rama. Long time no see. Hope you are doing well. Tomorrow? Cool. Please let me know what were in the Menu and what kind of wine was served.
DeleteIndian Tapas party sounds so mouth watering :D I hadn't heard of them before.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Ashwini. Arrange for a tapas party after your return from Europe.
DeleteThis is already in vogue in family get togethers though not going by the nice name Tapas. Shops supply pani puri( gol gappa) jal mudi,dhahi papdi, chir mur and many versions of frankies.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Mr. KP. I am glad this is already in vogue in family get-togethers. I was thinking along the lines of if we invite guests we usually have Pulav, Chapathi, 2 or 3 Subjis, Raitha, and a Sweet. This is on formal get-togethers. South Indians will have their own formal South Indian version. This tapas is just doing away with the traditional dinner menu and go with lots of hors d'oeuvres only with wine (or soft drinks).
DeleteWe have got many vegetarian options and you have mentioned most of them. Yes, we can have them with fruit juice (with sugar or without sugar). Nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Sandhya. When is your next Tapas Party?
DeleteWe sometimes have only snacks parties with gol gappas, papri chaat, dahi vadas, samosas, chhole tikki etc. It's different from the regular parties and everyone loves it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Shilpa. I am glad you are already hosting Tapas parties among your friends and relatives.
DeleteI agree with you, Tapas party with Indian dishes would be interesting and easy. From north to south, east to west, our menu is full of variety, along with Indian versions of foreign dishes! Here my non-desi friends love to binge on Golgappas (puchka)!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Shesha. When is your next Tapas party?
DeleteTapas Party. That's a nice name. Didn't know about it.
ReplyDeleteAfter work, sometimes, we get together.
The menu: drinks and snacks - alcoholic, non-alcoholic, veg and non-veg.
We call it just night-out.
Now we can call it more appropriately Tapas Party.
Thanks, SG.