The Tapas Sauces

Tapas and Sauces from Spain

Recipes

New Year’s Eve Recipe Ideas Inspired by Spanish Cuisine

Panicking about that party or gathering you’re hosting soon? No need to worry. We’ve got your back. First off, it’s all about the atmosphere. You want music that sets the vibe, dim lighting that gets everyone feeling cozy, and a greeting at the door that says, ‘Welcome, you’re in for a party to remember.’

Then there’s the food. Potato chips and some other simple snacks in a bowl or two just don’t impress. What you need is something that keeps people mingling and happily fed. Enter The Tapas Sauces, with the very best of Spanish bites that are handheld, delicious, and ideal for socializing. These are snacks that say, ‘No need to sit down. Just take a bite and carry on partying.’

Ready to add a Spanish twist to your celebration? Let’s go! Or as they say in Spain, vamos! With these irresistible appetizers, your guests will be saying ‘gracias’ throughout the evening.

Chicken Wings Recipes with Spanish Flair

Chicken wings are the original party food. But add some Spanish flair, and they become downright irresistible.

Forget the bland stuff. These Chicken Wings with Salsa Chimichurri are marinated in a symphony of garlic, vinegar, and parsley, then grilled until they beg to be devoured. Top with a generous pour of Tapas Sauces’ salsa chimichurri. They’ll vanish faster than your resolutions to eat healthier next year.

If you think you’ve tried every version of fried chicken, think again. These Sevilla Style Fried Chicken Lollipops are battered, fried, and served with a Sevilla-style sauce that makes your taste buds shout olé. It’s messy, delicious, and worthy of a spot on your Instagram feed.

Pork Appetizers

The Spanish know their way around a pig, and your party guests will thank you for following suit.

Imagine the taste of Pork Ribs with Salsa Chimichurri that practically fall off the bone. Sounds good? Of course, it does. Roast them low and slow, then douse them in salsa chimichurri for a spicy, herby kick. By the end of the night, the only thing cleaner than those picked-over bones will be the empty platter they sat on.

Treat yourself and your guests to these delicious little pork loin sandwiches, otherwise known as Mantecadito of Pork Loin Sevilla Style. Sear thin slices of pork, tuck them into crusty bread, and drench them with our Sevilla-style sauce. It’s a mini feast in a bun, perfect for soaking up all the cava you’ve been pouring.

Bites for Veggie Lovers

Because a party without veggies is not a party at all, considering the way they dance on your taste buds. Beware, though, some veggies are known to boast all night about how nutritious they are. 

Golden, crispy potato cubes, doused in salsa brava. Need I say more? Actually, yes. Add a side of creamy aioli to Patatas Bravas, and even the most die-hard meat lover will be coming back for seconds. Simple. Addictive. No nonsense.

Vegetables with a Spanish attitude come to life in this Grilled Mushrooms and Bacon Salsa Verde recipe. Sauté mushrooms with bacon until everything smells like heaven, then hit them with salsa verde. If that doesn’t make you believe in a higher power, nothing will. Serve them as skewers, or let your guests go wild with a big communal plate.

Spanish Classics

The classics never go out of style. Just ask Spain. Or your parents.

It’s just eggs, potatoes, and onions, but the magic lies in the details when it comes to a Spanish Omelet with Salsa Sevillana. Slowly cooked until golden, then sliced and paired with salsa sevillana for an extra zing. You can even make this one in advance, so when midnight strikes, you’re not flipping eggs like a short-order cook.

Want to impress someone? Maybe yourself? Go for Black Rice with Salsa Alioli. It’s glossy, savory, and utterly dramatic. Add a dollop of salsa alioli, and you’ve got a dish that says, “I’m sophisticated,” even if you’re still wearing your New Year’s Eve pajamas.

Make This New Year’s Eve Unforgettable

There you have it: recipes designed to delight, surprise, and possibly save you from another year of bland party snacks. Bring the bold, unapologetic flavors of Spain to your table, and ring in the new year with food that demands to be celebrated. So, eat well, laugh loudly, and don’t worry too much about next year’s resolutions. They can wait.

Spanish Christmas – How Spaniards Celebrate Differently

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how folks in Spain do Christmas, here’s what you need to know: it’s not like the holiday season in the USA. Spanish Christmas is something entirely different—like stepping into another world where centuries of culture collide with mouth-watering food and traditions that make you think, “Well, why don’t we do that?” It’s about taking it slow, laughing around the table, and savoring every bite of tantalizing tapas. Curious? Read on to uncover what Spanish Christmas is all about.

1. Christmas Begins with a Lottery, Not a Tree

Sure, most people start the holiday season with carols or a decorated tree. Not in Spain. Here, December 22nd is all about El Gordo—The Fat One, the biggest lottery in the world. The whole country watches on as schoolchildren sing out numbers on national TV. 

Yes, it sounds a bit strange—and it is—but that’s the charm. Win or lose, it’s just a reason to gather with loved ones, devour appetizers, and toast to good luck. The whole day has this buzz in the air, like life nudging you to savor the moment.

2. Nativity Scenes In Abundance

Spanish nativity scenes, or belenes, are an art form. Forget a simple manger with a couple of sheep—here, you’ll see miniature villages complete with market vendors, rivers, and hills. People in Spain take these seriously, and you’ll see them everywhere from shop windows to houses and beyond.

3. Nochebuena: The Big Feast

In Spain, Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena, is the big day of celebration. Christmas Day is not. You can do as you please on December 25th but on the 24th, be ready for a huge family meal followed by an all-evening party. 

Let’s be clear about one thing: people in Spain do not eat turkey at Christmas. Instead, they prefer fresh seafood, which includes prawns, clams, lobster, and unbelievably delicious jamón ibérico. Cava, their very own bubbly champagne from Catalonia, flows freely, keeping everyone in good spirits. By dessert, turrón makes its appearance, a sweet, nutty treat that wraps up the night perfectly.

4. When the Clock Strikes Midnight

If you think dessert is the end of the night, think again. Not in Spain. After dinner, out come the guitars and tambourines, and villancicos (carols) are sung with both heart and skill. Sometimes, these celebrations can spill out into the streets, with spontaneous dancing and Christmas drinks in hand. It’s loud, fun, and the kind of night you’ll be sure to remember for years to come.

5. The Three Kings Rule in January

While much of the world is trying to get back to normal life, Spain keeps the spirit alive until January 6th: Día de los Reyes, or Three Kings Day. On January 5th, towns light up with parades where the Kings throw sweets to cheering crowds. The next morning, kids wake up and open gifts. Later in the day, everyone will enjoy a feast of Roscón de Reyes, a cake hiding a King figurine and a dried bean. Get the king, and you’re the champ for the day. Get the bean, and you’re, quite frankly, the opposite.

6. Every Region Does It Differently

Spain is a patchwork of cultures, and each region brings its own twist to Christmas. In the Basque Country, there’s Olentzero, a coal-smudged character who delivers gifts, kind of like a rugged Santa who works all day. Down south in Andalusia, Christmas carols are sung with a Flamenco flair. Everywhere, there’s a unique blend of ancient customs and a willingness to embrace the moment, whatever it holds.

Must-Try Spanish Christmas Recipes

Christmas in Spain is also about flavors that grab you by the taste buds and don’t let go. First up, Cod in Salsa Verde, a dish of tender cod fillets bathed in a garlic-and-herb-infused green sauce. It’s seafood magic, best enjoyed with crusty bread. 

Next, Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Picón, those salty, wrinkled Canarian potatoes that pair perfectly with a fiery, tangy red sauce. Spicy, addictive, unforgettable. 

Finally, Presa Ibérica Sevilla Style, a beautifully marbled cut of pork, seared until juicy and rich, served with a bold, meal-transforming sauce. These dishes don’t just taste good; they taste like Spain, like Christmas done right.

Make Your Christmas a Little More Spanish

If this has got your mouth watering, why not bring some Spanish flair to your table? A splash of salsa brava on potatoes or salsa sevillana over roasted veggies, and you’ll get a taste of Spain in a jiffy.

So, while you’re pouring your mulled wine and carving the turkey, think of Spain—a place where the food is bold, the traditions unforgettable, and the Christmas spirit is as lively and joyful as life itself. Feliz Navidad!

How to Make Spanish Tapas

You’ve heard of Spanish tapas. Maybe you’ve even tried them. But do you know how to prepare them yourself? Not many people outside of Spain do. But in this guide, we’ll teach you how to make tapas so you can whip up delicious Mediterranean treats for your next mealtime gathering.

Not only that, we’ll also teach you all there is to know about tapas. Not only will you find out how to cook them, you’ll also be able to show off your knowledge of Spanish cuisine. Ready to up your chef game and learn all there is to know about tapas? Let’s dive in.

Spanish Tapas Explained

First and foremost, what are tapas? Well, they’re not one particular type of food. Tapas can be pretty much anything. What makes them tapas isn’t so much the ingredients. It’s more about the portion size. 

Tapas are little dishes of food, about a quarter of the size of a meal for one, although occasionally, tapas can be as large as a third of a meal or even half. They were originally served in bars as a free accompaniment to a drink. 

Nowadays, especially in the more traditional bars, you can still be given a free tapa with your drink. The influx of tourism in Spain, however, has turned tapas into a delicacy.

You can now find tapas restaurants not only in Spain but across the world. Customers will order a range of tapas and enjoy little servings of different things, rather than one meal, on a single plate.

If you want to learn more about tapas, their history, and their fascinating story of origin, see our Ultimate Guide to Tapas from Spain. 

How to make Tapas 

Have you ever heard of a cazuela? This is a type of bowl that’s specific to holding Spanish tapas. If you can get yourself some cazuelas, your tapas evening will be about as Spanish as it gets. If not, you can use small dishes, but cazuelas give you that perfect tapas portion size.

Next, you have to fill these cazuelas with portions of Spanish food. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular tapas options from around the country.

Madrid Tapas

Diced and fried cubes of potato, smothered in Spain’s most popular sauce, is also known as Patatas Bravas. Although the dish originates from Madrid, it’s popular in every corner of Spain.

You can use the same sauce to prepare Season Vegetables with Salsa Brava, a vegetarian-friendly dish with a flavorful kick from the delicious sauces.

Andalus Tapas

Known in Spain as ‘albondigas’, meatballs are a popular tapas dish. With a drizzle of salsa sevillana on top, the result is this delightful Meatballs Sevilla Style recipe.

Likewise, Presa Iberica Sevilla Style is another meat and salsa sevillana combo. Pork is the most consumed meat in Spain and dishes like this one will help you understand why. 

To make chicken the way they do in a tapas bar in the sun-drenched south of Spain, try your hand at these simple Sevilla Style Fired Chicken Lollipops.

Pintxos and Montaditos

Pintxos are the most popular kind of tapas found in the north of Spain, especially in the Basque Country. Essentially, they’re little pieces of bread with an additional ingredient on top, which can be anything from cheese to fish or meat, held together by a skewer or toothpick.

Montaditos are similar to pintxos but are two small pieces of bread together with a filler ingredient. You could say they’re simply little Spanish sandwiches like this Mantecadito of Pork Loin Sevilla Style. 

A Tapa For Everyone

No matter what part of Spain you’re in, every Spaniard loves a slice of Spanish Omelet. As a tapa, this can be served on a small piece of bread like a pintxo, or simply on its own and consumed with a toothpick or small fork.

Valencian Tapas

Valencia is more famous for being home to Spain’s national dish, the paella, than it is for tapas. But you can prepare a paella or paella-style dish in tapas form. Try doing so with Black Rice with Salsa Alioli.

Canarian Tapas

When speaking of Spanish cuisine, let’s not forget the little Spanish islands that sit on the north-western African coast, the Canaries. Their most famous dish, often served in tapas form, is Papas Arrugás with Mojo. 

Similarly, you can cook the potatoes in a slightly more conventional way and opt for this Potatoes with Mojo Picón recipe as an alternative. 
For more Spanish-inspired recipe ideas, see our recipes and tapas.

Spanish Omelet: The Most Popular Dish in Spain

What springs to mind when someone mentions Spanish cuisine? Perhaps it’s paella simmering in a large pan as rice, vegetables, and seafood meld together. Or maybe it’s little dishes of tapas on a large table, being shared by many as glasses clink together. But here’s the thing.

While paella and tapas are pretty much synonymous with Spanish food, neither of them are as widely consumed as tortilla de patata, also known as the Spanish omelet. To not try it is to miss out on the heart and soul of Spanish cuisine and culture. But why is it so popular?

Simply put, the Spanish omelet is easy to make yet still manages to possess an incredibly comforting and delicious quality. This begs the question, what makes a Spanish omelet different from a regular omelet?

What’s in a Spanish Omelet?

The ingredients are simple and straightforward for a recipe that’s had such a big impact on the country. In its most basic form, there are just three ingredients needed to make a Spanish omelet.

  • Eggs
  • Potato
  • Olive Oil

Yes, that’s it. However, there are plenty of more elaborate variations of the recipe, which include mushrooms, cheese, spinach, and other ingredients depending on the desired effect. Thin slices of potato are added to a mixture of beaten eggs and fried in a pan of olive oil. 

That’s why the Spanish omelet has more volume and texture than a typical omelet, which is as flat as a pancake. The Spanish omelet is more similar in shape to a small cake, hence its name in Spanish, ‘tortilla de patata’ which literally means ‘little potato cake’. So, where does this delicious little treat come from?

History of the Spanish Omelet

This isn’t just a history lesson. This is also a cooking tip. How? Because knowing the history of what you’re cooking gives the opportunity to show off your knowledge at mealtime and tell those at your gathering the origins of your recipe. What’s more, people often appreciate their dish more if they know the story behind it.

It was said that the earliest mention of tortilla came from Navarra in 1817. It’s believed the recipe was invented by farmers who, during tough times, had very few ingredients to conjure up a meal. Eggs, potatoes, and a splash of olive oil were the basic ingredients they used to get creative and piece together Spain’s most popular dish.

This theory was all well and good until an earlier document from 1798 was found mentioning the dish in Extremadura. For that reason, the village of Villanueva de la Serena in the Extremadura region now claims tortilla as its own invention and has a monument to the dish in the heart of town.

But what if we were to tell you that there’s another document, just one year older, that mentions the tortilla being present in Valencia? Where it comes from remains up for debate, but one thing for sure is that the entire country loves it. 

Onions in the Omelet – a Divisive Topic

Careful here! Among Spanish omelet lovers, this can get a little heated. Some are purists and believe that the tortilla de patata should honor its original ingredients. But there are others who like to chop up some onions and throw them in the mix of eggs and potatoes so they become part of the omelet.

The version that tastes better is a matter of preference, but if you’re cooking Spanish omelet for the first time, perhaps it’s best to be on the safe side and prepare it without the onions.  

How to Make a Spanish Omelet

Sure, Spain is all the way across the Atlantic, but don’t let that stop you from bringing Spain to your kitchen. While the recipe for the Spanish is simple and straightforward, it’s still something that takes time to master with perfection. So gather your potato, eggs, and onion, and let’s get started.

  1. Slice the potatoes and cook them in olive oil. You want them to be soft rather than firm and crispy.
  2. This part is optional, but if you’re going to add onions, now’s the time to slice them up and add them to the pan.
  3. Drain the potatoes (and onions) from the pan and mix them with whisked eggs. Here, you can also add some sprinkles of salt. 
  4. Pour your eggs and potato mix into a pan with olive oil and let it cook.
  5. Once the lower side is done, here’s the tricky part: you now have to flip the omelet over onto the other side. Some people use a plate for this part to help them.
  6. Let the other side cook for a few minutes.
  7. Serve and enjoy.

You can also prepare the same dish with an Andalus twist by making this Spanish Omelet with Salsa Sevillana recipe. The difference in this version is the addition of a delicious and distinct sauce, native to the charming city of Seville.

Bring Spain to Your Kitchen with The Tapas Sauces

Some people love a little bit of sauce with their Spanish omelet, while others consider it to be a sacrilege. What do you think? Whatever you decide, there’s no reason to stop being creative. So keep experimenting and make the most of a whole world of flavors with The Tapas Sauces.

Halloween Party Snacks with a Spanish Twist

Wondering what food to prepare for your Halloween gathering? Don’t be spooked out. The Tapas Sauces is here to lend you an icy hand. We’re more than happy to help you stir your cauldron to conjure up something that will cast an everlasting spell on the taste buds of your guests.

Halloween parties and gatherings are not your typical evenings. That means, preparing a typical meal just doesn’t work. Instead, the ideal food to prepare is more along the lines of snacks and appetizers that guests can enjoy as they maneuver their way through the evening. So have no fear and dive into our latest tips and tricks. Ready?

Chilling Chicken Chunks

Is chicken right for a Halloween party? Absolutely, yes. But we’re not talking about preparing a whole chicken in the oven. What we mean is chicken in small portions. Wings, bites, and chunks that guests can pick up by hand and bite into with their fangs whenever they please.

Preparing Chicken Wings with Salsa Chimichurri is a great option for a thrilling night. This dish requires a little prep in advance, but it’s simple. You leave the wings to marinate in this much-loved Latin American sauce, then cook, serve, and watch your guests’ faces light up and frighten off the vampires.

For those who like to see bones on Halloween night, you’ll see plenty in these Sevilla-style Fried Chicken Lollipops. Ideal for parties, the part with the meat is pushed down to one end, leaving the bone there for you to pick up by hand and use as if it were a fork.

But you can also keep your snacks totally bone-free. This Chicken Burrito with Salsa Brava recipe combines a much-loved Mexican recipe with the most popular tapas sauce in Spain. This snack is so delicious, don’t be surprised if you encounter spirits at your door, demanding the recipe.

Petrifying Potato Snacks

That’s right, potatoes have a part to play in your Halloween party. Once cut up into small pieces, they make fantastic appetizers that can be left in a bowl for guests, ghouls, and ghosts to enjoy at will. So let’s take a look at some of them in their tastiest shape and form.

Probably the most popular tapas dish in the whole of Spain, Patatas Bravas will never let you down, especially not at a gathering. These little potato cubes are fried and then covered in streaks of Salsa Brava, giving them a slightly spicy tang that’s a real treat for the taste buds.

Similarly, Papas Arrugás with Mojo offers a distinct tang from sauce drizzled over potato, although the recipe is very different from the last one mentioned. Most notably, this dish uses Mojo Picón, a unique sauce that hails from the Canary Islands and enhances the flavor beautifully.

Vampire Veggie Bites

They’re easy to chop and shape into snacks, but here’s what else: they’re nutritious. To forget about vegetables for your party or assume they can’t be fun would be a huge mistake. Let’s discover the tastiest ways to bring them to the table.

The Japanese ‘tempura’ style of frying vegetables is already a hit in Spain, and in this Tempura Vegetables with Mojo Picón recipe, you can see why. Combining a much-loved Asian cooking technique with a delicious, Spanish sauce will make eating veggies more satisfying than ever.

You’ll be tempted to make this for breakfast or brunch, and sure, you can do that if you wish, but Grilled Mushrooms and Bacon Salsa Verde also serves as a great party snack. Prepare them on a large platter with cocktail sticks so that guests can eat them like party sausages.

Terrifying Tapas Treats

What’s the scariest thing that could happen at your Halloween party? Missing out on a delicious dish because you never learned to make it! Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with two quick and easy treats to try.

You may have heard of montaditos. They’re little Spanish sandwiches made from two pieces of bread, resembling a mini baguette, and filled with tasty ingredients. Here’s one for the party, this Mantecadito of Pork Loin Sevilla-style. A few of these on a plate will keep the evil spirits of hunger away for everyone.

Finally, as the Spaniards will attest, the Spanish omelet is ideal for any party. Once you’ve prepared one, such as this Spanish Omelet with Salsa Sevillana, you simply slice it up into little cubes and allow guests to enjoy a piece each with a small fork or cocktail stick until they’re all gone.

Last but not least, we’d like to leave you with some quick tips for making your Halloween gathering one to remember.

  • Have some background music playing before the first guests arrive.
  • Place spooky decorations around the house, such as toy bats, spiders, and cobwebs.
  • Keep a few board games, card games, or other games ready to play.
  • Make it a costume party. Everyone has to wear something scary.
  • In addition to the food, have plenty of sweets ready in bowls for sharing.

For more Spanish-inspired meal ideas, you know where to find us, over here at recipes and tapas.

Spanish Fall Recipes with Seasonal Ingredients

What does the start of fall mean for eating habits and cooking trends? It means a world of opportunity is at your kitchen door. Now is the time to prepare some meals with the very best of seasonal ingredients, and with The Tapas Sauces, you can do so with ease.

All you need to know is what ingredients are currently at their best and what you can pair them with. For that, we’ve got you covered. Read on as we uncover the best Spanish recipes with seasonal ingredients and discover the tips and tricks that will rock your culinary world.

Mushroom: October’s Seasonal Delight

If you didn’t know already, October is the season for picking mushrooms. As the weather gets cooler and wetter, they flourish in the forests and grow all over the place. Given their neutral flavor, they pair well with plenty of ingredients and fit right into various, tasty Spanish recipes.

You can make the most of mushrooms by allowing them to take center stage in your next meal. For that, this Grilled Mushrooms and Bacon Salsa Verde dish is your best bet. Just when you thought mushrooms were something to enjoy on the side, they come along and act as the key ingredient in this spectacular dish.

But sure, you can still enjoy a side serving of mushrooms in dishes such as this Tempura Vegetables with Mojo Picón recipe. This dish also allows you to enjoy a whole bunch of other seasonal vegetables, cooked in tempura style, an irresistible method of frying that has even reached the tapas restaurants of Spain.

Fresh Green Bean Favorites

Although green beans come into season in the spring, they stay at their peak all the way through the year until late October. So, yes, it’s still green bean season. But be sure to bring them into your meals now while they’re still at their best in terms of both quality and price.

Green beans are known to pair particularly well with fish. Serve them on a plate of Cod in Salsa Verde for a vibrant green combination of flavors of nutrients. The fresh zucchini in this recipe also means yet another delicious, in-season vegetable to dazzle those taste buds.

If you prefer salmon to cod, that’s no problem either. Green beans make a tasty little addition to this Salmon in Papillote Salsa Verde dish. The fresh baby carrots and onions only add to that much-loved, veggie-based, comforting taste of autumn.

Pumpkin Perfection

It would be a real pity if the only thing we did with pumpkins in October was cut them into jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween. Like all squashes, pumpkins come into season in October and allow us to enjoy their sweet, fruity flavor in plenty of delicious meals.

Slice up some pumpkin into wedges like you would with potatoes and let them roast in the oven. When the skin is tender and you can pierce them with a fork, your roasted pumpkin wedges are ready and can be added to the side of this Chicken Wings with Salsa Chimichurri recipe.

Likewise, let them bring their sweet taste and comforting texture to a Baked Pork Chop in Salsa Verde dish. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt to the top of your wedges once removed from the oven, then enjoy them as part of this irresistible dish.

Spinach Specialties

Spinach can be enjoyed all year round, but it’s usually at its best from spring until the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. It pairs deliciously with bacon, cheese, soups, stews, salads, and stir-fry dishes.

The Spanish omelet comes in various forms across the Mediterranean country, and that includes one with spinach. When preparing a Spanish Omelet with Salsa Sevillana recipe, simply add cheese and spinach to the bowl of eggs and potatoes before mixing it all together and frying. This style of omelet is particularly popular in the Basque Country.

Or how about placing some fresh spinach into a Pasta with Salsa Verde dish? Adding it to the meal is simple. Just stir it in with the pasta so that it distributes around evenly, then add your final touch of grated cheese on top to complete another tasty cheese and spinach combo.


Seasonal Veggie Creations

Using seasonal vegetables means you also have new ways to get creative. Take advantage of the beginning of fall by bringing your favorite veggies to the kitchen and incorporating them into a dish you haven’t prepared before. Wondering what exactly?

Instead of focusing on one vegetable, why not go for a mix? In this Seasonal Vegetables with Salsa Brava dish, you enjoy the seasonal delights of asparagus, green beans, red pepper, zucchini, carrots, leeks, and red onions in one crave-worthy treat.

Or whip up something both veggie-based and herbaceous in this Jacket Potatoes with Salsa Alioli and Thyme dish. There’s no need to mourn the end of the summer when the beginning of fall brings so much culinary joy to your kitchen. For more meal inspiration, remember that The Tapas Sauces is happy to lend you a hand whenever you’re in need. You can count on us for recipes and tapas whenever you’re craving some Spanish-inspired cuisine.

The Best Sauces You’re Missing Out On

Stop what you’re doing! Before you go to the fridge and reach for that same old bottle of sauce you’re used to having, hear us out. Here at The Tapas Sauces, sauce is our thing, which is why we don’t want to let you keep settling for less. When it comes to sauce, there are a number of incredibly tasty yet little-known options that can totally transform your dining experience. Ready to discover what they are?

Join us as we share some of the culinary world’s best-kept secrets and explore the best sauces you’re missing out on. These are sauces that originate in Spain and are already loved by Spaniards, but here’s the thing: The Tapas Sauces will bring the flavors of Spain straight to your kitchen.

Salsa verde

When looking for a new sauce to bring to your recipes, the grass isn’t always greener, unless we’re talking about salsa verde. This vibrant green blend of sunflower oil, garlic, parsley, lemon, salt, and vegetable fiber is popular in various forms throughout Spain, France, and Italy. Be careful not to confuse it with the Latin-Aermcian sauce of the same name.

Salsa verde works a charm on seafood dishes such as Shrimp and clams in salsa verde, which is a light but classy meal that’s sure to impress guests. Serve this up on a special occasion and make it a memorable evening for whoever’s lucky enough to be in on the treat.

Or use the same sauce in a pasta dish, such as this Pasta with salsa verde. In appearance, you may think it looks like pesto, but in taste, salsa verde has its own herbaceous and garlicky qualities.

Chimichurri sauce

Chimichurri is a sauce from Argentina, though also popular in Uruguay and Brazil. It’s beginning to gain ground way beyond its place of origin and has spread across the wider globe. It’s a blend of olive oil, sunflower oil, garlic, lemon, honey, red bell pepper, chili, salt, and other spices, and is typically paired with roast meat.

Treat yourself, and everyone else around the house, to this Pork ribs with salsa chimichurri meal and see how quickly they start begging you for the recipe. This dish allows you to experience the classic Argentine taste of roasted meat alongside their much-loved sauce.

Yet chimichurri isn’t limited to roast meats. It also pairs deliciously well with fish dishes such as our Fish brochettes with salsa chimichurri. So even vegetarians can get in on the flavorful action as the sweetness of the sauce melds into the soft and salty flesh of tantalizing fish.

Salsa Alioli

Straight from the Catalan region of the Mediterranean coast, which encompasses parts of both Spain and France, salsa alioli may bear some resemblance to mayonnaise but its taste is stronger, more garlicky, and quite frankly, remarkable.

It’s often used as a salad dressing or as a dipping sauce for fries and other potato-based appetizers, but it also works wonders in recipes such as this Jacket potatoes with salsa alioli and thyme dish.

What’s more, why opt for typical old tomato ketchup or burger sauce when you can bring the taste of Catalonia to your burgers? Do so by preparing a Veal hamburguer with salsa alioli and you’ll have the most original-tasting burger in town.

Salsa Brava

One of the most popular sauces in Spain, Salsa Brava boasts a tasty mix of tomato, olive oil, sunflower oil, onion, red bell pepper, chili, salt, and spices. It typically accompanies fried potatoes in the popular dish known as Patatas bravas, but its versatility means it pairs with plenty more recipes.

A great example of the sauce’s more creative use is found in this Chicken enchilada with salsa brava. Enchilada hails from Mexico, but when its rich, cheesy, and flavorful ingredients meet a much-loved Mediterranean sauce, the result is a fusion of utter deliciousness.

Mojo picón

We think of Spain as a Mediterranean country, but let’s not forget about the Canary Islands that sit just off the coast of North-Western Africa, surrounded by Atlantic waters. There, you’ll find a distinct kind of Spanish cuisine with its own set of ingredients, such as the delicious salsa mojo picón.

This sauce, made from vegetables, sunflower oil, tomato sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, is most known to be the key flavor enhancer of the typical Canarian dish known as Papas arrugadas with mojo.

If you’re looking for ways to get more veggies into your meals, Tempura vegetables with mojo picón could be your next go-to dish. It makes an ideal, delicious appetizer to enjoy on a regular evening or movie night. 

Salsa sevillana

This sauce could be one of Spain’s best culinary secrets. Salsa sevillana comes from the city of Seville and you can find it in tapas bars all over the famous Andalus city. The strange thing is, despite its unique and much-loved flavor, it’s little-known beyond its place of origin,

Made from lemon, wine, and potatoes, you can take this hidden culinary gem and bring it to your mealtime for an original and exotic twist. Discover its flavorful quality in dishes such as Presa ibérica sevilla style in which a generous drizzle of this rich and creamy sauce makes the meat impossible to resist.

As the people of Seville can attest, this sauce is best known as a flavor enhancer for pork dishes. Experience its flavors in a Spanish-style sandwich by preparing this Mantecadito of pork loin Sevilla style.

With these sauces and meal ideas, you now have more than enough simple ways to bring more original tastes to your mealtime. Don’t miss out any longer. Experience their flavors today with The Tapas Sauces.

Back To School Meal Ideas

If you’re on the lookout for new recipe ideas to kickstart back-to-school season in style, you’re in luck. Our carefully selected variety of Spanish-inspired recipes will give you all the back-to-school meal ideas you need. The start of a new semester needn’t be a problem at all. From lunch box meals to family dinner ideas and tapas for sharing, The Tapas Sauces has got you covered.

Here’s what else: not only are these dishes rich in tradition, they’re also simple, meaning you don’t have to be an expert chef to make them. All you need is a handful of Spanish-inspired ingredients and the taste of Spain is already on its way to your plate. Ready to expand your culinary horizons?

Lunch Box Tapas Treats

Back-to-school season means a return to preparing lunch box meals for the little ones. Have you forgotten what to prepare yet? Either way, it’s good to have a few new ideas at hand so they can start the semester in good spirits. Even better if those meals have their very own Spanish twist.

More than just a sandwich

Say goodbye to bland old sandwiches and hello to something both Mexican and Mediterranean, but more importantly, mouthwatering, this Chicken burrito with salsa brava. By fusing Mexican cuisine’s burrito-style wraps with one of the most popular Spanish tapas sauces, lunchtime just got dazzlingly delicious.

Another sandwich-style lunchbox meal, but one that’s solely Spanish is the montedito, which consists of two small pieces of seed bread with tasty ingredients in between. This Mantecadito of pork loin Sevilla style is an impressively tasty example of that, complete with a highly satisfying drizzle of Salsa sevillana The Tapas Sauces.

Pasta for the Lunch Box

Pasta is ideal for lunch box meals, as long as you have a little plastic container to keep it in and a small plastic fork for the eating part. This Pasta with salsa verde recipe is among the quickest and easiest of meals to make and boasts a delicious blend of fettuccine, grated cheese, and Salsa verde the Tapas Sauces, which beams a vibrant green from its parsley.

Family Dinner Ideas

Packing the right lunch box meal is one thing, but eventually, the little ones are going to return home, and then what happens? Hunger strikes and dinnertime approaches, but that’s not a problem at all, right? The Tapas Sauces has done the hard work for you and found some delicious family dinner recipes.

While paella is Spain’s most popular dish, few are in-the-know about its various forms. For Spanish authenticity, but also distinct charm and originality, make this Black rice with salsa alioli and treat everyone’s tastebuds to a blend of much-loved condiments from Catalonia.

If it’s a special occasion and you’re looking for a dish filled with charm and elegance, this delicious and exquisite Salmon ‘en papillote’ salsa verde has got it all. With onions and baby carrots being part of the mix, our very own green sauce brings that extra flavorful kick to the dish when drizzled atop the freshly cooked salmon.

Dinnertime is a great opportunity to enjoy a meat treat, and one way that Spaniards often do that is by preparing a recipe like this Meatballs sevilla style dish. You may have tried meatballs before, but few have tried them with a delicious coating of sauce that’s one of the best-kept culinary secrets from the Spanish city of Seville.

Quick and Easy Tapas for Sharing

If you really want to have the ultimate Spanish dining experience, do away with your own dinner plate, and bring out some dishes for everyone to share. Those little servings that you can pick and choose from the plate as mealtime moves along are also known as, you guessed it, tapas.

Let’s begin by diving into one of the most popular tapas dishes in the sun-drenched, southern European country. We’re talking about Patatas bravas. This much-loved tapa, whose name loosely translates to fierce potatoes, originated in Madrid before becoming a nationwide favorite. Not only is it easy to make, it’s even easier to fall in love with.

A similar dish but with its own distinct method for cooking the potatoes and an equally unique sauce is this Papas arrugadas with mojo recipe. Spain’s Canary Islanders are the proud inventors of this one, and its popularity on their small set of islands has never waned.

While paella is regarded as Spain’s national dish and the most popular choice for visitors, do you know what Spaniards eat most? The famous Spanish omelet. So, how can you enjoy this as a shareable tapa? By simply cutting it up into small cubes and handing everyone a fork, just as they do in Spain.

For more meal inspiration, head over to our Flavorful Kitchen: Your Ultimate Food and Sauce Blog.

A Guide to Spain’s National Dish: La Paella

You’ve heard of paella, but what do you really know about Spain’s national dish? Ever wondered where exactly it comes from, why it’s so popular, and how you can make it yourself? Well, it’s time to stop being a rookie and start becoming an expert.

Join us as we guide you through all you need to know about paella. Together, we’ll explore the dish’s origins, its key ingredients, the sauces you can use to enhance its flavor, and more. So, let’s dive into one large paella pan of tips, tricks, and culinary secrets.

The Origins of Paella

Spain’s proudest dish comes from the coastal region of Valencia. It’s believed to have been invented by farmers in the fields who craved a hearty dish to keep them going. By cooking large amounts of rice in the pan and throwing in whatever ingredients they could get their hands on, their cooking eventually evolved into the paella recipes we know and love to this day, most notably, paella Valenciana.

Paella Valenciana

The paella Valenciana is considered the most traditional and authentic paella dish. Typically, it is made from a mix of round-grain rice, green beans, rabbit, chicken, butter beans, chicken broth, olive oil, and sometimes duck.

In local festivities, it’s common to find paella Valenciana being cooked in one huge pan outdoors, while local people wait in line with their plates to be served. Although this is a Valencian tradition, the rest of Spain has turned it into a national pastime.

The name Paella

The name paella comes from paellera, which is a large round pan with two handles on either side. This is the pan that is used for cooking paella. The naming of the pan comes from the French word for frying pan, paelle, which has its roots in the Latin word of the same meaning, patela.

Connection to the Moors

Rice was brought to Spain during the time of Moorish rule. Without this event, paella would never have come into existence. However, it wasn’t until centuries after the Moorish era that the paella dish was invented.

Key Ingredients and Flavors

First and foremost, when it comes to making paella, you have to use the right kind of rice. It’s not like other recipes where changing the rice variety doesn’t make a huge difference. In paella the right rice is crucial and that happens to be round, short-grain rice. Varieties like Bomba and Calasparra are the most common ones used in Spain for cooking their national dish.

Saffron and Sofrito

One ingredient that must not be forgotten is saffron. It gives paella its golden color, but also, it adds a subtle and fragrant flavor. Then, of course, there’s sofrito, which is the base of the dish. Sofrito is a sautéed mix of onions, tomatoes, and peppers

Traditional or Experimental?

Although the traditional paella is made of the paella Valenciana ingredients, over the years, there have been a lot of variations both inside and outside of Spain. Most notably, seafood paella, which doesn’t include chicken or duck, but instead is packed with shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid.

In recent years, British chef Jamie Oliver caused a lot of controversy by inventing his own variation of the paella dish that included chorizo. This did not go down too well in Spain and resulted in a fair amount of online rage and ridicule from paella purists and proud Spaniards who considered it a sacrilege.

Some variations are, nonetheless, undeniably delicious, such as this black rice with salsa alioli recipe. This dish is less likely to offend paella enthusiasts given that, despite being an innovative recipe, it still consists of typical Spanish ingredients.

A Sauce for Paella

Traditional paella Valenciana is served with no sauce other than the concoction of ingredients that sizzle in the pan to create a flavorful liquid of its own. However, when it comes to seafood paella, we recommend adding a dollop of salsa alioli The Tapas Sauces to the mix for a creamy and garlicky flavor enhancer that pairs beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.

paella recien hecha fiesta

Beyond the Plate: The Cultural Significance of Paella

Paella’s not just about eating; it’s a part of Spanish culture and identity. To this day, many Spanish families typically enjoy paella on Sunday afternoons and during festivals. Paella is about bringing people together to enjoy each other’s company.

The recipe even has its own day of celebration. World Paella Day falls on September 20th and celebrates the rich heritage of Valencia’s culinary gem. Across the globe, you’ll find paella competitions and festivals, all showcasing the creativity and passion that go into making it.

How to Make Meals that Stand Out with Alioli

Here’s how you can bring the sunkissed flavors of Spain straight to your kitchen in a highly satisfying way: get yourself some alioli and use it to make meals that stand out! Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is alioli sauce? Where does it come from, and what foods does it pair well with?

That’s where The Tapas Sauces have got your back. Join us as we delve into the world of one of the most spectacular-tasting sauces the Mediterranean has to offer. Learn all there is to know about it, and how you can use it to bring a delightful kick, full of Spanish flair, straight to the taste buds of everyone around the table.

The History and Origins of Alioli Sauce

Alioli is more than just tasty, it’s interesting. Its name is a fusion of two Catalan words, which mean ‘garlic’ and ‘oil’, which, as you will have guessed, are two of the sauce’s key ingredients. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single town or city as the place where the sauce originated, what we do know is that it came from Catalonia.

For those who are wondering, where’s that? Catalonia is a region of north-eastern Spain, which by some definitions also includes the neighboring section of the south of France. That’s because the Catalan language, culture, and cuisine also exist there, including the beloved alioli sauce.

What’s in Alioli Sauce?

Alioli was originally made by crushing garlic into olive oil until it turned into a smooth, creamy sauce. These days, it often has additional ingredients, and sometimes includes mayonnaise or egg yolks. Alioli from The Tapas Sauces is made up of its traditional ingredients, garlic and olive oil, and also includes sunflower oil and lemon for a distinct and flavorful kick. Our alioli sauce is unique in that it’s egg-free, offering a safe, delightful option for those with egg allergies. Crafted to perfection, it retains the highest standards of quality and flavor.

cod with alioli sauce and rosemary honey

How to Use Alioli and Make the Most of its Versatility

Great news for foodies! There’s not one way to use alioli sauce, but endless! Read on as we guide you through some of the tried and true pairings involving Catalonia’s creamy delight.

Dipping Sauce

For every handheld snack and appetizer, alioli makes an incredible sauce for dipping. Whether we’re talking about French fries or potato wedges, breadsticks, calamari, or veggies, dip them into a ramekin of alioli and enjoy.

Spread for Sandwiches and Burgers

The rich garlicky flavor of alioli will bring your sandwiches and burgers to another level once it pairs with the cheese, meat, or salad. Prepare a veal hamburger with salsa alioli recipe and wow the taste buds of everyone.

Sauce for Grilled Meats and Seafood

If you’re planning on firing up the grills anytime soon, be sure to have your alioli sauce ready to enhance those flavors. It works a dream with grilled chicken, steak, or prawns and gives such dishes a Mediterranean twist.

Salad Dressing

You can use alioli as part of a salad dressing by thinning it out with some lemon juice or vinegar. Or mix it, as it is, into a bowl of delicious greens in meals such as this mezclum salad with salsa alioli. Imagine tasting the creamy texture and tangy kick of garlic in this meal.

Topping for Potatoes and Vegetables

Whether those vegetables are boiled or roasted, alioli gives them an irresistible flavor enhancer. A quick and easy recipe that still makes an elegant and highly satisfying lunch is this jacket potatoes with salsa alioli and thyme dish.

Extra Flavor for Rice or Pasta

How many times have you mixed mayonnaise into a pasta salad? Well, how about opting for something more original with its own Spanish charm? Whip up a tricolor spiral pasta salad with salsa alioliin no time and see how quickly you’ll want to do it again and again.

What’s more, you can enhance your next chicken and rice dish simply by adding a serving of alioli sauce on the side. When a fork full of delicious grilled chicken and soft fluffy rice swoop up the creaminess of alioli, there’s pure satisfaction in every bite.

Opt for a traditional Spanish recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor by preparing this black rice with salsa alioli dish. That way, you’ll bring the tastes of Catalonia straight to your kitchen.

Alioli sauce is a culinary gem that can liven up any meal. Its rich history, versatile uses, and knack for transforming simple ingredients into gourmet delights make it a must-have in your kitchen. With alioli from The Tapas Sauces, you’re just a drizzle away from creating unforgettable dishes that’ll impress your family and friends. So go on, embrace the flavors of Spain, and let alioli sauce be your secret ingredient for meals that truly stand out.