subject: Spanish Tapas and a tio pepe thats life [print this page] Mediterrenean recipes by Margarita Lachef
Tapas
It is well known that tapas originate from Spain. They are appetizers and snacks, usually bite size, served with a drink. The translation of tapa is a lid, and derives from the verb "tapar" to cover.
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The story of the origins vary from King Alfonso decreeing that all farm workers should be given a tapa to keep their strength up during the long working day, to bar tenders giving a tapa to cover the glass of wine or sherry in order to keep the fruit flies away.
The tradition exists to this day.
One of my favourite tapas is croquetas here is a croqueta recipe with a difference!
Vegetable Croquetas
1 cup of green lentils
l sweet potato (red flesh)
3 carrots
l clove of garlic
l cm slice of fresh ginger
2 tbspoons coriander
a little flour
egg
breadcrumbs
Cook the lentils in well seasoned vegetable stock drain, but do not rinse, as this will remove the flavouring from the stock. To the same stock add the diced carrots, some ten minutes later add the diced sweet potato (this will ensure that both vegetables will be cooked at the same time).
Meanwhille mix together the garlic, ginger and coriander in a blender add to the lentils. Once the sweet potato and carrot are cooked drain well and roughly mash leaving the mixture quite lumpy add to the lentil mixture.
Shape into croquetas, roll in flour, then into beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.
Shallow or deep fry for about 3 minutes..........
Margarita Lachef has lived for over 20 years in Majorca, where she is working for the rich and famous on their luxury yachts and estates. her speciality is mediterrenean cooking. E-mail Margarita for ideas and suggestions
