Transport yourself and your loved one to sunny Spain this Valentine’s Day as you devour bite-size recreations of the best of Spanish cuisine, washed down with a refreshing glass of Sangria. These easy to prepare dishes require minimal ingredients but possess full on flavour.
- Gambas
Simply sauté some fresh prawns in a mix of olive oil, chilli, lemon and parsley, to then be eaten alone or accompanied by some traditional Spanish bread.
- Red Wine Chorizo
A fruity Rioja will truly bring out the smoky flavour of chorizo. Chuck in some garlic and shallots and let the mixture simmer until the wine has significantly reduced.
- Patatas Bravas
One of the most prevalent Spanish tapas plates, simply consisting of cubed white potato fried in oil and topped with both a spicy tomato sauce and Alioli, a Provençal sauce made typically with garlic, lemon, egg yolks and olive oil.
- Escalivada
Oven roast sweet peppers and aubergine until evenly charred to achieve a smoky flavour and top with salty anchovies to create a colourful, vegetable dish.
- Crispy Calamari & Capers
Another established Spanish delicacy, best served with sour capers and a lemon wedge. If there is any Alioli remaining from the Patatas Bravas, this makes an exceptional dipping sauce.
- Spanish Olive Tapenade
A spread typically made in France with Niçoise olives and in Italy with Gaeta olives, however, the use of Spanish Manzanilla olives to make tapenade offers a slightly sweeter, fruitier variety. Simply blend with olive oil, lemon and coriander and serve with rich, warm tomato bread.
These delicacies have the potential to be served up as a starter or a main course, depending on the quantity and variety you opt for. If you’re feeling brave, have the tapas prelude a main of traditional Spanish paella or finish your meal with a sweet sharing portion of Spanish churros with a chocolate dipping sauce. Complete your evening with a jug of home-made sangria or a chilled bottle of Cava.
If you’re sold on the notion of food to share but don’t fancy braving the kitchen, The Cottonwood Boutique’s Winter Menu boasts a selection of sharing platters inspired by cuisine from various countries across the globe. From an Asian Plate to an Italian Antipasti Board, the menu offers something for everyone to enjoy!
