For many, “tapas” conjures holiday memories of oily croquetas
and patatas bravas. But they’re just the tip of the Iberian iceberg.
“It’s a myth tapas are greasy or unhealthy,” says Angel Zapata
Martin of Parrillan, the latest offering from the Barrafina family.
Much of the cuisine focuses on seasonal ingredients, fusing
flavour and nutrition. Just remember: you’re supposed to share.
Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4AB parrillan.co.uk01 MOMENT IN THE SUN
02
DISH IT OUTGREEN PEAS
Like leeks, peas are rarely associated
with exotic dishes, but prepare them
with a little Spanish flair and their
fitness and taste credentials will be
undeniable. An 80g portion contains
5g of protein and 5g of fibre, which
increase satiety for faster fat loss.FUET DE VIC
This cured-pork delicacy differs
from chorizo in its lack of paprika:
its main flavours come from black
pepper, garlic and aniseed. With its
hefty dose of iron to fuel proper
muscle function, it’s what is officially
known as a banging sausage.A
B
D
C
CARABINEROS
They may be named after the
customs police, but there’s nothing
to fear from these Mediterranean
prawns. Studies show that 300g
are enough to give you a 12%
increase in “good” HDL cholesterol,
protecting your heart health.LEEKS
Unjustly dismissed as potato’s soup
sidekick, leeks are antibacterial,
appetite-suppressing and full of
potent allyl sulfides, to which several
studies have attributed cancer-
fighting properties. Enough to pique
your interest, we’re certain.The cuisine of tapas is an ancient art,
and its cooking methods are rooted in
tradition. For the most authentic flavour,
use a charcoal grill – Martin recommends
Heston Blumenthal’s Everdure mini
grill (£149 kettler.co.uk) and the Lord
Logs coals he uses in his restaurants.
When cooking fiddly bits, such as the
carabineros, fix the pieces on metal
skewers (£3 for 6 sainsburys.co.uk),
so they keep their shape. As for serving,
the terracotta cazuela has been used in
Spanish cuisine since time immemorial.
If you don’t want to come across as a
pretendiente, invest in the right dishes
(£3 amazon.co.uk) and ensure that
your fuet is served on a wooden board
(£5 johnlewis.com). But, of course, it’s
about more than looking the part...