A Spanish Tapas Trail: Small Plates, Big Flavor

In Spain, tapas are a social habit as much as a style of food. Friends move from bar to bar, sharing a few small plates and a drink at each stop.

Plates worth ordering

• Patatas bravas: crispy potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce.
• Gambas al ajillo: prawns sizzling in garlic and olive oil.
• Tortilla espanola: a thick potato and onion omelette served warm or cold.
• Pimientos de Padron: small green peppers, blistered and salted.
• Jamon iberico: thinly sliced cured ham, best eaten simply.

How to do it at home

Pick four or five dishes, mix hot and cold, and put everything in the middle of the table. Add bread to mop up the oil, a bottle of dry white wine or a cold beer, and let the evening run slowly.