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Ten of the best Spanish tapas to enjoy as autumn sets in

The Local Spain
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Ten of the best Spanish tapas to enjoy as autumn sets in
Albóndigas (meatballs) are one of the heartiest autumn dishes you can order in Spain. Photo: Lou Stejskal/Flickr

Feeling hungry? The Local asked foodie experts Devour Tours for the top ten perfect tapas to warm yourselves up on an autumn day (even though so far this fall it's still far from cold in most of Spain).

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Spain is said to have more bars per square foot than any other country. Of course, we couldn’t be happier about this! There is something comforting about a tiny Spanish bar with its tall wooden stools, impossibly narrow entryway and more often than not, standing room only.
 
Everyone inside is laughing and shouting with a drink in their hand. And of course, you’ll also need something to nibble on as you toast with your glass of Rioja or caña of beer.
Enter the tapa; that quintessentially Spanish great little bite of food that has become synonymous with Spanish culture.

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Now that autumn is setting in, (even though in mid-October 2021 it's far from cold yet) we’ve put together a list of our favourite cold weather Spanish tapas. 
 
1. Champiñones rellenos (stuffed mushrooms)
A fine example of stuffed mushrooms in Spain. Photo: alanagkelly/Wikipedia A fine example of stuffed mushrooms in Spain. Photo: alanagkelly/Wikipedia
There are entire bars devoted to the perfect stuffed mushroom tapa. The technique is pretty easy. Take button mushroom tops, fill them to the brim with olive oil, garlic and bits of Iberian ham and wait for them to cook on the grill. This is a cold weather tapa that you can’t miss! 
 
2. Albóndigas (meatballs)
A hearty plate of albóndigas. Photo: cyclonebill/Flickr A hearty plate of Spanish albóndigas. Photo: cyclonebill/Flickr
These delicious Spanish meatballs are usually served in a small clay dish with a little cracker called a pico on the side. You might get one or two meatballs as a tapa and they will be smothered in the most delicious sauce (usually homemade by the cook!) Especially delicious are the meatballs with almond sauce. They’re rich and satisfying on a cold winter night.

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3. Dátiles con beicon (dates wrapped in bacon)
 
Spanish bacon-wrapped dates, Expect a sweet and savoury flavour burst with this Spanish dish. Photo: Marco Verch/Flickr Expect a sweet and savoury flavour burst with this Spanish dish. Photo: Marco Verch/Flickr
You don’t need us to tell you that salty and sweet are a match made in heaven! We also probably don’t need to spend much time explaining that bacon can improve almost any recipe. This tapa is just what it sounds like: a date wrapped in a bit of bacon and then cooked on the grill until the bacon is crispy. Possibly the perfect cold weather tapa.
 
4. Morcilla de Burgos (Burgos blood pudding)
Morcilla de Burgos. If you can get over what you're eating, this is a delicious autumn dish. Photo: Javier Lastras If you can get over what you're eating, this is a delicious autumn dish. Photo: Javier Lastras/Flickr
 Okay, we know that the idea of eating blood pudding might not be on the top of your list. However, if you are so inclined, we highly recommend this tapa. Generally served with a little slice of bread, the sausage is rich and savory in the best kind of way. 

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5. Croquetas (Spanish croquettes)
 
Served piping hot, croquetas are the perfect snack to keep you warm on a cold autumn day. Photo: Angie Six/Flickr Served piping hot, croquetas are the perfect snack to keep you warm on a cold autumn day. Photo: Angie Six/Flickr
Croquettes, when they are homemade, are easily one of our favorite cold weather tapas. When you bite into the fried croquette, you’ll find a perfect creamy mix of béchamel sauce and bits of chicken, ham, mushroom, spinach (or whatever is on hand in the kitchen). Some say that croquettes are Spain’s answer to leftovers. If that’s the case, then this little tapa is the best use of leftovers we’ve ever seen!
 
6. Pincho moruno (seasoned pork skewer)
Things might get a bit messy with pinchos morunos, but the taste is worth it. Photo: Juantiagues/Flickr Things might get a bit messy with pinchos morunos, but the taste is worth it. Photo: Juantiagues/Flickr
 The pincho moruno is a very simple concept. The meat is coated in spices that were originally of Arab influence. This is how the skewer gets its name: "moruno" comes from the Spanish for "Moorish." The mix of spices is a lovely blend that is not at all spicy, just very flavorful in what that really enhances the flavor of the pork. A cold weather tapa that pairs perfectly with a good local beer. 
 
7. Callos a la Madrileña (Madrid style tripe)
Keep your mind on the deliciousness rather than the origin when eating Spanish callos. Photo: Javier Lastras/Flickr Keep your mind on the deliciousness rather than the origin when eating Spanish callos. Photo: Javier Lastras/Flickr
Again, we’re going to ask you to refrain from judging this tapa by the name and your preconceived notions of tripe. In Madrid this dish is cooked slowly in a spicy sauce along with lovely chickpeas and makes for a perfect little stew to enjoy on a chilly night. We are sure that if you try this tapa, you’ll be soaking up the sauce with your bit of bread after you’ve finished!
 
8. Chorizo a la sidra (chorizo cooked in cider)
Chorizo with cider - Spicy meat and cider merge for the perfect kick in this classic autumn dish. Photo: Chispita666/Flickr Spicy meat and cider merge for the perfect kick in this classic autumn dish. Photo: Chispita666/Flickr
If you’ve ever tried Spanish chorizo sausage, you will know that this tapa has to be good! Here, the classic Spanish sausage is simmered in cider until tender and cooked through. The result is a rich and savory tapa typical of the region of Asturias.
9. Buñuelos de bacalao (salt cod fritters)
 

Buñuelos de Bacalao, a change from all the meaty dishes on most autumn menis in Spain. Photo: Amaya Rodrigo / Flickr
Salt cod is one of the most common fish used in Spanish cooking, and the main ingredient in this cold weather tapa. The fritters are generally served with a bit of garlic mayonnaise, which complements the saltiness of the cod perfectly. We also like to enjoy this tapa with a local beer. 
 
10.  (paprika mashed potatoes)
 
Photo: Patatas revolconas - because who needs proper vegetables in their diet? Photo: Leobh1979/Wikipedia
This tapa is typical in the regions of Extremadura, Ávila and Salamanca and it couldn’t be simpler. Homemade mashed potatoes are mixed with sweet red paprika to give them an orangey color and a smokey flavor. There are also typically bits of ham or bacon, or fried pork rinds called torreznos. It’s a hearty tapa, and perfect for a cold evening! 
 
Devour Tours was founded by Spanish food lovers as a way to connect hungry travellers with the local, family run businesses that make amazing food. Offering fun and delicious food tours and tapas tours in Seville, Barcelona and Madrid. Follow them on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter for Spanish food news, tips and recipes.
 

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