When planning a menu, we always rack our brains to find connections between each course. What appetizers can precede paella? It is a rich, festive dish that is a meal in itself. Appetizers are not always necessary, but it is possible to please your guests with a few simple ideas for starters and tapas.
The Choice of Tapas as a Starter
This idea seems simple, but it goes perfectly with the main course: paella. These are two Spanish culinary concepts and dishes that, as a result, can go hand in hand! Tapas are not really an appetizer, but they can replace it during a pre-dinner drink. They are the small bites of Spanish cuisine, served with drinks in bars. They can make up a complete meal or be the starter before the meal. They are considered a moment of conviviality within Spanish culture. A tapa can be hot or cold and uses a wide variety of ingredients: crustaceans, fish, cheese, cold cuts, etc.
The Classics
Tortilla
A Spanish tortilla is a thick omelet made of eggs and potatoes. In some Spanish regions, onions are added. This addition is often a subject of controversy among Spaniards. A bit like “pain au chocolat” and “chocolatine,” these are regions and practices that are at odds! 😉 It is cooked on both sides. It can be eaten hot or cold as a starter, main course, or as tapas.
Pan con tomate (bread with tomato)
Pan con tomate is also a Spanish tapas classic. It consists of slices of bread rubbed with fresh tomato and a little garlic, seasoned with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Olives
Olives with herbs, olives stuffed with peppers, olives stuffed with anchovies… You can find them for every taste, of every variety, and in every Spanish market!
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a fairly classic and simple Spanish tapa to prepare. Mushrooms are stuffed with a savory filling based on cured ham (like serrano or ibérico), onion, garlic, parsley, mushrooms, etc. They are baked in the oven until they are tender and slightly golden.
Meat and Vegetable Skewers
This is not a Spanish classic, but it’s simple to prepare and always pleases guests. Just take skewers and add small tomatoes, mozzarella, cured ham, sweet onions, chorizo, etc. Of course, if they are grilled, the choice of ingredients is much wider. You can use paprika to keep with the Spanish theme.
Platters of Cold Cuts or Cheese
This is a good solution for offering a variety of foods without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can find all kinds of cold cuts: cured ham, chorizo, sausage, hard cheeses, etc. To pair with paella, you can use only Spanish specialties: ibérico ham, chorizo, lomo, fuet (a Catalan sausage), Manchego cheese, etc. Don’t forget the bread slices!
Fried Foods
Calamari a la Romana
Calamar a la romana is a well-known seafood tapa, often served in the form of fritters or rings. You have calamari coated in a frying batter. Then, they are deep-fried and served hot with aïoli or mayonnaise.
Croquetas
These small bites are both crispy and soft. Their main ingredient is a very thick béchamel sauce to which other ingredients are added for flavor and taste. You can find them with ham, chicken, prawns, cheese, mushrooms, etc.
The béchamel is prepared and then cooled to make it hard enough to be shaped into small portions. Each portion is then coated in breadcrumbs to give it a crispy side. They are finally deep-fried and eaten right away.
Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas is one of the most common Spanish tapas found in bars and restaurants. They are small pieces of fried potatoes served with a brava sauce, which is savory and slightly spicy.
Seafood Tapas
Garlic Prawns and Mussels
These are prawns sautéed in a little olive oil with garlic, parsley, and a little paprika. They are enjoyed hot to savor all the flavors. The mussels are not sautéed in oil but are opened with a little white wine.
Other Seafood: Octopus, Razor Clams, etc.
Spnish people enjoy many seafood appetizers. Octopus is often served sautéed with olive oil, a little paprika, and salt. This is called pulpo a feira, or Galician-style octopus.
Razor clams are also suitable for a tapas presentation. They are also sautéed with a little olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs to add extra flavor.
More traditional starters
If you absolutely want your guests to be seated and enjoy a real starter, here are some preparation ideas.
Melon and Cured Ham
A classic summer dish, which is not of Spanish origin but pairs very well with paella. It consists of slices of melon, or a half-melon, served with cured ham. It is regularly consumed throughout the Mediterranean basin.
Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a cold soup of Spanish origin, made from raw tomatoes, various blended vegetables (cucumbers, peppers, onions, etc.), and olive oil. It is a perfect starter to accompany paella. Its lightness is well-suited before bringing out the main course.
Salads (Green, Grilled Pepper, Octopus, etc.)
Very simple, basic, and light! But a salad always works! Feel free to garnish it with Spanish ingredients to pair it with your paella!
It is not essential to have an appetizer or appetizers before a paella. This popular Spanish dish is hearty enough to satisfy all your guests. The idea of a small, friendly aperitif with Spanish tapas, while the paella is cooking, is an excellent idea. Be careful not to serve too much so that everyone is still hungry for the main course.
