Mediterranean Tapas

Ingredients

While the original Spanish tapas are typically influenced by regional ingredients and flavors, this Mediterranean adaptation incorporates a wider variety of herbs, spices, and ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine. The focus is on fresh produce, olive oil, and aromatic herbs, creating a lighter and more herbaceous twist on the traditional tapas. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) cherry tomatoes 1 pound (450g) cherry tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 small cucumber 1 small cucumber
• 1 small red onion 1 small red onion
• 2 cloves of garlic 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh mint, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh dill, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh chives, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh chives, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl.
2. 2.
   Dice the red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion into small pieces and add them to the bowl.
3. 3.
   Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the bowl.
4. 4.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
6. 6.
   Add the fresh parsley, mint, basil, cilantro, dill, and chives to the bowl and toss again.
7. 7.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Mediterranean tapas chilled, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful cherry tomatoes for the best taste.
• Fresh herbs — Use a variety of fresh herbs to enhance the Mediterranean flavors of the tapas.
• Olive oil — Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• Red wine vinegar — The tangy acidity of red wine vinegar adds a delightful zing to the dressing.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the tapas.

Tips & Tricks

• For a burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the tapas before serving.
• Customize the tapas by adding grilled artichoke hearts or marinated olives.
• Serve the tapas with crusty bread or pita chips for dipping.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Make a larger batch and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Arrange the Mediterranean tapas on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through. Serve with small plates and cocktail picks for easy sharing. Encourage guests to mix and match the tapas to create their own flavor combinations.

Presentation advice

Garnish the tapas platter with sprigs of fresh herbs, such as basil or mint, to add a touch of elegance. Consider using a colorful serving dish or a rustic wooden board to enhance the Mediterranean aesthetic.