Soulful Tapas

Recipe

Soulful Tapas

Soulful Spanish Bites: A Fusion of Flavors

4.5 out of 5

In the realm of soul food, we bring you a delightful twist on the classic Spanish tapas. Soulful Tapas infuses the vibrant and bold flavors of soul food into bite-sized dishes. This fusion cuisine combines the rich heritage of Spanish cuisine with the comforting and soulful elements of Southern cooking. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the best of both worlds.

Jan Dec
Assorted Small Dishes or Ritual› Tapas
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Spanish cuisine
Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Southern American cuisine› Soul food

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Soul food enthusiasts, Vegetarian, Vegan (if using plant-based buttermilk and barbecue sauce), Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour and cornmeal), Dairy-free (if using dairy-free buttermilk)

Allergens

Wheat (if not using gluten-free flour and cornmeal), Dairy (if not using dairy-free buttermilk)

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, Nut-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

While traditional Spanish tapas focus on ingredients like olives, cured meats, and seafood, Soulful Tapas incorporates the flavors and ingredients commonly found in soul food. This adaptation introduces elements such as collard greens, cornbread, and smoky spices to create a unique and soulful twist on the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
  • Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
  • Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 8g)
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Salt: 1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the collard greens for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add the blanched collard greens and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
  3. 3.
    In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. 4.
    Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. 5.
    Take a handful of the marinated collard greens, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off, and coat them in the cornmeal mixture.
  6. 6.
    Carefully place the coated collard greens in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Repeat with the remaining greens.
  7. 7.
    Remove the fried collard greens from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  8. 8.
    Serve the Soulful Tapas with barbecue sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Collard greens — Make sure to remove the tough stems before chopping the leaves. Blanching them briefly helps to soften their texture and remove any bitterness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mixture.
  • Serve the Soulful Tapas with a side of homemade ranch dressing for a cool and creamy dip.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces like honey mustard or chipotle mayo to add variety to your tapas spread.
  • If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the coated collard greens in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving advice

Arrange the Soulful Tapas on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve them warm to fully enjoy their crispy texture and flavorful interior.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, serve the Soulful Tapas on individual small plates or in mini cast-iron skillets. Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce on top and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a visually appealing touch.

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