Vegetarian Tapas

Ingredients

While traditional Spanish tapas often feature meat and seafood, this vegetarian version replaces those ingredients with plant-based alternatives. By incorporating a wide range of vegetables, legumes, and plant-based proteins, we create a vegetarian tapas experience that is equally satisfying and delicious. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup (200g) cooked chickpeas 1 cup (200g) cooked chickpeas
• 1 cup (200g) marinated artichoke hearts, drained 1 cup (200g) marinated artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 cup (200g) olives, assorted varieties 1 cup (200g) olives, assorted varieties
• 1 cup (200g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional for vegan version) 1 cup (200g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional for vegan version)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, zucchini, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, and olives.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Allow the flavors to meld together by refrigerating the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   Just before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) and fresh parsley over the tapas.
6. 6.
   Serve the vegetarian tapas on small plates or in individual bowls.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cherry tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
• Marinated artichoke hearts — Drain the artichoke hearts well to avoid excess moisture in the tapas.
• Olives — Use a variety of olives for a diverse flavor profile.
• Feta cheese — For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with vegan cheese alternative.
• Smoked paprika — Opt for high-quality smoked paprika to add a smoky depth to the tapas.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different vegetables and legumes to create your own unique tapas combinations.
• Serve the tapas with crusty bread or toasted pita wedges for added texture.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of smoked paprika and garlic.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with garnishes like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Serving advice

Serve the vegetarian tapas as a standalone appetizer or as part of a larger vegetarian feast. Arrange the tapas on a platter or individual plates, allowing guests to mix and match their favorite flavors.

Presentation advice

Create an eye-catching display by arranging the colorful tapas in a visually appealing pattern. Use small bowls or ramekins to hold the different components and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green.