Karen Wright: A taste of Spain - tapas inspired

“Apparently readers, we are all set for a sizzling few days, the hottest days of the year are forecast,” writes Karen Wright in her latest column.
Tapas or not tapasTapas or not tapas
Tapas or not tapas

“I know not everyone likes it hot, I like to see the sunshine but always from a shady spot. We all need a bit of sunshine to get a dose of vitamin D but not too much exposure as that can be harmful.

When I think of summer days my thoughts invariably turn to food. There are so many things that are great cooked outside and who doesn’t love a barbecue? Burgers and bangers of course are the standard offerings on most barbecues, but a hot glaze brushed on to them as they cook gives them an extra boost. I often make a glaze from whatever bottles of condiments I have in. Another tip that BBQ Ben, a barbecue chef friend of mine gave me is put some apple juice in a spray bottle and mist the meat often during cooking, it gives a lovely caramelisation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In our family this week we lost my stepfather Bob, he was 93 and had lived a great life. One of his passions was all things Spanish. I was thinking about this as I was preparing our Saturday evening meal. It was a fine evening, so we lit our garden space heater cum barbecue. I was thinking around tapas. It can be just a simple plate of olives or nuts but equally can be a whole array of cooked mini bites. Patatas bravas are probably one of the best-known tapas, fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce! I decided to serve them with a griddled steak.

Patatas bravas ingredients: Cold cooked potatoes; olive oil; half a diced red pepper; crushed garlic (to taste); 1 tbs smoked paprika; sprinkle chilli flakes (to taste); salt and pepper; 1 tbs honey; 1 tin chopped tomatoes; splash red wine.

Method: In a frying pan sauté, the potatoes in hot oil until golden. In another pan soften the diced pepper in oil then add all the other ingredients and bubble down until it has thickened slightly.

Serve on or alongside the hot potatoes.

So, everyone, enjoy the summer weather, stay safe, have fun and until next week, Hasta la vista! See www.karenwrightbakes.co.uk website.”

Related topics: