Tapas are a great way to sample a bit of everything. A slice of tortilla Española, a few slices of Manchego cheese, a couple of shrimp or even a small dish of paella are all considered tapas. Many Spaniards go from place to place eating tapas in lieu of a big meal.
Paella is the most typical dish of Spain, getting its name from the pan where it is cooked--"the paellera." Common ingredients are seafood, chicken, rabbit, saffron, garlic, tomato sauce and, of course, rice.
Chorizo is a pork sausage that originated in Spain. It can be fried, stewed, put in paella, and oftentimes is considered a delicious tapa. Many Spaniards consider jamon serrano (Spanish dry-cured ham) a national source of pride. Jamon serrano is cured for at least a year and visitors often see the big legs hanging in tiendas all over Spain.
Cocido madrileño is another famous dish in Spain. Meat (chicken, chorizo and morcilla), garbanzo beans, carrots, leeks and cabbage are cooked in a "caldo" or broth, simmering for hours. The solid food is then taken out of the pot and the "caldo" is served in bowls as a first dish. Second is the meat and vegetables, which are often drizzled with fresh lemon.
Tortilla Española is made from potatoes, which are fried in a pan with onion, garlic, and salt and eggs. Once the potatoes are soft, they are mixed with beaten eggs and the thick mixture is poured back into a pan to cook. Tortilla Española is a very common tapa and it can also be found inside of some delicious Spanish "pan" (i.e. bread) to make a sandwich.
"Vino tinto" (red wine) is incredibly popular in Spain because some of the types that are produced--including Ribera del Duero and Rioja--are delicious and another source of pride for the country. In summer, some people ask for "tinto de verano" (summer wine), which is just red wine with some sparkling water added.
