Spanish Chorizo & Clams - Easy Spanish Tapas to Go with Your Beer

When we visit a Spanish restaurant, there is always the word "Tapas" on the menu. What does it actually mean?

In Spanish, the word "Tapas" originally means "lid" or "to cover." In Spanish dining culture, meals often start with a drink, and while chatting and drinking, people usually don't finish their drinks in one go. To prevent dust from settling on the surface of the drink, they would cover the glass with cheese or ham, which is the original form of Tapas. In other words, Tapas are foods that are paired with drinks, and over time, the term has come to refer to appetizers or snacks that accompany alcohol.

Besides the aforementioned cheese or ham, Tapas can come in various forms, such as cold dishes or hot foods. Common examples include potato salad, omelets, and fried seafood, showing that Tapas are generally simple dishes. This time, I'm introducing a beginner-friendly Tapas recipe that can be made in just 15 minutes. It features slightly spicy and smoky Spanish chorizo paired with sweet clams, making it a delightful appetizer!

Ingredients（serve 2）

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Clams	1 KG
Chorizo	1 pc (about 80g)
Onion	½ bulb
Garlic	6 cloves
White Wine	150 ml
Olive Oil	3 tbsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Salt	1 pinch
Ground Black Pepper	½ pinch
Parsley	1 sprig
Bread	​to taste

Steps

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1. Peel and slice the onion; slice the Spanish chorizo; peel and mince the garlic; chop the parsley finely.

2. Heat a deep pan over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Add the chorizo and paprika, and stir well.

4. Then add the clams and mix well. (I bought New Zealand frozen littleneck clams, which do not require sand purging. If you bought your clams from a market, please soak them in salted water for 2-3 hours beforehand to purge sand.)

5. Then add white wine, mix well, cover with a lid, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the clams fully open.

6. After uncovering, add a little black pepper and salt to taste, and squeeze in the juice of about half a lemon. Mix well and then remove from heat to serve.

7. Finally, sprinkle with chopped parsley and enjoy! Remember to serve with some bread on the side!