When it comes to celebrating food, we don't need a reason. But today is World Tapas Day, an extra delicious excuse to enthuse about everything saucy, smoky and crispy.
A central part of Spanish food culture, these small bites of food have defined the way Spanish people eat, whether its a light snack after work with friends or a full meal of tiny, delectable dishes.
Beliefs about their origin differ, but two stand out. According to popular legend, in the 13th century King Alfonso X of Castille was recovering from an illness, for which some accounts say he was prescribed large amounts of wine, and took to eating small portions of food - possibly to minimise the effects of the alcohol.
Another, arguably more plausible, theory is that barkeepers began covering their patrons' drinks with slices of bread, which inevitably would be topped with cheeses and cured meat, to protect them from dust and flies.
This makes sense, not least because the word tapa comes from the verb taper, meaning "to cover", and in Spanish a tapa is also the word for a lid.
Tapas exist in many forms, such as the classic patatas bravas, crispy potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce, or chopitos, tiny fried squid. Other classic combinations include jamón Iberico - cured ham - or chorizo and mature cheeses served on bread, bowls of saucy meatballs and sizzling prawns served in garlic and chili oil.
But combinations vary from region to region, restaurant to restaurant, giving you even more of an excuse to nibble your way through some tapas.
Worked up an appetite? Not to worry. Here are some tapas recipes to master on World Tapas Day!
1. Albondigas, Spanish Meatballs
7. Crispy Paprika-Salt Squid with Aioli
8. Spanish Mussels with White Wine and Chorizo
