9 VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN TAPAS THAT NEED TO BE ON YOUR MUST-EAT LIST
In a country that loves its meat as much as Spain, it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to find vegan and vegetarian-friendly options on the menu. When you go to a tapas bar you’ll notice that the menu is often laden with cured meats, cheeses, and other options that aren’t apt for veggie lovers. While it may be difficult to find vegan and vegetarian tapas, it’s not impossible. Here are a few that feature veggies as the main attraction that you’ll fall in love with at first bite!
Vegetarian tapas:
Vegetarian tapas may contain eggs, cheese, or other dairy products but no meat or fish. There are many vegetarian-friendly dishes that you can find in Spain, and some of our favorites are listed below.
Tortilla de patatas
Both veggie lovers and meat eaters alike can agree that tortilla de patatas is one of the most iconic dishes in Spain. This omelet is stuffed with fried potatoes and onions and cooked until it is a nice golden color on the outside. Inside, the Spanish omelet retains a nice, soft texture, ranging from runny to cooked through. Every tapas bar puts their special touch on their tortilla de patatas, but this is one dish you can’t go wrong with.
Revuelto
Another egg-cellent vegetarian option is revuelto, scrambled eggs mixed with a variety of ingredients. However, some varieties may contain meat like Spanish ham or chorizo, so read the menu carefully. Oftentimes you can find a revuelto that is veggie-centered, with mushrooms, asparagus, or wild garlic. If you have any doubts about ingredients, it’s best to ask to make sure your revuelto is vegetarian-friendly.
Pisto con huevo
Pisto is a Spanish version of ratataouille, which by itself is a vegan dish. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and eggplant are cooked in a tomato sauce with herbs, resulting in a healthy, filling dish. However, many times this tapa comes with a fried egg on top to make it a more complete meal. Cut the yolk open and let the richness mix with the pisto before you take your first bite.
See more: All about Spanish Croquettes, One of Spain’s Essential Tapas
Croquetas
We have endless love for croquetas, golden-fried bites of deliciousness. Almost every tapas bar serves tapas of some kind since they can be stuffed with any number of ingredients. Some vegetarian croquetas may contain cheese, mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables. Tapas bars normally have a few varieties of croquetas on their menu to please all tastes.
Vegan tapas:
The difference between vegan and vegetarian tapas is that no animal products are in the dish whatsoever. Finding vegan tapas might be a bit trickier, and you may want to confirm with your server that they are 100% vegan. Generally speaking, these recipes are vegan, tasty, and great options for when you’re out tapas bar hopping.
Gazpacho
Nothing’s better on a hot summer day in Spain than a refreshing bowl of gazpacho. Gazpacho is famous for being a cold tomato soup, but it actually contains cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, and garlic as well. Incredibly tasty, healthy and popular, you’ll have no problem finding this dish on the menu in the warmer months.
Garbanzos con espinacas
Want a vegan dish with a boost of protein? Try garbanzos con espinacas, chickpeas and spinach simmered together with paprika, cumin, and spices. This is a specialty in Seville and the south of Spain, so it may be harder to find in other regions of the country. Put a scoop over some crusty bread and you’re in business!
Patatas bravas
Patatas bravas are not only normally vegan, but they are without a doubt one of the most popular tapas in Spain. They are one of the top vegetarian tapas, and the recipe is easily adaptable to be made vegan if you’re preparing them at home. If you’re at a tapas bar, be sure to check with your server that the bravas sauce doesn’t have any animal products in it.
Champiñones al ajillo
Your mouth will start watering as soon as you smell champiñones al ajillo! Mushrooms simmering in garlic, parsley, and cayenne are the vegan dish that you never knew you needed. They are often served in a little dish so you can spear them with a toothpick and pop them in your mouth. Pro tip: use a bit of bread to sop up all the juices after you eat all the mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor!
Berenjenas con miel
Berenjenas con miel are not only a vegan dish but they mix the best of both worlds: salty and sweet! Crispy, fried rounds of eggplant are smothered in honey, resulting in a seriously good bite. Who needs meat when you can have something this scrumptious and satisfying?
Join Food Lover Tour to discover the best vegetarian tapas and so much more! Our unique food tours show you the best Spanish cuisine in the city, hands-down!