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Bombas de la Barceloneta are one of the most iconic and recognisable tapas in Barcelona. Born in the historic fishing district of La Barceloneta, they are part of the popular culinary tradition that transformed simple ingredients into small, generous and characterful bites. Traditionally associated with …
A small bite with Mediterranean soul The Gilda is one of Spain’s most recognisable pintxos. Its origins are in San Sebastián, where it became popular in the 1940s. The classic combination of olive, anchovy and pickled chilli quickly became a symbol of Basque bar culture. …
Croquettes are one of Spain’s most popular tapas and are also deeply rooted in Catalan culinary tradition. Their modern origins are associated with French cuisine and the croquette, but in Spain they evolved into a distinctive dish strongly connected with the tradition of using leftovers creatively.
Traditionally, croquettes were a delicious way to transform leftover meat, fish, chicken or vegetables into an entirely new dish. The combination of a creamy béchamel filling, a flavourful ingredient and a crisp golden coating made them one of the great stars of Spanish tapas.
In Catalonia, you can find many varieties, from classic chicken and ham croquettes to cod, mushrooms, spinach, prawns and squid.
Serving them with allioli adds an unmistakably Mediterranean character: the creamy croquette contrasts beautifully with the intense flavour of garlic and olive oil.
Perfect for using leftover roast or cooked chicken.
One of the most popular varieties, rich, savoury and creamy.
A traditional seafood-inspired option with a delicate flavour.
An aromatic vegetarian alternative with a wonderfully earthy character.
Delicate and elegant, ideal for a more refined tapas selection.
A distinctive seafood version with plenty of Mediterranean character.
A lighter vegetarian option with a fresh flavour.
Rich and creamy inside with an especially crisp exterior.
Choose the main ingredient you would like to use.
For chicken, ham, cod, prawns, mushrooms or any other filling, make sure it is already cooked and finely chopped.
Set aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan or frying pan.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook slowly for 8–10 minutes, until completely tender.
Do not allow it to brown too much.
Add the flour and stir for approximately 2 minutes to cook it and remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously.
Cook over medium-low heat until you obtain a very creamy and thick mixture.
Season with salt, black pepper and a small amount of nutmeg.
Add your chosen filling to the béchamel.
Mix carefully until everything is evenly incorporated.
Continue cooking for a few minutes.
The mixture should gradually begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Transfer the mixture to a wide dish.
Cover directly with cling film, making sure it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Allow it to cool completely.
Ideally, refrigerate it overnight.
This resting period makes shaping the croquettes much easier.
Using a spoon, take small portions of the chilled mixture.
Shape them into traditional oval croquettes or round shapes, depending on your preferred presentation.
Try to keep them approximately the same size so they cook evenly.
Coat each croquette in:
flour → beaten egg → breadcrumbs
Make sure they are completely covered.
For an extra-crispy crust, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb stage.
Heat plenty of olive oil to approximately 175–180°C.
Fry the croquettes in small batches.
Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the oil temperature to drop.
Fry for approximately 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
Place the garlic and a pinch of salt in a mortar.
Crush until you obtain a smooth paste.
Gradually add the olive oil while stirring continuously until the mixture becomes creamy and emulsified.
A few drops of lemon juice can be added for freshness.
For a quicker preparation, an immersion blender can also be used.
Arrange the freshly fried croquettes on a wooden serving board or ceramic plate.
Serve the allioli in a small bowl in the centre.
Finish with a few leaves of fresh parsley and, if desired, a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.
The croquettes should be served hot and crisp on the outside, yet creamy inside.
The difference between an ordinary croquette and an exceptional one is mainly the texture.
The filling should be:
creamy, flavourful and firm enough to shape.
Chilling the mixture is essential.
During frying, the oil must remain hot enough for the coating to become crisp quickly without allowing the croquettes to absorb excessive oil.
Ham: rich and classic.
Chicken: mild and perfect for using leftovers.
Cod: elegant and seafood-inspired.
Mushrooms: aromatic and vegetarian.
Prawns: delicate and sophisticated.
Squid: intense and distinctly Mediterranean.
Spinach: light and vegetable-based.
Cheese: rich and indulgently creamy.
A selection containing several different types of croquettes is an excellent way to share tapas and experience different flavours at the same time.
Croquettes with allioli pair particularly well with a fresh, crisp 0.0% alcohol-free white wine, especially when prepared with cod, prawns or squid.
For ham, chicken or cheese croquettes, a Mediterranean-style 0.0% alcohol-free aperitif works beautifully.
Another refreshing option is very cold sparkling water with lemon and fresh Mediterranean herbs.
Copyright © 2016-2026 Magic Dreams Barcelona.
Pulpo a Feira, also known as Galician-style octopus, is one of the most iconic dishes of Galicia. Traditionally prepared and served at fairs, festivals and popular celebrations, its name literally refers to this connection with traditional fairs. Over time, it became one of the great …
A Mediterranean seafood classic with a fiery touch Spicy mussels in tomato sauce are a simple yet intensely flavoured seafood dish that reflects the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean coast. Mussels have long been an important ingredient in popular coastal cuisine because they are affordable, …
Fried calamari and fried anchovies are two timeless dishes of Mediterranean coastal cuisine. Simple, generous and full of flavour, they are especially popular as tapas in traditional bars, taverns and seafood restaurants.
Roman-style fried calamari are prepared by cutting fresh squid into rings, coating them in a light batter and frying them until golden and crisp while keeping the inside tender.
Fried anchovies, known in Spain as boquerones fritos, are small Mediterranean fish traditionally coated lightly in flour and fried in olive oil. Their delicate flavour and crisp texture make them one of the simplest and most popular seafood tapas.
Although anchovies can also be prepared in vinegar, this recipe is specifically for fried anchovies in olive oil.
Together, these two dishes capture the essence of Mediterranean tapas: fresh seafood, quality olive oil, crisp textures and the unmistakable flavour of the sea.
Clean the squid carefully, removing the entrails, transparent cartilage and outer skin.
Cut the squid into rings approximately 1 cm thick.
Dry them thoroughly with kitchen paper.
Removing excess moisture is important because it helps prevent oil splashes and allows the batter to become properly crisp.
Place the flour, egg, very cold water, salt and white pepper in a bowl.
Mix gently until you obtain a smooth batter.
Do not overmix.
The batter should be fluid enough to coat the calamari lightly while remaining thick enough to adhere to the rings.
Heat plenty of olive oil to approximately 175–180°C.
Dip each calamari ring into the batter and allow the excess to drain away.
Carefully place the rings into the hot oil.
Fry for approximately 2–3 minutes, depending on their size.
When golden and crisp, remove them and drain on kitchen paper.
Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop.
Clean the fresh anchovies by removing the heads and innards.
You may leave the central bone in place or remove it, depending on your preferred presentation.
Rinse them briefly under cold water and dry them thoroughly.
Season lightly with salt.
Place the anchovies in the flour and gently toss them until lightly coated.
Shake off any excess flour.
The coating should remain thin.
The aim is to preserve the delicate flavour and texture of the fish rather than covering it with a heavy crust.
Heat olive oil to approximately 175–180°C.
Fry the anchovies in small batches for approximately 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Remove them carefully and drain on kitchen paper.
Finish with a few drops of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Important: these anchovies are fried in olive oil. They are not prepared en vinagre.
Arrange the fried calamari on a large serving plate.
Place the fried anchovies alongside them.
Add fresh lemon wedges and, if desired, a little chopped parsley.
For a more traditional presentation, serve them in small ceramic dishes alongside rustic bread.
The combination of golden fried seafood, fresh lemon and extra virgin olive oil creates a simple but highly appealing Mediterranean presentation.
To elevate these traditional tapas while preserving their authentic character:
The objective is to achieve the perfect contrast:
golden and crisp outside, tender and juicy inside.
The temperature of the olive oil is crucial.
If the oil is too cool, the batter absorbs excessive oil.
If it is too hot, the exterior can brown before the calamari reaches the ideal texture.
Maintaining a stable temperature and frying in small batches produces a much better result.
The anchovies should remain delicate and moist inside while developing a thin, crisp exterior.
The key is simple:
fresh fish, a light coating of flour and properly heated olive oil.
Do not leave the anchovies in the flour for too long before frying.
Coat them immediately before placing them in the oil.
This helps maintain a lighter and crispier finish.
For an authentic Mediterranean tapas experience, serve the calamari and anchovies on a wooden board or in small traditional ceramic dishes.
Arrange the calamari in the centre and place the fried anchovies alongside them.
Add lemon wedges and a little fresh parsley.
A small bowl of alioli can complete the presentation.
The result should feel generous, informal and inviting — like a traditional seafood tapas table beside the Mediterranean.
These tapas pair particularly well with a fresh, dry 0.0% alcohol-free white wine, whose acidity helps balance the richness of the fried seafood.
A chilled 0.0% alcohol-free Mediterranean-style vermouth is also an excellent choice for an aperitif.
For a completely refreshing option, serve with very cold sparkling water, lemon and fresh Mediterranean herbs.
The drink should refresh the palate while allowing the calamari, anchovies and olive oil to remain the stars of the dish.
Copyright © 2016-2026 Magic Dreams Barcelona.
The Mediterranean on a slice of toasted bread The Espardenya is a traditional Catalan-style tapa combining toasted bread, escalivada and anchovies, bringing together the flavours of the land and the sea. The name espardenya is associated with this rustic style of preparation in Catalan cuisine, …
Catalan olivada is one of those simple preparations that perfectly expresses the character of Mediterranean cuisine. Traditionally made with black olives, this aromatic olive spread captures the flavour of the Catalan landscape in just a few ingredients: olive trees, extra virgin olive oil and Mediterranean …