Beef Tapas

When it comes to beef tapas they are few and far between and usually only served in the home using the leftovers from a beef dinner. Spanish tapas being as versatile as they are can be almost anything and some flavoursome beef will add something a little different as it is normally pork (and the multitude of tapas ideas using it) which is the norm in southern Spain.

Beef is not readily available in rural Andalucia but when we do see it in the butchers it is a meat worth a couple of extra euros. Roasts are great, slow braised beef is better and garlic (in our house anyway) is the usual suspect when it comes to flavour as well as rosemary, cracked black peppercorns and sliced onion as a base for the meat to sit on for 3 hours.

Simple Roast Beef with Tapas Later...

2kg Topside beef
70cl Red wine
1 Large onion, sliced into rings
6 Carrots, battoned
4 Potatoes, quartered
8 Garlic cloves, cracked with skins on
1 Sprig rosemary
Black pepper

How to Cook:

1. Place the onion rings on the bottom of a terracotta casserole or baking tray.

2. Place beef on top, and season well with pepper and rosemary.

3. Place vegetables around the meat

4. Place garlic in between the meat and vegetables.

5. Pour red wine over vegetables.

6. Slow roast for 3 hours at 140 degrees, turning veg if required.

Tapas:
 
Cut the leftover beef into thin slices and serve with fresh bread and butter, hojiblanca olives or with seasoned tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil.

(Blue and White plate from the 'Granada' range.)

Spanish Ceramic Bowls

If you have ever been to Spain on holiday and wished you could take home some of the stunning Spanish ceramics which are made here but thought they might not last the journey home in the suitcase then we have the perfect solution for you! 

Introduced in late 2011 the new ‘Baecula’ range is one of the most vibrant examples of hand painted ceramics from Andalucia in southern Spain. So taken were we with its striking colours and unique patterns during a trip to the town of Jaen we simply had to make this range available as were sure that our customers would love it.

Baecula (pro: ‘by-cooler’ ) is the ancient name for the town of ‘Bailen’ in the southern region of Jaen in Andalucia. The name changed after the battle of Bailen in the 19^th century and has been adopted by our ceramics manufacturer to name one of their very first ranges of Spanish ceramics.

It is not really until you hold these ceramics in your hands that you fully appreciate the weight and quality, with each piece painted by hand there are literally no two the same making the Baecula range very unique indeed. For those looking for that unusual gift this selection of Spanish ceramics delivers both quality and vibrancy from Andalucia. Newly introduced is a trio of stunning bowls for salads, fruit, couscous and general serving, the type of size that would not last the journey in a suitcase or hand luggage! The largest of the three is a fabulous piece measuring 24cm in diameter and a bowl that makes a great centerpiece on any table, there is of course a full range of unique bowls, servers and olive oil pourers available.

If you enjoy Spanish cooking or indeed any type of Mediterranean cuisine and need something a little more colourful than the usual storage pots then the Baecula range has the perfect solution for your kitchen. Introduced to the range are lovely big garlic storage pots, spice jars, herb pots and pestle and mortar which will add some lovely bright Spanish colours to your worktops or shelves.

The introduction of the new Bailen ceramics as well as other designs of Spanish pottery spells the beginning of a whole new product range in your online deli. Here at Orce Serrano Hams we don’t just offer some of the finest locally produced Spanish meats and other foods, we also want you to enjoy serving your Spanish food and tapas in typical Andalucian style thus creating a gastronomic and colourful experience direct from Spain in your own home.

More coming soon!

Discover the full range HERE

Pots of Spain

'Pots of Spain' is a brand new blog all about Spanish ceramics. We thought it was about time to write about something else we are both passionate about and that is Spanish pottery ~ from tapas bowls to garden pots and floor tiles you will find it all on Pots of Spain!

Terracotta and hand painted ceramics have featured on the Top Spanish Tapas since 2008 but now we are going into more depth looking at painting designs, techniques, where it is all produced, how and where to buy and much more. Pots of Spain focuses solely on Spanish ceramics and with so many designs and colours available we welcome you to pop by, be inspired and discover some traditional hand painted Spanish ceramics.

We will be covering all aspects of Spanish terracotta, hand painted ceramics from different regions of Spain, production, paints and the history behind the tradition as well as talking to producers. Spanish ceramics are vibrant, rustic, functional  and above all ooze 'Spain' so we welcome you to visit the blog, leave a comment or two and discover some lovely colours in almost every shape and size!

Pots of Spain

Iain & Gayle