What specific culinary tradition is associated with the Spanish social tradition of tapas?
Answer
Sharing small appetizers alongside reliance on olive oil
Spanish cuisine shares traits with Portuguese food, notably the reliance on olive oil as a fundamental cooking medium. Internationally, Spain is highly recognized for two related elements: *paella*, a signature rice dish, and *tapas*. Tapas are not merely a food item but represent a social tradition centered around consuming an array of small, shared appetizers, often while socializing. This tradition of shared small plates is distinct from the elaborate multi-course structure of Japanese *kaiseki* or the heavy stewing found in parts of Africa, although both Spanish and Portuguese cuisines utilize olive oil heavily.

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