Delicias de Elche (Elche Delights) are a popular tapas dish from Elche, combining sweet dates with smoky bacon and crunchy almonds.
They are simple to make and perfect as an appetiser when you have guests.
This oven-baked version is lighter than the traditional fried recipe but just as delicious. Serve them warm on a platter and keep the cocktail sticks in place so guests can easily help themselves.
What are Delicias de Elche?
Delicias de Elche are made with dates, almonds and smoked bacon.
The combination of sweet and savoury flavours makes them a favourite across the Costa Blanca, especially during celebrations and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 15 dates
- 15 roasted almonds
- 10 slices smoked bacon
- Olive oil
How to prepare Delicias de Elche
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Oven temperature: 180°C
- Preheat the oven to 180°C
- Cut the dates open and remove the stones
- Place one roasted almond inside each date
- Wrap each date with half a slice of smoked bacon
- Secure with a cocktail stick
- Place on a baking tray and drizzle lightly with olive oil
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the bacon is golden
- Serve warm
Traditional fried version
If you prefer the traditional method:
- Fry the wrapped dates in hot oil
- Cook until the bacon is golden
- Drain on kitchen paper
- Serve hot
The fried version is richer, while the oven-baked option is lighter and easier.
The origins
Delicias de Elche are closely linked to Elche and its famous palm groves. The dish became popular in the 1970s, particularly at Hotel Huerto del Cura, where it was served during the opening in March 1972.
However, similar recipes existed earlier. Dates wrapped in bacon appeared in Spanish cookbooks in the 1960s and even earlier in British cuisine, where they were known as “Devils on Horseback”.
Despite this, Delicias de Elche became strongly associated with the city thanks to its abundance of dates and the success of the recipe locally.
