Authentic Spanish Patatas Bravas Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 large potatoes
  • 4 cups of olive oil for frying
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the potato cubes to the pan and fry them until they are golden brown and crisp. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly.
  4. While the potatoes are frying, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until they are soft and translucent.
  5. Add the can of diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red wine vinegar, and sugar to the saucepan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  6. Once the potatoes are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle them with salt.
  7. Pour the sauce over the fried potatoes or serve it on the side for dipping. Dollop mayonnaise over the top or serve it on the side as well.
  8. Serve the Patatas Bravas hot.

Tools for making

  • Potatoes - 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • Olive oil - 4 cups of olive oil for frying the potatoes until golden brown and crisp
  • Salt - 1 teaspoon of salt, to sprinkle over the fried potatoes
  • Diced tomatoes - 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, used to make the sauce
  • Onion - 1 small onion, finely chopped, for the sauce
  • Garlic - 2 cloves of garlic, minced, for the sauce
  • Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, adds a smoky flavor to the sauce
  • Cayenne pepper - 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, adds a spicy kick to the sauce
  • Red wine vinegar - 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, adds tanginess to the sauce
  • Sugar - 1 teaspoon of sugar, balances the flavors in the sauce
  • Mayonnaise - 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, for serving with the Patatas Bravas

Recipe variations

  • Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to the tomato sauce for an extra kick.
  • Herb-infused Variation: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the tomato sauce for added flavor.
  • Vegetarian Variation: Instead of using mayonnaise, serve the Patatas Bravas with a side of aioli made with vegan mayonnaise.
  • Sweet Potato Variation: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
  • Cheesy Variation: Sprinkle grated cheese, such as cheddar or manchego, over the fried potatoes and melt it under the broiler.
  • Sausage Variation: Cook and crumble some chorizo or Spanish-style sausage and sprinkle it over the Patatas Bravas before serving.
  • Garlic Variation: Add minced garlic to the tomato sauce for a stronger garlic flavor.
  • Smoky Variation: Use smoked sea salt or smoked paprika to give the dish a smoky flavor.
  • Vegan Variation: Replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative, such as a vegan cashew cream or a vegan sour cream.

Recipe overview

Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish dish that's packed full of flavor. It features crispy fried potatoes doused in a spicy tomato sauce and served with a side of creamy mayonnaise. This dish is often enjoyed as a tapa in Spain, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish to any meal. The preparation is straightforward, and the result is a satisfying combination of textures and flavors - from the crunch of the potatoes to the heat of the sauce and the coolness of the mayonnaise. This recipe makes enough to serve four people, but it can easily be doubled or halved to suit your needs. Enjoy a taste of Spain right in your own home with these delicious Patatas Bravas!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, you can use different types of potatoes for this recipe. However, it is recommended to use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best results.
  2. Can I bake the potatoes instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the potatoes instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), toss the potato cubes in a bit of olive oil and salt, then spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
  3. Can I use a different type of oil for frying? Yes, you can use different types of oil for frying, but keep in mind that the traditional flavor of Patatas Bravas comes from using olive oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil can be good alternatives if you prefer.
  4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.
  5. Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the sauce to your liking. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. If you want it spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or even a pinch of chili flakes.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Frying Pan - A large frying pan is essential for frying the potatoes.
  • Saucepan - A saucepan is needed for preparing the sauce.
  • Slotted Spoon - A slotted spoon is useful for removing the fried potatoes from the pan.
  • Paper Towels - Paper towels are needed for draining the excess oil from the fried potatoes.

Origin stories

Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish tapas dish, originating from the vibrant city of Madrid. It made its culinary debut in the mid 20th century, during the time of Spain's economic development. The dish is best known for its dual nature - the crispiness of the fried potatoes perfectly complemented by the fiery punch of the 'Brava' sauce. The term 'Brava' translates to 'fierce', truly a testament to the bold flavors of the sauce. In each region of Spain, you'll find variations of this beloved dish, some with a milder sauce, some with added aioli. But no matter the variation, the heart of Patatas Bravas lies in its simplicity and its ability to bring people together over a shared love for good food, much like the spirited Spanish culture itself.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.