Patatas Bravas Recipe
Description
Experience the authentic taste of Spain with our Patatas Bravas Recipe, a beloved tapas dish that combines crispy fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce. This classic Spanish dish is a staple in tapas bars across the country and is known for its irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Our Patatas Bravas Recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring you create a dish that is both delicious and true to its Spanish roots. Whether you're hosting a tapas night or simply craving something different, our Patatas Bravas Recipe will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Spain.
Ingredients for Patatas Bravas Recipe
For the Potatoes:
For the Bravas Sauce:
Instructions for Patatas Bravas Recipe
Preparing the Potatoes:
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Peel and Cut:
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Peel 4 large russet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
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Soak and Dry:
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Soak the potato cubes in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them become extra crispy when fried. Drain and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
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Fry the Potatoes:
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Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
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Season and Rest:
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Remove the potatoes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Season immediately with salt to taste.
Preparing the Bravas Sauce:
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Sauté the Aromatics:
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In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
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Add the Spices:
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Stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors of the spices.
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Simmer the Sauce:
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Add 1 can of crushed tomatoes to the saucepan, followed by 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
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Blend and Serve:
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Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth, or leave it chunky if preferred. Spoon the sauce over the crispy potatoes and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Potassium 900mg26%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 150 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Patatas Bravas Recipe Variation Options
Add Aioli:
- Top your Patatas Bravas with a drizzle of homemade garlic aioli for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Use Sweet Potatoes:
- Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter version of the dish.
Spicy Kick:
- Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce to the bravas sauce for a spicier kick.
Herbed Potatoes:
- Toss the fried potatoes with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Cheesy Patatas Bravas:
- Sprinkle grated Manchego cheese over the hot potatoes before adding the sauce for a cheesy delight.
Patatas Bravas Recipe Cooking Tips
Perfectly Crispy Potatoes:
- Ensure the potatoes are completely dry before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
Consistent Frying Temperature:
- Maintain a consistent medium-high heat when frying the potatoes to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Sauce Consistency:
- If the bravas sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to reach the desired consistency.
Blending the Sauce:
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth.
Balancing the Flavors:
- Adjust the seasoning of the bravas sauce according to your taste preferences, adding more vinegar for tanginess or more spices for heat.
Patatas Bravas Recipe Serving Suggestions
Tapas Platter:
- Serve Patatas Bravas as part of a tapas platter alongside other Spanish favorites such as olives, chorizo, and manchego cheese.
Party Appetizer:
- Arrange the potatoes on a large serving platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
Brunch Side Dish:
- Pair Patatas Bravas with fried eggs and avocado for a delicious and hearty brunch.
Game Day Snack:
- Enjoy Patatas Bravas as a flavorful game day snack, perfect for munching while watching your favorite sports.
Main Course:
- Serve a generous portion of Patatas Bravas as a vegetarian main course with a side salad for a complete meal.
Reader Engagement
We’d love to hear about your experiences with our Patatas Bravas Recipe! Did you try any unique variations or have any tips to share? Whether you’re a seasoned Patatas Bravas lover or making them for the first time, we invite you to leave a comment and share your journey with this classic Spanish dish. Your insights and experiences inspire us and others in their culinary adventures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can fry the potatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness before serving.
You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes for a similar texture and flavor.
Store leftover potatoes and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven and on the stovetop, respectively.
Yes, the bravas sauce can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder sauce.
Patatas Bravas pair well with Spanish dishes such as paella, tortilla española, or grilled shrimp skewers.
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan as long as the bravas sauce does not contain animal-based ingredients.
