Patatas Bravas recipe (Spicy Potatoes)

Today, in Spain from the Cuisine, we going to learn to elaborate one of the most typical Spanish tapa, the Spicy Potatoes recipe or “Patatas Bravas” in Spanish.

Patatas bravas, also known as spicy potatoes in english, are a popular tapa (snack) in Spain. The dish is said to have originated in Madrid in the mid-20th century and has since become a staple in Spanish cuisine. The exact recipe for patatas bravas varies depending on the region, but typically consists of fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. Some recipes call for the addition of paprika, garlic, and other spices to enhance the flavor of the sauce. Regardless of the variations, patatas bravas are a beloved dish in Spain and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients for Patatas Bravas recipe

Patatas bravas is a Spanish dish that consists of fried potatoes and a spicy tomato sauce. Here’s a recipe that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sized potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt, to taste

For the sauce:

• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (Optional)
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (Optional)

Ingredient substitutions for Patatas Bravas recipe

Here are some notes and ingredient substitutions for the patatas bravas recipe:

• Potatoes: You can use any type of potato for this dish, but waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold or new potatoes are recommended as they hold their shape well when fried.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is the traditional oil used for frying the potatoes, but you can substitute with any other type of oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
• Tomatoes: You can use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes. You can also use canned crushed tomatoes if you prefer a smoother sauce.
• Onion: You can use yellow or white onions instead of red onions.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is recommended, but you can also use garlic powder if necessary.
• Red bell pepper: If you don’t have red bell pepper, you can substitute with any other color of bell pepper or even with pimento or roasted red peppers from a jar.
• Paprika: You can use smoked paprika for a more intense flavor. If you don’t have paprika, you can substitute with chili powder or cumin.
• Cayenne pepper: If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can substitute with chili flakes or any other type of hot sauce.
• Salt and pepper: You use to taste.

Directions of Patatas Bravas recipe

Patatas bravas is a Spanish dish that consists of fried potatoes and a spicy tomato sauce. Here’s the recipe that you can try at home:

1. In a medium saucepan, you heat the olive oil over medium heat. You add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. You add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. You add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You stir to combine and bring to a boil.
4. You reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it has thickened.
5. Once the sauce is ready, I recommend you blending it with a blender and passing it through a potato mill. In this way, it will be much more attractive and soft on the palate.
6. In a large frying pan, you heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You add the cubed potatoes and salt and cook until they are golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
7. You Serve the fried potatoes with the spicy tomato sauce.

Note: You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less cayenne pepper, according to your taste preferences.

Tips for Patatas Bravas recipe

Here are some tips for making delicious patatas bravas:

For the potatoes:

• Cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly after cutting to ensure they get crispy when fried.
• Use a high smoke point oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, to fry the potatoes.
• Fry the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and to ensure they cook evenly.
• Season the potatoes with salt immediately after they have been fried to help the salt adhere to the potatoes.

For the sauce:

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Cook the sauce over low heat for a longer time to allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken or vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.
• And if the sauce is too spicy, add a little sugar or honey to balance out the flavors.

For serving:

• Serve the patatas bravas immediately after they have been fried, while they are still hot and crispy.
• Serve the sauce on the side so diners can control the amount they use.
• Consider garnishing the patatas bravas with chopped parsley or chopped green onions for added flavor and color.

Suggestions for serving Patatas Bravas

Here are some suggestions for serving patatas bravas:

• As a tapa: Spicy potatos are a popular tapa, or small snack, in Spain. Serve them as a starter or as a snack with drinks.
• Side dish: You can serve Patatas bravas as a side dish with grilled meats, such as chicken or beef.
• Main dish: Also, you can serve Patatas bravas as a main dish, especially if you make a larger portion and serve them with a salad or other vegetables.
• With other dips and sauces: You can serve Spicy potatoes with other dips and sauces, such as aioli or garlic mayonnaise, for added flavor.
• As part of a Spanish-themed meal: Patatas bravas can be part of a larger Spanish-themed meal, along with other Spanish dishes such as paella or gazpacho.
• With toothpicks: You can serve Spicy potatoes as finger food, with toothpicks or small forks for easy eating. This is a great option for parties or events.

FAQs

Here are some possible frequently asked questions (FAQs) about making patatas bravas:

• Can I use another type of oil besides olive oil to fry the potatoes? Yes, you can use any type of oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to fry the potatoes.
• It’s possible to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes for the sauce? Of course, you can use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes.
• What type of potatoes should I use for patatas bravas? We recommend waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold or new potatoes as they hold their shape well when fried.
• Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Just be sure to rewarm it gently over low heat before serving.
• It’s possible to make the potatoes ahead of time? It is not recommended to make the potatoes ahead of time, as they are best when fried and served immediately. If you must make them ahead of time, store them in a warm oven (about 200°F) for up to 30 minutes.
• How can I adjust the heat level of the sauce? If the sauce is too spicy, add a little sugar or honey to balance out the flavors. If you want a milder sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce used.
• Can I use another type of paprika besides smoked paprika for the sauce? Yes, you can use any type of paprika, or even substitute with chili powder or cumin, for the sauce.
• It’s possible to make the sauce gluten-free or vegan? Of course, you can make the sauce gluten-free by using a gluten-free broth or water instead of chicken or vegetable broth. To make the sauce vegan, use a plant-based oil such as olive oil or avocado oil and a plant-based broth or water.