If you’ve never tried Patatas Bravas, prepare for a treat that’s crispy, savory, and completely irresistible. These Spanish-style potatoes are tossed in a bold, tangy sauce that has just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re serving them as a tapas appetizer, a side dish, or enjoying them as a snack on their own, they’re guaranteed to impress. Picture this: golden crispy potatoes with a spicy, smoky sauce drizzled all over—trust me, it’s a game-changer. So, grab your apron and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Patatas Bravas
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or just indulging in a little comfort food, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main. It works in any setting, from casual to a dinner party.
Budget-Friendly: All you need are potatoes and pantry staples for the sauce. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to impress.
Quick and Easy: You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. The potatoes cook up crispy, and the sauce comes together in minutes.
Customizable: Want to turn up the heat? Add more chili. Love garlic? You can never have enough.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Everyone loves a plate of Patatas Bravas, making it a guaranteed hit at your table.
Ingredients in Patatas Bravas
Here’s the beauty of this dish — the ingredients are simple, but they come together to create something truly delicious.
Potatoes: The heart of this dish. You want them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Olive Oil: For frying and roasting. It adds a rich flavor that elevates the dish.
Garlic: It’s all about that savory depth and warmth. A little garlic goes a long way in flavoring the sauce.
Tomato Sauce: Gives the sauce that base and a touch of sweetness.
Paprika: The key to the smoky, slightly spicy flavor. You can use smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth.
Chili Flakes: Adds the perfect amount of heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
Vinegar: A little acidity to balance the richness of the potatoes and the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, to bring everything together and really make the flavors pop.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re frying, heat your oil to medium-high in a deep pan.
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Spread them out on a baking sheet for roasting, or fry them in the hot oil until golden and crispy.
Roast or Fry the Potatoes: Roast the potatoes for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Alternatively, you can fry them in batches for 5–7 minutes until golden.
Make the Sauce: While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce, paprika, chili flakes, and vinegar. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish: Once the potatoes are ready, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the sauce generously over the top, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with a side of fresh bread or a cold drink, and enjoy! These crispy, saucy potatoes are the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Patatas Bravas
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Patatas Bravas are great served with a side of aioli or a fresh salad to balance out the richness. If you’re making it as a tapas-style dish, pair it with other Spanish favorites like Chorizo al Vino or Pan con Tomate for an unforgettable spread. A glass of chilled white wine or sangria would also elevate the meal beautifully.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– For extra crispy potatoes, you can parboil them for 5 minutes before frying or roasting.
– Want a smoky touch? Use smoked paprika for the sauce.
– Make the sauce ahead of time. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– If you’re short on time, go for frying instead of roasting for a quicker result.
– Adjust the chili flakes based on your spice tolerance — start with a little and add more if you like it hot!
– For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the potatoes in advance and just reheat them when you’re ready to serve. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian! Just be sure to check that your tomato sauce is free from meat-based ingredients.
3. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes work wonderfully as a healthier alternative!
4. How spicy is the sauce?
The sauce can be adjusted to your liking. Add more chili flakes for heat, or keep it mild if you prefer.
5. Can I use a different type of oil?
Olive oil is ideal, but you can use vegetable or canola oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
6. Can I bake the potatoes instead of frying them?
Yes! Roasting them in the oven gives them a lighter texture but still delivers the crispy outside.
7. What can I serve this dish with?
Patatas Bravas pair perfectly with other Spanish tapas like Patatas Alioli, Spanish Omelette, or Piquillo Peppers.
8. How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for the best texture.
9. Can I make the sauce spicier?
Definitely! Add more chili flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
10. What if I don’t have paprika?
You can substitute with chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for a different flavor.
Conclusion
Patatas Bravas are everything you want in a dish—crispy, flavorful, and satisfying. The potatoes are perfectly golden, the sauce has just the right amount of kick, and together they create a bite that’s nothing short of magical. Whether you’re serving it for a crowd or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let the comforting flavors take over!
Print
Patatas Bravas
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 40min
- Total Time: 55min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring crispy fried potatoes topped with a spicy tomato-based sauce. This flavorful appetizer is a staple in Spanish cuisine, known for its combination of textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
– 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
– 2 teaspoons sweet smoked Spanish paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika (or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper)
– 1/2 cup aioli (homemade or store-bought), for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip the potatoes and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
4. While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the bravas sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the tomato sauce, sherry vinegar, sweet smoked paprika, and hot smoked paprika. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Once the potatoes are done, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the bravas sauce over the top.
6. Serve immediately with aioli on the side for dipping.
Notes
– For a more authentic version, deep-fry the potatoes instead of roasting them. Heat olive oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the potatoes until golden and crispy.
– Adjust the heat level of the bravas sauce by varying the amount of hot smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1serving
- Calories: 300kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg