Patatas Bravas Recipe: A Spanish Classic for Your Table
Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 4
Patatas bravas are one of Spain’s most beloved tapas, often served as a flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with meats, seafood, or even as a satisfying snack on their own. The golden, crispy potatoes are dressed in a smoky, tangy tomato sauce and topped with a hint of paprika, making them utterly irresistible. If you’re looking to bring the tastes of Spain to your kitchen, this recipe for Patatas Bravas will transport you right to the heart of tapas culture. Here’s how to prepare this simple yet delicious dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (peeled) | 1 kg |
| Sweet paprika | 10 g |
| Tomato passata | 2 cups |
| Red wine vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 6 tbsp |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 300 kcal |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | Varies |
Instructions
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Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by washing and peeling the potatoes with a vegetable peeler or knife. Once peeled, cut the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes, making sure they are all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the tomato passata with the red wine vinegar. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed, and set the sauce aside. This will be used to dress the crispy potatoes once cooked, infusing them with a tangy flavor that is the hallmark of patatas bravas.
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Cook the Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potato cubes to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings. Reduce the heat to low-medium and allow the potatoes to cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan or burning, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly without breaking apart.
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Flavor the Potatoes: After 20 minutes of cooking, the potatoes should be tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside. At this point, sprinkle the sweet paprika over the potatoes, mixing gently to ensure the paprika coats each piece, infusing them with a warm, smoky flavor.
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Serve: Once the potatoes are fully cooked and seasoned, remove them from the heat. Plate the potatoes and generously drizzle the prepared tomato sauce over them. You can also serve additional sauce on the side for dipping.
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Enjoy: Serve your patatas bravas immediately while they are still warm and crispy, perfect for a tapas night with friends or as a side dish for your favorite Spanish meal.
Tips for the Perfect Patatas Bravas
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Frying Tips: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the potatoes, as this will ensure they become crispy without soaking up too much oil. Frying at a medium heat also prevents the potatoes from burning before they’re fully cooked.
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Paprika Variations: While this recipe uses sweet paprika, feel free to experiment with a combination of sweet and spicy paprika for an extra kick. You can also use smoked paprika for a richer, more intense flavor.
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Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian option, serve these potatoes alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Patatas bravas are a fun, flavorful, and simple dish that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of other Spanish tapas. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a comforting dish, this recipe will surely delight your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the taste of Spain right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe for Patatas Bravas.
