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If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold, spicy flavors with crispy, tender potatoes, then you are in for a treat with this Patatas Bravas Recipe. This classic Spanish tapas favorite delivers a sensational combination of golden roasted potatoes paired with a smoky, vibrant bravas sauce that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply want to elevate your snack game, this recipe brings the heart and soul of Spain right to your kitchen in one irresistible bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Patatas Bravas Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color, from the earthy russet potatoes to the fiery spices in the sauce.
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds): Their starchy texture crisps up beautifully when roasted, giving you that perfect crunch.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons): This adds rich flavor and helps the potatoes and sauce cook to perfection.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon for potatoes, 1 teaspoon for sauce): Adds a signature smoky warmth critical to authentic patatas bravas.
- Salt and black pepper (½ teaspoon each for potatoes, salt to taste for sauce): Essential seasoning that makes all the flavors pop.
- Small onion (1, finely chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and base for the bravas sauce.
- Garlic cloves (2 minced for sauce, 1 grated for optional aioli): Offers fragrant depth and a savory kick.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a spicy heat that awakens the palate; adjust to your preference.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a rich body.
- Crushed tomatoes (½ cup): Bring freshness and acidity to balance the smoky spices.
- Sugar (½ teaspoon): Neutralizes acidity and rounds out the sauce’s flavors.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and a tangy punch to the sauce.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup, optional): The base for a creamy, garlicky aioli that pairs beautifully with the spicy sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon, for aioli): Provides a fresh citrus note that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Patatas Bravas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and cube your russet potatoes into 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Toss them generously with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper so that each piece is coated well. Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve that perfect golden brown and crisp exterior.
Step 2: Make the Bravas Sauce
While the potatoes are roasting, get started on the heart of the Patatas Bravas Recipe—the bravas sauce. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add your finely chopped onion. Cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste to the pan, stirring and cooking for another minute to release all those wonderful aromas. Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens into a luscious, rich consistency. Finish by stirring in red wine vinegar. If you prefer a smooth sauce, feel free to blend it briefly.
Step 3: Optional Aioli Preparation
If you want that extra creamy touch, whisk together mayonnaise, grated garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl to create a simple and flavorful aioli. This adds a cool contrast to the spicy bravas sauce and is a delightful layering of textures.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once your potatoes are gloriously crispy and your sauce is vibrant and ready, drizzle the bravas sauce generously over the potatoes. Add a spoonful of aioli on top if using, and serve immediately to enjoy the warm, bold flavors at their best.
How to Serve Patatas Bravas Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or coriander over the top. It adds a fresh burst of color and a gentle herbaceous note that complements the smoky and spicy flavors beautifully. A few thin slices of fresh chili can also add a playful heat if you like it spicy.
Side Dishes
Patatas Bravas shine as a tapa but also pair wonderfully alongside dishes like Spanish omelet (tortilla española), grilled chorizo, or a light mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette. These help balance the richness and heat, making your meal feel complete and varied.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Patatas Bravas Recipe in rustic terracotta dishes or small cast-iron skillets directly from the oven to keep them warm. You can also layer the potatoes and sauce in glasses or jars for a tapas-style party snack that is both casual and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store the potatoes and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart preserves the crispiness of the potatoes and the flavor integrity of the sauce.
Freezing
The sauce freezes quite well, so feel free to make a double batch and freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Roasted potatoes don’t freeze as well since they can lose their texture, so it’s best to prepare those fresh when possible.
Reheating
Reheat the potatoes in a hot oven or air fryer to bring back some of that crunch, and warm the bravas sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid reheating everything together in the microwave if you want to keep the potatoes from becoming soggy.
FAQs
What potatoes are best for Patatas Bravas Recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their high starch content which crisps up nicely while keeping a fluffy interior. However, Yukon Gold can also work if you prefer a waxier texture.
Can I make Patatas Bravas Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply skip the optional aioli or use a vegan mayo alternative. The core elements of the potatoes and bravas sauce are naturally vegan-friendly and delicious as is.
How spicy is Patatas Bravas?
The heat level can be easily adjusted by modifying the cayenne pepper in the sauce. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, then add more to suit your taste. The aioli also helps mellow out the heat if you choose to include it.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes is traditional and ensures a smooth texture throughout. However, if you enjoy a bit of extra rustic charm and fiber, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash them well before cutting.
Can I make bravas sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The bravas sauce can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated. In fact, the flavors often deepen and intensify when the sauce rests overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Patatas Bravas Recipe truly captures the essence of Spanish cuisine with its simple yet bold flavors and comforting textures. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to dish for entertaining or a cozy night in. Give it a try and share the joy of this classic tapa with friends and family—you won’t regret it!
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Patatas Bravas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish tapa featuring crispy roasted potatoes tossed in a smoky, spicy tomato bravas sauce, often served with a garlic aioli. This recipe combines perfectly roasted russet potatoes with a rich, flavorful sauce made from smoked paprika, cayenne, and crushed tomatoes, offering a delicious and authentic taste of Spain.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Bravas Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Optional Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy outside but tender inside.
- Make Bravas Sauce: While the potatoes are roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute to release aromas.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat, stir in the red wine vinegar, and optionally blend the sauce until smooth for a velvety texture.
- Prepare Aioli (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, finely grated garlic, and lemon juice until combined. This adds a creamy and flavorful contrast to the spicy sauce.
- Serve: Once the potatoes are roasted, transfer to a serving dish, drizzle generously with the bravas sauce, and add a spoonful of aioli if using. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of crispy potatoes with spicy, tangy sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispy potatoes, parboil the cubed potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting to soften the interior and enhance crispness.
- You can pan-fry the potatoes in olive oil instead of roasting for a more traditional texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
