Patatas Bravas: Two Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Classic Spanish Tapas
Patatas bravas, or «brave potatoes,» are a quintessential Spanish tapas dish. Crispy fried potatoes are served with a spicy brava sauce, making them a perfect appetizer or a casual snack. Here, we present two variations of this beloved dish: a classic recipe and a slightly simplified version for a quick weeknight treat.
Classic Patatas Bravas
This recipe provides the authentic flavor of patatas bravas, involving a homemade brava sauce with carefully balanced spices for a truly unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Olive oil, for frying
- Salt to taste
Brava Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 (400g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A few drops of hot sauce (optional)
Prep & Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Fry the potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt immediately.
- Make the brava sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and sugar. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the crushed tomatoes and broth.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a few drops of hot sauce.
- Blend the sauce (optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Combine and serve: Generously drizzle the brava sauce over the fried potatoes. Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy potatoes, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying. This helps remove excess starch.
- Add a dollop of aioli or garlic mayonnaise for another layer of flavor and creaminess.
Nutritional Info (per serving, estimated):
Calories: 350, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 40g, Protein: 5g
Easy Patatas Bravas with Pre-Made Sauce
This quick and easy recipe uses store-bought tomato sauce as a base to create a satisfying brava sauce in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Olive oil, for frying
- Salt to taste
Simplified Brava Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup tomato sauce (passata or similar)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep & Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
- Prepare and fry the potatoes: Prepare and fry the potatoes as outlined in steps 1 and 2 of the Classic Patatas Bravas recipe.
- Make the simplified brava sauce: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Simmer the sauce: Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Generously drizzle the brava sauce over the fried potatoes. Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Add a splash of vinegar (sherry vinegar is excellent) to the sauce for extra tanginess.
- For a richer flavor, sauté a finely chopped shallot in olive oil before adding the tomato sauce.
Nutritional Info (per serving, estimated):
Calories: 300, Fat: 15g, Carbs: 35g, Protein: 4g