Patatas Bravas

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're a fan of crispy, golden potatoes with a kick of spice, Patatas Bravas is right up your alley. This Spanish classic is all about bold flavors and hearty textures that make it an irresistible side dish or snack.

Ingredients for Patatas Bravas

The star of this dish is definitely the russet potatoes, which are ideal for frying thanks to their higher starch content. This gives you that perfect crispy exterior. The olive oil not only helps in frying but also infuses its own subtle flavor into the potatoes. Smoked paprika brings that essential smoky aroma, while cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick. A touch of garlic powder rounds out the spice blend, enhancing the flavor profile.

For the sauce, onion and garlic form a savory base, while crushed tomatoes provide a rich, tangy body. Smoked paprika, cayenne, and a hint of chili powder create a deeply flavorful sauce that complements the crispy potatoes perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure the potatoes are dry before frying to achieve the best crispiness.
  • If you prefer less spicy food, adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste.
  • For an even cook, try to cut your potatoes into similar-sized pieces.

Serving Suggestions

Patatas Bravas is fantastic on its own, but it really shines as part of a tapas spread. Pair it with other Spanish favorites like chorizo, Manchego cheese, or a refreshing salad to balance out the spice. If you're serving it as a side, it complements grilled meats beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-boil the potatoes and store them in the fridge. Just fry them when you’re ready to serve.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Crushed tomatoes from a can work best for this sauce, providing a smooth texture that clings well to the potatoes.

Patatas Bravas Recipe Walkthrough

Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water for just five minutes to soften them slightly. This step ensures your potatoes cook evenly and crisp up better later on. Drain them and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

In a large pan, heat a quarter cup of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the potatoes. Let them fry, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and crispy. This should take about 15 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, you can prepare the sauce.

In a separate saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne, and chili powder. Let them cook for another minute before adding the can of crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken.

Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the heat. Toss them with smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve them hot, with the spicy tomato sauce generously drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, even on a busy weeknight.
  • Packed with smoky, spicy flavors that sing in every bite.
  • Perfectly crispy potatoes that are an absolute crowd-pleaser.
  • A versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a side.

Ingredients

2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and fry until golden and crispy, about 15 minutes.
3. While potatoes cook, prepare the sauce. In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder, cooking for another minute.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, simmering for 10 minutes until thickened.
6. Once potatoes are done, remove from heat and sprinkle with smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve potatoes hot with the spicy tomato sauce drizzled on top.

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