International Cuisine > Spanish Cuisine > Tapas Recipes > Patatas Bravas Recipe

Patatas Bravas: Crispy Potatoes with Spicy Brava Sauce

Enjoy the iconic flavors of Spain with this Patatas Bravas recipe. Crispy, golden potatoes are drenched in a smoky, spicy Brava sauce for the perfect tapas experience. Learn how to make this classic dish at home!

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 kg Potatoes (Yukon Gold or similar)
  • 1 cup Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika (pimentón)
  • 1 tbsp Sweet Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or hot paprika, adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 tbsp Sherry Vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • to taste Salt
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (optional, for aioli)
  • 1 clove Garlic (for aioli, optional)
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice (for aioli, optional)

Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the sizes consistent for even cooking. 2. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened but not fully cooked. This parboiling step helps create a crispy exterior. 3. Drain the potatoes well and let them steam dry for a few minutes. This removes excess moisture.

Fry the Potatoes

1. Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a potato is added. 2. Fry the potatoes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy potatoes. 3. Fry for about 8-10 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. 4. Remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Season immediately with salt.

Make the Brava Sauce

1. While the potatoes are frying, prepare the Brava sauce. In a separate saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. 3. Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper (or hot paprika). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor. 4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. 5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, paprika, or cayenne pepper to your liking. For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth (optional).

Prepare the Aioli (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. 2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice or garlic to your liking. 3. This aioli provides a creamy, garlicky contrast to the spicy Brava sauce.

Assemble and Serve

1. Arrange the fried potatoes on a serving platter. 2. Drizzle generously with the Brava sauce. 3. Dollop with aioli (if using). 4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g of product)

Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal
Fat: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Protein: 2-3g
Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and cooking methods.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

The primary nutritional concern for Patatas Bravas is the high fat content due to frying. Using olive oil is a healthier choice than other oils. To reduce fat, consider baking the potatoes instead of frying them, although this will affect the texture. Portion control is also important due to the calorie density of the dish.

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FAQ

  • Can I make Patatas Bravas ahead of time?

    The potatoes are best served immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness. However, you can prepare the Brava sauce and aioli (if using) ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Reheat the Brava sauce gently before serving.
  • Can I use other types of potatoes?

    Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to crisp up well. However, you can also use other types of potatoes such as Russet potatoes or red potatoes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of potato.
  • How spicy is the Brava sauce?

    The spiciness of the Brava sauce can be adjusted to your liking. Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper (or hot paprika) and add more to taste. You can also use a milder paprika for a less spicy sauce.