Patatas Bravas - Classic Spanish tapas dish
The national dish of the Spanish is probably the potato. Today I would like to introduce a classic tapas dish that can be found in every Spanish bar and restaurant - "Patatas Bravas".
What turns the regular fried potato chunks into "brave potatoes"? It's the salsa brava, of course - a rich sauce made from olive oil, onions, garlic and peppers. Don't let the red color fool you, there are no tomatoes in this sauce! It's not a tomato sauce!
Due to different culinary influences, the sauce varies in different restaurants. Some make it with fish, meat or vegetable stock, and I've even tried some with curry!
So let's get started!
🥔 Ingredients (for 2-4 people)
- 1 white onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons sweet paprika powder
- 1 tablespoon hot paprika powder (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Salt to taste
- 250 ml drinking water
- Vegetable stock cubes to taste (alternatively 250 ml stock instead of water and stock cubes)
- 700 g potatoes
- some corn starch
- Oil for frying
🥢 Preparation steps
- Finely chop the onion and garlic. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle evenly with a layer of cornstarch. Set aside.
- Pour olive oil into a saucepan, add onion and garlic and fry gently over low heat until lightly golden. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add sweet and hot paprika powder and stir quickly. Then add flour and continue to fry briefly. Add water in three batches, stirring well each time. Add vegetable stock cubes and stir well.
- Place the mixture in a large bowl and use a hand blender to puree it until it becomes a smooth sauce. The Salsa Brava is now ready.
- In another pan, heat the oil for frying to 180 degrees. Add the potato pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Remove and drain.
- Finally, pour the sauce over the fried potatoes and the classic Spanish tapas dish is ready!
Tips for practical application
- Dust the potatoes evenly with cornstarch to ensure a crispy outer layer.
- If you like it less spicy, reduce the amount of hot paprika powder.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste and nutrition.
Q&A - Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Patatas Bravas be made in advance?
- Yes, the salsa brava can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, but the potatoes should be fried fresh to preserve their crispiness.
- Are Patatas Bravas suitable for a vegetarian diet?
- Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian. Just make sure to use vegetable stock instead of meat stock.
- Can I use other types of potatoes?
- Yes, you can use any type of potato you prefer, but waxy potatoes work best for this recipe.
- How do I store leftover Salsa Brava?
- Store the Salsa Brava in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week.
Conclusion
Patatas Bravas are a delicious and easy-to-prepare tapas dish that is perfect as a snack or side dish. With the right balance of hot and sweet peppers in the salsa brava, you can bring the authentic taste of Spain into your kitchen. Try this recipe and enjoy a week of varied and delicious vegetarian meals!