Patatas Bravas: Spicy Spanish Potatoes

Let's Get This Tapas Party Started!

Fancy a bit of spain without the airfare? honestly, who doesn't? today, we're diving headfirst into the world of tapas at home recipes , particularly, the king of them all: patatas bravas! these spicy spuds are a flavour explosion just waiting to happen.

Why Patatas Bravas?

Patatas bravas is a classic. a real taste of spain, originating in madrid. it’s basically the ultimate comfort food. we are doing tapas dinner ideas , and that involves serving multiple snacks in the same meal.

Crispy potatoes smothered in a smoky, spicy tomato sauce and creamy aioli? i mean, come on! perfected for tapas for party , a great way to bring joy and excitement for everybody.

It's super easy to make, but tastes like you've slaved away in the kitchen all day. this is the cornerstone for many tapas meal ideas .

It's also surprisingly quick. prep work will take you about 20 minutes, and cooking, about 25. serves around 4 people, perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits: Beyond Deliciousness

Aside from being totally addictive, potatoes are actually a good source of vitamin c and potassium. who knew? but let's be real, the real benefit is the pure joy this dish brings.

Seriously, imagine serving these at your next gathering. boom! instant party. these easy spanish tapas recipes make me feel like i'm chilling in barcelona on a hot summers day!

Patatas Bravas: Spicy Spanish Potatoes Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (680g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill your pan 2-3 inches deep)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón de la Vera), sweet or hot, depending on preference
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (411g)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Toss potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add paprika and cayenne (if using) and cook briefly. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Simmer until thickened. Season to taste.
• Whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy.
• Drain potatoes on paper towels. Toss with bravas sauce. Serve immediately with aioli on the side or drizzled on top.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:30g

Fiber:4g

Recipe Info

Category:Appetizer

Cuisine:Spanish

Gathering Your Arsenal: The Ingredients

Potatoes: The Star of the Show

• 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Bravas Sauce: That Smoky Kick

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aioli: Creamy Dreamy Goodness

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Let's Get Started: Your Tapas at Home Recipes Adventure!

Right then, fancy diving into some tapas at home recipes ? we're starting with a classic: patatas bravas . honestly, who doesn't love crispy potatoes smothered in a spicy sauce? it’s one of those tapas meal ideas that just works .

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Okay, so here's the kit and caboodle for awesome Homemade Tapas Ideas . Don't panic, it's all pretty straightforward.

Main Ingredients: The Potato Powerhouse

• Potatoes: You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of Yukon Gold, peeled and cubed. Honestly, Yukon Golds are the bee's knees for this. They get lovely and creamy inside but crisp up beautifully. Quality indicator? They should feel firm, not soft or sprouted. If you wanna explore other options check our easy Spanish tapas recipes section below!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons , extra virgin, for the potatoes. Also, 1 tablespoon , ditto, for the sauce. Good olive oil makes a difference, trust me.
• Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for the spuds. For the brave sauce, you will need salt and pepper to taste.
• Frying Oil: Vegetable oil. Enough to fill your pan 2-3 inches deep.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

• Essential Combo: Smoked paprika ( 1 teaspoon ) is key . Sweet or hot, your call. For bravas sauce.
• Heat Factor: A pinch ( 1/4 teaspoon ) of cayenne pepper is optional, but if you like a kick, go for it.
• Flavor Enhancers: We're using 1/2 medium yellow onion (chopped), 2 cloves minced garlic. They are going to do the heavy lift.
• Aromatics: A good glug of red wine vinegar ( 1 tablespoon ) brightens everything up. Don't skip it!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Essential Tools: Large pot for frying (or a deep fryer, if you're fancy), a large skillet for the sauce, a slotted spoon (or a spider, if you know, you know).
• Household Alternatives: Don't have a deep fryer? No worries! A large, heavy-bottomed pot works just as well. Slotted spoon is the same as a spider.

I remember trying authentic patatas bravas recipe for the first time. i actually managed to burn the sauce! honestly, it was a disaster.

But hey, that’s how we learn, right? so, trust me, stick to the timings and you'll be golden. if you want tapas for party check our variations section below!

Let's Make Patatas Bravas: Authentic Tapas at Home Recipes

Fancy some tapas at home recipes ? me too! honestly, sometimes you just crave those small plates. but going out can be pricey, right? so, let’s make some proper patatas bravas ! it's easier than you think.

Think of it as elevated, spanish potato tapas . homemade tapas ideas should be accessible!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First things first, let's get organised. we need what the fancy chefs call "mise en place." that's just a poncey way of saying, get everything chopped and ready to go.

Peel and cube your potatoes. dice the onion and mince the garlic. get your spices measured out. this saves time later! and importantly: be careful with your knife!

Bravas Sauce: The Soul of Tapas Recipes from Spain

Okay, let's cook! This is where the magic happens.

1. Sauté your onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Don't burn the garlic!
2. Add that gorgeous smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne, if you like a kick. Cook for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Simmer for about 15- 20 minutes , until the sauce thickens up.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Boom! Bravas sauce done. Easy Easy Spanish tapas recipes , innit?

Fry Those Spuds: Get 'Em Crispy!

This is the best part. I remember the first time I tried deep frying potatoes - total disaster! But don’t worry, it's simple once you get the hang of it.

1. Heat your vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .
2. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crispy. Don't overcrowd the pan! This is crucial.
3. Drain on paper towels.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Tapas Dinner Ideas

• Double-Fry for Extra Crispy: This is the real secret. Fry once at 300° F ( 150° C) for a few minutes, then again at 350° F ( 175° C) . You get the kind of authentic patatas bravas recipe quality crispness.
• Taste the Sauce! Adjust the seasoning of the bravas sauce to your liking. Some people like it Hot , some like it Sweeter .
• Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding the frying pan. This lowers the oil temperature and causes soggy potatoes.

So there you have it – proper tapas for party with your patatas bravas aioli recipe . sharing spanish appetizers at home doesn't have to be a slog.

These easy tapas meal ideas will be a knockout hit.

Recipe Notes to Really Nail Your Tapas

Alright, so you’re ready to try some tapas at home recipes , that is brilliant, so before we dive in, let's chat about some key tips and tricks to make your patatas bravas the talk of the town.

Seriously, these little nuggets of wisdom will take you from a kitchen novice to a bona fide tapas pro. i remember once making these for a bbq and everyone was fighting over them! good times.

Plating Power and Drinks that Pop!

Presentation is everything, right? honestly, it’s like the dress code for your food! for tapas meal ideas , think small plates, big impact.

A rustic bowl overflowing with those crispy potatoes, drizzled with sauce and aioli. garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Boom! nailed it. to make it a real tapas for party , pair your patatas bravas with other homemade tapas ideas , like some olives, some manchego cheese and a good iberian ham.

A refreshing glass of sangria or a crisp spanish lager is the perfect beverage companion. salut!

Storing Secrets: Making the Good Times Last

Got leftovers? who are you and what are you doing with your life? seriously, tho, if you do manage to not devour every last morsel, here's the lowdown.

Fridge the potatoes and sauce separately. pop the potatoes in an airtight container. they'll be good for 2-3 days . the bravas sauce can happily sit in the fridge for up to 5 days .

Reheat the sauce on the stovetop. for the potatoes, blast them in a hot oven (about 200° c) to crisp them up again.

Microwaving? only if you are desperate. honestly, they'll go a bit soggy. freezing? not recommended. fried potatoes just don’t bounce back well from a stint in the freezer.

Trust me, i’ve tried.

Adapt This Dish with Flair

Okay, let's talk about variations. want to make it vegan ? easy peasy. just swap out the mayo in the aioli for a vegan version.

Boom, done! craving something a bit different? try using sweet potatoes instead of yukon golds. the sweetness of the potatoes pairs amazingly well with the spicy bravas sauce.

For a different aioli alternative , you may combine sour cream mixed with garlic powder and a squeeze of lime juice.

Seasonal ingredient swaps are the best and let you experiment, you can use for this spanish appetizers at home different kinds of potatoes, the purple ones offer a unique twist.

Nutrition Nibbles: Food That's Good for You

Alright, so patatas bravas isn't exactly a health food. but hey, life's too short to skip out on deliciousness, right? but let's break it down a bit.

Potatoes provide carbohydrates. the tomato-based sauce gives you some vitamins and antioxidants. the aioli, well, let's just say it adds flavour .

The key is moderation, and maybe don't have them every night!

Honestly, making authentic patatas bravas recipe and other easy spanish tapas recipes is way easier than you think. so, get in the kitchen, get cooking and enjoy some tapas recipes from spain , don't be afraid to experiment.

You got this! enjoy those tapas dinner ideas !.