Patatas Bravas

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying tapas, then you know Patatas Bravas are a must-try! These crispy, golden potatoes, drenched in a spicy, smoky tomato sauce, are the epitome of what comfort food should be: simple, yet packed with flavor. Perfect for a tapas spread, as a side dish, or just as an irresistible snack, Patatas Bravas will quickly become your go-to dish when you want something delicious and satisfying.

The magic of Patatas Bravas is in the balance between the crispy texture of the potatoes and the punchy, tangy sauce that takes each bite over the top. Whether you’re making it for a casual meal, a dinner party, or just because you’re craving something savory, this dish never disappoints. And trust me, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!

Why You’ll Love Patatas Bravas

Crispy and Tender: The potatoes are fried to golden perfection on the outside, with a soft, pillowy interior that’s the perfect contrast to the crispy crust.

Flavor-Packed Sauce: The tomato-based sauce is spicy, smoky, and tangy, making it the perfect complement to the crispy potatoes.

Easy to Make: Despite its bold flavor, Patatas Bravas is surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients. You don’t need to be a chef to get this right!

Customizable: Love a little extra heat? Add more chili. Want a richer sauce? Feel free to adjust the amount of olive oil or add a dash of cream for extra richness.

Tapas-Style Treat: If you’re hosting a tapas night or just want to enjoy a little Spanish flavor at home, this dish is an absolute winner.

Ingredients in Patatas Bravas

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Potatoes

The base of the dish, giving you that crispy exterior and soft interior. Opt for a starchy potato variety for the best results.

Olive Oil

To fry the potatoes to crispy perfection. Olive oil also adds a rich flavor to the sauce.

Garlic

Garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Tomatoes

The base for the brava sauce, contributing sweetness and tang. Canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes both work great.

Smoked Paprika

This spice brings a deep, smoky flavor to the sauce. It’s key to achieving the classic bravas taste.

Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce

For that signature kick of heat. You can adjust the level of spice to suit your taste.

Vinegar

A touch of vinegar brightens up the sauce, adding balance to the richness of the potatoes.

Salt and Pepper

To season everything to perfection. Don’t skip this step—seasoning enhances all the flavors!

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into small cubes. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the potatoes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the potatoes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season with salt while they’re hot.

Make the Brava Sauce

While the potatoes are frying, heat some olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the smoked paprika and chili flakes (or hot sauce) and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich in flavor.

Assemble and Serve

Once the potatoes are ready and the sauce is thickened, serve the crispy potatoes in a bowl or platter. Pour the brava sauce generously over the top, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy these crispy, spicy, and flavorful Patatas Bravas as an appetizer, snack, or side dish with your favorite tapas!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 3g

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Patatas Bravas

Tapas Night: Serve this dish as part of a tapas spread alongside other small plates like Chorizo, Patatas Alioli, or Spanish Tortilla.

With a Side of Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the fried potatoes.

As a Side Dish: Patatas Bravas are also a fantastic side to accompany grilled meats or seafood. The bold flavors work especially well with dishes like grilled chicken or shrimp.

On its Own: Sometimes, all you need is a bowl of Patatas Bravas to satisfy your cravings! Serve with a dipping sauce, like aioli or ranch, for a fun twist.

Additional Tips

Frying Tips: If you’re looking for extra crispy potatoes, try double frying them. Fry them once at a lower temperature to cook them through, then fry them a second time at a higher temperature for that extra crunch.

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce. If you love a spicy kick, feel free to add more heat!

Make it Veggie-Friendly: This dish is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, just skip the optional garnish of sour cream or cheese.

Use a Cast Iron Pan: If you have one, use a cast iron pan for frying. It holds heat well and helps crisp up the potatoes evenly.

Make Extra Sauce: If you love the brava sauce, consider making extra to dip your fries, vegetables, or other snacks into later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Patatas Bravas in the oven instead of frying?
A1: Yes, you can! Simply toss the potato cubes with olive oil and seasonings, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Q2: Can I make the brava sauce ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the brava sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Q3: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A3: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still work wonderfully with the brava sauce.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store the leftover potatoes and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Q5: Can I add cheese to Patatas Bravas?
A5: Yes! You can sprinkle some grated manchego or mozzarella cheese on top of the hot potatoes for a cheesy twist.

Q6: What can I serve with Patatas Bravas?
A6: Patatas Bravas pair wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, and other tapas dishes. They’re also great as a side to burgers or sandwiches.

Q7: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A7: While the potatoes are best served fresh and crispy, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and fry the potatoes when you’re ready to serve.

Q8: Is Patatas Bravas spicy?
A8: Yes, the sauce is spicy, but you can adjust the heat by using less chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a milder version.

Q9: Can I make Patatas Bravas gluten-free?
A9: This dish is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t require any flour for the potatoes or sauce. Just make sure to check your hot sauce and any seasonings for hidden gluten.

Q10: Can I make this dish vegan?
A10: Yes! Patatas Bravas is already vegetarian, and you can make it vegan by skipping any dairy toppings like sour cream or cheese.

Conclusion

These Patatas Bravas are the perfect combination of crispy, tender potatoes with a flavorful, spicy sauce that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re enjoying them as part of a tapas spread or serving them as a tasty snack, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re easy to make and so full of flavor that every bite is a little moment of joy!

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