Patatas Bravas is a beloved Spanish tapas dish featuring golden, crispy potatoes draped in a bold, zesty tomato sauce. It’s the kind of classic comfort food that turns any gathering into a celebration, inviting everyone back for just one more bite. Whether you crave a lively snack or a show-stealing appetizer, Patatas Bravas delivers a harmonious blend of savory, smoky, and subtly spicy flavors that will transport you straight to a bustling Madrid tapas bar, no passport required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Patatas Bravas recipe keeps things delightfully simple with pantry staples that each play a starring role in the final dish. From smoky richness to vibrant color and that signature tangy punch, there’s a reason these ingredients are never left out. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Russet potatoes: Their fluffy interior crisps up beautifully in the oven, making them perfect for soaking up the savory bravas sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and ensures golden, crunchy edges on the roasted potatoes.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers that quintessential Spanish flavor, lending depth and a touch of smokiness.
- Salt: Brings out the natural earthiness of the potatoes and balances the sauce.
- Black pepper: Offers subtle warmth, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: The backbone of that trademark bravas sauce; choose a high-quality brand for a bolder taste.
- Garlic: Essential for a fragrant, aromatic sauce foundation that captures the spirit of Spanish home cooking.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the sauce richness and body.
- Red wine vinegar: Cuts through the richness and adds a zingy, slightly acidic sparkle.
- Sugar: Just half a teaspoon balances the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the sauce.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): If you love a kick, a pinch of cayenne will amp up the heat and excitement.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top just before serving brightens the whole dish and adds fresh, herby color.
How to Make Patatas Bravas
Step 1: Prep and Season the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). While it heats up, peel your russet potatoes and cut them into generous 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect for that signature fluffy-meets-crispy texture. Toss the potatoes in a big bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure every surface is nicely coated. It’s the smoky paprika that really brings the “Bravas” attitude!
Step 2: Roast to Golden Perfection
Spread the seasoned potatoes out on a large baking sheet in a single, even layer. Give them enough space so they can crisp up beautifully. Slide the pan into the hot oven and let those potatoes roast for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure all sides get that irresistible golden crunch. That sound you’ll hear as they come out? Pure crispy joy.
Step 3: Simmer the Bravas Sauce
While the potatoes are roasting, bring a small saucepan to medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for just a minute or two, until it’s fragrant but not browned. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, sugar, and a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a touch of heat. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes until thick and glossy, filling your kitchen with rich, tomatoey aromas.
Step 4: Blend for Silky Smoothness (Optional)
When the sauce is thickened, you have a choice: leave it chunky and rustic, or blend it until silky smooth. A quick blitz with an immersion blender or regular blender gives it a luxurious texture, perfect for drizzling or dipping. Either way, it will be packed with bold, balanced flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Patatas Bravas
Once your potatoes are perfectly crisp and golden, transfer them to a serving plate or dish. Drizzle generously with the warm bravas sauce, ensuring every cube gets a little love. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley—it’s not just a pretty face, it gives the final dish a lovely, aromatic freshness!
How to Serve Patatas Bravas
Garnishes
Nobody can resist potatoes when they’re dressed up right! A handful of chopped fresh parsley adds not just a burst of color, but also a subtle herbaceous note. For a true Spanish experience, you can add a dollop of garlicky aioli alongside or even a squeeze of lemon for a bright, summery twist. To finish, a tiny extra dusting of smoked paprika never hurts for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Patatas Bravas is a tapas superstar, but it loves good company. Pair them with other Spanish classics like sautéed shrimp, marinated olives, or grilled vegetables. It also works as a hearty side to grilled meats or alongside a bright, vinegary salad to balance the richness of the potatoes and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dazzle, try serving Patatas Bravas in small tapas-style bowls for sharing, or skewer individual potato cubes with toothpicks for an easy party bite. For a fun, family-style spread, pile them high on a platter and provide extra sauce and aioli for dipping. They even make a jaw-dropping brunch dish when topped with a fried egg!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftover Patatas Bravas, store the potatoes and the bravas sauce separately in airtight containers in your refrigerator. This helps preserve the crispiness of the potatoes and keeps the sauce fresh and vibrant for up to three days.
Freezing
While the bravas sauce freezes quite well (store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months), the roasted potatoes can lose their crispness after being frozen and thawed. If you must freeze the potatoes, expect them to be a little softer when reheated—still flavorful, but with less crunch.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat the potatoes in a hot oven (400°F) for about 10 minutes, or until they regain some of their crispy edges. Warm the sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave before drizzling or serving alongside. Avoid reheating potatoes in the microwave alone, as they can turn mushy.
FAQs
Can I use another type Appetizer
Absolutely! While russets excel because of their fluffy interior and crisp exterior, Yukon Golds or other waxy varieties will work too. Just note the texture will be creamier and less crispy, but still delicious!
Is the spicy bravas sauce very hot?
The classic sauce is flavorful and a little piquant, but it isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you want extra heat, add more cayenne or even a pinch of chili flakes. For a milder version, simply leave out the cayenne pepper altogether.
Can I make the bravas sauce in advance?
Yes, and it’s a great way to save time! The sauce can be made up to five days ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. The flavors even deepen as it sits, making your Patatas Bravas even better.
Are Patatas Bravas gluten-free?
Yes—they are naturally gluten-free, so they’re a wonderful party option for guests with gluten sensitivities. Just check all your spice and condiment labels to be sure, as always.
What’s the best way to get extra-crispy potatoes?
For extra crunch, try parboiling the cubed potatoes in boiling water for five minutes first, then drain and let them steam dry before tossing with oil and seasonings. This helps create that crave-worthy outer crust that makes Patatas Bravas unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
If you love discovering new flavors and bringing people together, Patatas Bravas absolutely belongs at your next gathering. There’s something magical about how a simple plate of golden potatoes and bold sauce can spark conversation and smiles. Give this recipe a try—you’ll see why it’s a Spanish classic that wins hearts everywhere it lands!
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Patatas Bravas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring crispy roasted potatoes topped with a spicy bravas sauce. This recipe provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for appetizers or shared plates.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bravas Sauce:
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Roast Potatoes: Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 30–35 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prepare Bravas Sauce: Sauté garlic, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, and cayenne. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Blend (optional): Blend the sauce for a smoother texture.
- Finish: Drizzle potatoes with bravas sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, parboil the potatoes before roasting.
- The bravas sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Serve with aioli for a creamy contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
