If you crave a dish bursting with bold flavor and irresistible crunch, this Patatas Bravas Recipe will soon become your go-to snack or appetizer. Originating from Spain, these crispy roasted potatoes generously coated with a smoky, spicy tomato sauce offer not only a satisfying combination of textures but a beautiful balance of heat and tang that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a cozy night at home, mastering this classic recipe brings a vibrant taste of tapas culture straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to capturing the authentic spirit of Patatas Bravas. Each one plays a crucial role: the potatoes create the hearty base, spices bring warmth, and the rich tomato sauce ties everything together with a tangy kick.
- 2 large russet potatoes: Perfect for roasting due to their starchy, fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps the potatoes caramelize beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers that signature smoky flavor essential to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory notes blending perfectly with spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds an extra layer of spiciness if you like it hot.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Softens in the sauce, creating sweetness and complexity.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic intensifies the aroma and flavor of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce): Used to sauté the onion and garlic for a luscious base.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Reinforces the smoky essence in the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Balances the tang with a subtle heat in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor with a bit of sweetness and thickness.
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes: Provides fresh, natural acidity and body.
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar: Brings brightness and sharpness to lift the sauce.
- Salt to taste: Ensures the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch for color and subtle herbaceous notes.
How to Make Patatas Bravas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Toss the peeled and cubed russet potatoes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if you want a spicy edge. Spread them out evenly on the sheet to ensure every cube crisps up evenly. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through so all sides become beautifully golden and crunchy. This roasting step is your ticket to those perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potatoes.
Step 2: Make the Bravas Sauce
While the potatoes bake, turn your attention to the sauce, which truly elevates this dish from simple roast potatoes to a tapas superstar. Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion softens and releases its sweetness. Next, toss in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste to deepen that smoky, spicy flavor profile. Cook everything together for one minute before stirring in the crushed tomatoes and red wine vinegar. Let this simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. For a smooth consistency, blend the sauce until velvety, and adjust salt to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Once your potatoes are golden and the sauce is rich and fragrant, it’s time to bring these parts together. Plate the crispy potatoes, then drizzle them generously with the warm bravas sauce. If you want a lovely finish, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a bit of green contrast and fresh flavor. This final combination is what makes the Patatas Bravas Recipe so delightfully addictive.
How to Serve Patatas Bravas Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is traditional and adds a pop of green and a mild herbal freshness that balances the smoky sauce. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some aioli or garlic mayonnaise alongside the dish for dipping, which complements the spice and adds creamy richness.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are fantastic on their own as a tapa or appetizer, but they also pair brilliantly with Spanish chorizo, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve with grilled meats or seafood for a classic Spanish feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Patatas Bravas Recipe in small individual cast-iron skillets or rustic terracotta dishes to keep them warm and flavorful. You can also present the potatoes layered with the sauce and a sprinkle of cheese, then briefly broil for a bubbly, indulgent variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Patatas Bravas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the potatoes and sauce separate if possible to maintain crispy texture, reheating them individually before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the bravas sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to freeze the potatoes separately or freshly roast them when ready to enjoy, as freezing and thawing fried or roasted potatoes can alter their texture.
Reheating
To reheat the potatoes, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Heat the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, then combine and serve.
FAQs
Can I make Patatas Bravas Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses olive oil and plant-based ingredients. Just be sure to skip adding any aioli or mayonnaise unless you use a vegan version.
Is it better to bake or fry the potatoes for Patatas Bravas?
Baking is a healthier, easier method that still yields crispy potatoes, but traditional recipes often pan-fry for an extra crunchy texture. Either way works great depending on your preference.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute regular paprika, but the smoky depth will be less pronounced. For a quick fix, add a small pinch of cumin or a drop of liquid smoke to mimic that smokiness.
How spicy is this Patatas Bravas Recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate mainly from the smoked paprika and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the cayenne quantity up or down based on your heat tolerance.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The bravas sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better once the flavors meld. Just reheat before serving over freshly roasted potatoes.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably joyful about making and sharing this Patatas Bravas Recipe. With its inviting crispiness and vibrant sauce, it’s no wonder this Spanish classic has captured hearts worldwide. Give it a try, and you might find it quickly becomes a staple for gatherings or a comforting treat to brighten your week. Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Patatas Bravas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish appetizer featuring crispy roasted potatoes served with a spicy, smoky tomato-based bravas sauce. This vegetarian dish is perfect as a tapa or snack, offering a perfect balance of bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Bravas Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast potatoes: Roast the potatoes for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they become golden and crispy on all sides.
- Make the bravas sauce: While potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add aromatics and tomato paste: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for another minute to release their flavors.
- Simmer sauce: Add crushed tomatoes and red wine vinegar. Reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Blend sauce: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Plate the crispy roasted potatoes and drizzle generously with warm bravas sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Traditionally served as a tapa in Spain.
- Can be paired with aioli for extra richness.
- For a more authentic texture, the potatoes can be pan-fried instead of baked.
