Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce)
Local name: Patatas bravas
In short: Crisp fried potato cubes under a smoky, mildly hot tomato and paprika sauce, the classic Spanish bar tapa that disappears from the plate in minutes. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Patatas bravas are fried potato cubes with a spicy red sauce, and you will find them on nearly every tapas menu in Spain. The sauce differs from bar to bar: some use tomato, others thicken stock with flour and paprika, and Barcelona bars often add a spoonful of garlic mayonnaise. This version uses a smoky tomato and paprika sauce. Parboiling the potatoes first gives crisp edges and a fluffy center.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook the onion for 8 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in both paprikas, because they turn bitter if they scorch. Add the tomato paste, tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt and water.
- Simmer the sauce gently for 15 minutes until thick, then blend until smooth. Keep it warm and taste for salt and heat.
- Put the potato cubes in a pot of cold salted water, bring to a boil and cook 6 to 8 minutes, until the edges are tender but the cubes still hold their shape. Drain and dry well on a towel.
- Heat the frying oil to 180°C (350°F) in a deep, heavy pot. Fry the potatoes in 2 batches for 6 to 8 minutes each, until deep golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with flaky salt and pile onto a plate. Spoon the warm sauce over the top and serve at once with toothpicks or forks.
Tips
- For a Madrid-style sauce, cook 1 tbsp flour in the oil, add the paprikas and stir in 250 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock instead of the tomato, then simmer until glossy.
- To skip deep frying, toss the parboiled potatoes with 3 tbsp oil and roast on a tray at 230°C (450°F) for 30 minutes, turning once.
Questions and answers
How spicy are patatas bravas?
Brava means fierce, but most bars keep the heat gentle. Use the smaller amount of hot paprika for a mild sauce and the full teaspoon of cayenne for a real bite.
Can I make bravas sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce keeps for 5 days in the fridge and freezes for 3 months. Reheat it gently and fry the potatoes just before serving so they stay crisp.
What potatoes are best for bravas?
Choose all-purpose potatoes that are neither waxy nor very floury. They crisp on the outside and stay fluffy inside.
How long does it take to make Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce)?
About 1 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce)?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 41 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
