Patatas Bravas

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• For the Potatoes:
  • 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into 1-inch irregular cubes
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 4-6 cups)
  • Salt
• For the Bravas Sauce (Spicy Tomato Sauce):
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika (Pimentón dulce)
  • 1/2 tsp spicy paprika (Pimentón picante) or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • Salt to taste
• Optional Aioli (for serving alongside or drizzled):
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Make Bravas Sauce: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in sweet and spicy paprika, cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour, cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth until smooth. Stir in tomato puree. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season with salt. Keep warm or reheat gently.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Rinse potato cubes in cold water and pat thoroughly dry.
3. Fry Potatoes: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add potatoes (in batches if necessary) and fry for 6-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender inside. (Some recipes call for double frying: first at a lower temp ~300°F until soft, then at a higher temp ~375°F until crispy).
4. Remove potatoes with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and sprinkle immediately with salt.
5. Make Aioli (Optional): Whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
6. Serve: Place hot, crispy potatoes on a serving plate or in small bowls. Spoon the warm bravas sauce generously over the potatoes. If using, drizzle with aioli or serve it on the side. Serve immediately.

What Makes It Special:

Patatas Bravas is a quintessential Spanish tapa found everywhere from humble bars to upscale restaurants. The dish consists of crispy, fried potato cubes topped with a signature 'bravas' sauce – typically a slightly spicy tomato-based sauce flavored with paprika. Often served with a side or drizzle of aioli (garlic mayonnaise) to cool the heat, the combination of fluffy-yet-crispy potatoes, zesty tomato sauce, and creamy garlic aioli is simple but incredibly addictive.