Patatas Bravas

Patatas Bravas for the win! Take potatoes to the next level with this classic Spanish tapas recipe. Serve along side fellow tapas or as a side dish for any meal! Crank up the spice as you see fit or leave it out all together by using a mild paprika.

Ingredients

Serves 4 - 6
2 tbsp + 1 tsp (35 ml) salt, divided
½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking soda
2 lbs (900 g) Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1½-in (4 cm) chunks
vegetable oil, for deep-frying
Salsa Brava, make ahead, recipe follows
chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
SALSA BRAVA RECIPE:
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
1 cup (250 ml) chopped onions
2 to 3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
1 cup (250 ml) canned crushed tomatoes
¾ tsp (4 ml) Spanish smoked paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) Spanish hot paprika
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable or chicken stock
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. For potatoes, Bring a large saucepan or stockpot of water to a boil. Stir in 2 tbsp (30 ml) salt and the baking soda. Add potatoes and parboil until potatoes can be pierced with a skewer but are still firm, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain liquid completely and spread potatoes on a large baking sheet to evaporate excess moisture. Evenly sprinkle 1 tsp (5 ml) salt on potatoes and stir with a spatula. The surface of the potatoes will look rough and a little pasty. Let cool to room temperature for about an hour.
  2. In a deep fryer or air fryer, fry potatoes following appliance instructions until golden brown. Alternatively, in a medium saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 375 F (190 C) and deep-fry potatoes in single-layer batches until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Continue deep-frying all potatoes.
  3. Serve warm on a bed of Salsa Brava, reserving some for a drizzle on top of potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve additional Salsa Brava on side for dipping.
  4. To make Salsa Brava, in a small saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and garlic and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until onions are translucent.
  5. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and smoked and hot paprika, and cook for 1 more minute. Add stock and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some of the liquid evaporates and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in vinegar, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Using a blender or a handheld immersion blender, blend into a smooth sauce. Serve alongside Patatas Bravas. If making ahead, let cool before refrigerating for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
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