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Crispy & Creamy Patatas Bravas: Spain’s Beloved Tapas Recipe





Crispy & Creamy Patatas Bravas: Spain’s Beloved Tapas Recipe

Experience authentic Spanish flavor at home with Patatas Bravas, featuring crispy fried potatoes and a smoky, flavorful Bravas sauce.

Hello, food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe for ‘Patatas Bravas,’ a quintessential Spanish tapas dish. It’s all about perfectly fried potatoes – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – generously topped with a vibrant ‘Bravas sauce.’ This sauce gets its unique character and irresistible smoky aroma from ‘Pimentón,’ or smoked paprika. This recipe follows the Madrid-style approach, focusing purely on the rich flavor of Pimentón, without added tomatoes or onions. Pimentón is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and color to many dishes, so I highly recommend keeping some in your pantry. Ready to bring a taste of Spain into your kitchen?

Recipe Info

  • Category : Western food
  • Ingredient Category : Vegetables
  • Occasion : Everyday
  • Cooking : Deep-fry
  • Servings : 2 servings
  • Cooking Time : Within 30 minutes
  • Difficulty : Beginner

Ingredients
  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 1 cup olive oil (for frying, plus more for the sauce)
  • 3 tsp smoked paprika (Pimentón)
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar (or to taste)
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

Step 1

Start by thoroughly washing the potatoes. You can peel them or leave the skin on, as you prefer. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm (1 inch) cubes. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain them well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Ensuring they are very dry is crucial for achieving a crispy texture and preventing oil splattering.

Step 2

Now, let’s make the star of the show: the Bravas sauce! In a small saucepan or skillet, heat about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (from your ingredient list, separate from the frying oil) over very low heat. Gently warm the oil; overheating can diminish the delicate aroma of the smoked paprika.

Step 3

Once the olive oil is warm, add the 3 teaspoons of smoked paprika (Pimentón). Whisk quickly to combine and dissolve any clumps, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the paprika, as this will make it bitter. The goal is to release its smoky essence.

Step 4

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of vegetable broth (or water) and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or potato starch) until completely smooth. Make sure there are no lumps – this ensures a silky sauce texture.

Step 5

Pour the starch slurry into the saucepan with the paprika-infused oil, keeping the heat on low. Stir continuously. The mixture will gradually thicken as it heats up. Continue stirring and cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it reaches a smooth, sauce-like consistency.

Step 6

Stir in the 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; you can add a little more vinegar for tanginess if desired. Continue to simmer gently over low heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is rich and slightly thickened. Let the sauce cool slightly while you prepare the potatoes.

Step 7

Time to fry the potatoes! In a large skillet or pot, heat the 1 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the dried potato pieces to the hot oil. The oil should bubble gently around the potatoes, not violently.

Step 8

Fry the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once perfectly fried, remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 9

Arrange the hot, crispy potatoes on a serving plate. Generously spoon the warm Bravas sauce over the top. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and the smoky, savory flavors of your homemade Patatas Bravas!



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