Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce)

Name: Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes with Spicy Sauce)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: #For Potatoes:#; 1.75 lbs potatoes; 2 cups La Española Mild & Light Olive Oil; #For Brava Sauce:#; 3 tbsp La Española Classic Olive Oil; 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce; 2 tbsp sweet paprika; 1 tbsp hot paprika (or substitute with cayenne pepper to taste); 1 tbsp cornstarch (Maizena); 3/4 cup chicken stock; Salt, to taste

Appetizer side dish Vegan

Unlocking the Secrets of Patatas Bravas

Anyone who’s ever visited Spain will no doubt have tried this classic dish. This easy recipe is your guide to making perfect patatas bravas every time.

Ingredients

For Potatoes:

1.75 lbs potatoes
2 cups La Española Mild & Light Olive Oil

For Brava Sauce:

3 tbsp La Española Classic Olive Oil
1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
2 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tbsp hot paprika (or substitute with cayenne pepper to taste)
1 tbsp cornstarch (Maizena)
3/4 cup chicken stock
Salt, to taste

preparation

1.

Heat La Española Classic Olive Oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce and both types of paprika (sweet and hot). Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine the flavors.
2.

Dissolve the cornstarch in the chicken stock, then slowly pour it into the saucepan while stirring. Cook the mixture until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat, season with salt, and let it cool before serving.
3.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized chunks. Heat 2 cups of La Española Mild & Light Olive Oil in a deep skillet over medium-low heat. Fry the potatoes slowly for about 10–15 minutes, ensuring they become tender but not browned. Remove the potatoes from the oil and set them aside.
4.

Increase the heat to high and wait for the oil to become very hot. Add the potatoes to the pan and fry them for a second time until they are golden and crispy on the outside, about 5 minutes. Remove excess oil from potatoes by placing them on paper towels.
5.

Arrange the crispy potatoes on a plate and drizzle brava sauce over them. Serve the remaining sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping.

What Are Patatas Bravas?

Patatas Bravas are one of Spain’s most iconic tapas dishes, loved for their simplicity and bold flavors. The dish consists of crispy, fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato-based sauce. Hailing from Madrid, but widely available in tapas bars throughout Spain, patatas bravas vary slightly by region but are universally cherished as a comforting, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.

The Importance of Olive Oil in Spanish Cuisine

Why We Use Olive Oil for Making Patatas Bravas

In traditional Spanish cooking, olive oil is more than just an ingredient—it’s an essential flavor enhancer. Using La Española Mild & Light Olive Oil, known for its premium quality and neutral flavor profile, ensures your patatas bravas taste authentic and delicious.

Benefits of Frying Potatoes in Olive Oil:

Crispier Texture: Olive oil is ideal for achieving perfectly golden, crispy potatoes.
Enhanced Flavor: The subtle fruitiness of olive oil complements the earthy sweetness of the potatoes.

Healthier Choice: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil is a healthier option compared to many cooking oils.

The Art of Double-Frying

Want to learn the secret to achieving the perfect patatas bravas texture? We’ll tell you! It’s all in the art of double-frying. This simple technique makes the potatoes extra crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Here’s why it works:

Tips for Perfect Double-Frying:

Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy potatoes.

Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperatures: 300°F for the first fry and 375°F for the second.

Mastering the Brava Sauce

The spicy brava sauce is the heart of this dish. While recipes vary, the combination of sweet paprika, hot paprika, and a rich tomato base creates a balance of sweetness and spice which is the hallmark of authentic patatas bravas.

Tips for the Perfect Sauce:

Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the hot paprika or cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra cayenne.
Make It Creamy: Some regions in Spain add a touch of aioli (garlic mayonnaise) to the sauce for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Other Tapas:

Patatas bravas are a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with other Spanish tapas, such as:

Tortilla Española: A hearty Spanish omelet.
Gambas al Ajillo: Garlic shrimp.

Tips for Leftovers

Store any leftover potatoes and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the potatoes in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Spanish Tapa Recipes You Can Easily Make at Home

If discovering new recipes is one of life’s great pleasures, then dazzling friends and family with our culinary skills comes in a close second. So, why not add a few new Spanish recipes to your repertoire? These crispy Croquetas make for a satisfying side dish. Alternatively, our Traditional Gazpacho recipe is a simple and refreshing appetizer that’s beloved throughout the whole of Spain. Finally for a main dish, how about this Chicken, Broccoli, and Red Pepper Paella? This recipe adds a welcome twist to classic paella recipes and is perfect for those who prefer to avoid seafood.

Discover a wide range of delicious recipes with olive oil by following our blog.