Transport yourself to Spain with this patatas bravas recipe! These crispy fried potatoes are tossed in a bold spice blend and served with a smoky, tangy dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a tapas night or looking for a flavorful side dish, patatas bravas bring excitement to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Patatas Bravas Recipe
This dish is all about contrasts—crispy potatoes with a creamy sauce, and a balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish and can be easily customized to suit your spice preference.
Ingredients for Patatas Bravas
Dipping Sauce:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon ground chipotle peppers
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
Spice Blend:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground chipotle peppers
Potatoes:
- 2 quarts cold water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Patatas Bravas
1. Prepare the Dipping Sauce
Combine garlic, smoked paprika, and salt in a mortar and pestle (or food processor) until smooth. Add the mayonnaise, sherry vinegar, tomato paste, chipotle powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
2. Mix the Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, and chipotle powder. This blend will coat the potatoes after frying.
3. Par-Cook the Potatoes
Pour cold water into a large saucepan. Add salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and bay leaves to the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the potatoes to the simmering water and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender but not fully cooked. A knife should easily pierce the potato cubes. Drain and spread them on a wire rack to cool and dry for 45 minutes.
4. Fry the Potatoes
Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cooled potato cubes in batches. Fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the fried potatoes to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5. Toss and Serve
While the potatoes are still warm, toss them in the prepared spice blend until evenly coated. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions for Patatas Bravas
This dish pairs well with:
- Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or lamb
- Tapas spreads with olives, cheese, and chorizo
- Salads with light vinaigrette to balance the richness
Tips for Perfect Patatas Bravas
- Cool Thoroughly: Ensure the potatoes are fully dry before frying to achieve the crispiest texture.
- Adjust the Heat: Add extra cayenne or chipotle powder for a spicier dish.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan for even frying.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 678
- Total Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 3885mg
- Vitamin C: 47mg
Enjoying Patatas Bravas at Home
These patatas bravas offer the perfect mix of crispy potatoes, smoky spices, and creamy sauce. Ideal for tapas nights, parties, or as a side dish for dinner, they’ll quickly become a favorite. Adjust the spice level to your liking and enjoy a taste of Spain with every bite!
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