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patatas bravas

Easy Patatas Bravas Recipe

If you’ve ever been to Spain, chances are you’ve tried Patatas Bravas, one of the most iconic tapas dishes. These crispy potatoes, smothered in a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy tomato sauce, are a staple in Spanish cuisine.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Potatoes
  • 4 large russet potatoes or waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Bravas Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon hot paprika or cayenne for extra heat
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Method
 

Prepare the Potatoes
  1. First, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. Then, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Dry potatoes crisp up beautifully when cooked!
Cook the Potatoes
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potato cubes in a single layer and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Once crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the Bravas Sauce
  1. In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and hot paprika, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Then, stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, salt, and sugar.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, add the red wine vinegar for a slight tangy kick.
Blend the Sauce
  1. For a smooth texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can leave it as is.
Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Arrange the crispy potatoes on a serving plate and generously spoon the bravas sauce over them. For an extra touch, drizzle some homemade aioli on top or sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy this classic Spanish delight!