Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish starter that adds a touch of spice and excitement to any meal. Simply put, it’s chopped potatoes served with a tasty sauce. The traditional sauce is called brava sauce and it’s made with spicy tomato sauce. The level of heat in the dish depends on the amount of pepper in the sauce. In Catalonia, they add a fiery majada sauce made of olive oil, vinegar, cayenne pepper and paprika to give it an extra kick. Don’t underestimate the power of a good sauce to transform a simple dish into a gourmet experience!
Ingredients
Potatoes 1 kg
Tomatoes – 3 pcs.
garlic – 2 cloves
cayenne pepper – 1 pinch
sweet and hot paprika – 1/2 tsp
olive oil – 3 – 4 tbsp.
salt – to taste
How to cook patatas bravas
I separated on two parts cooking this meal.
How to cook patatas
Step 1. Wash the potatoes very thoroughly;
Step 2. Boil the potatoes in their skins until half cooked (it will take about 10 minutes);
Step 3. Heat a deep frying pan with oil. There should be plenty of oil. It is best to use extra virgin olive oil;
Step 4. Fry the potatoes over low heat until medium brown;
Step 5. Place cooked potatoes on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Cooking potatoes is finished.
How to make brava sauce for patatas bravas
Step 1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Step 2. Add 2 chopped garlic cloves and fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3. Add 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of hot paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 4. Scald the tomatoes with boiling water and peel them from the skin. Use a blender to get tomato puree. Add it into a hot frying pan with garlic and spices.
Step 5. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens;
Step 6. Add salt to taste.
Step 7. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Brava sauce is ready to be served with the cooked potatoes.
In conclusion, cooking patatas bravas is a simple but delicious way to add some Spanish flair to your meal. With just a few ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dish that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different levels of heat in the sauce to find the perfect balance for your taste buds. And remember, a good sauce can elevate any dish to gourmet status! So give it a try and enjoy the bold and flavorful taste of patatas bravas.
