A Spanish Tapas Classic

If you’re a fan of crispy potatoes with bold, smoky flavors, then patatas bravas might just become your new favorite dish. This Spanish classic is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for sharing at a casual dinner party or enjoying as a satisfying snack. Featuring golden-brown, fried potatoes paired with a creamy, spiced dipping sauce, patatas bravas are a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by bold seasoning.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make this recipe a success. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at Spanish cuisine for the first time, this guide has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patatas bravas are the perfect dish for anyone who loves crispy textures and bold flavors. The creamy dipping sauce, made with smoked paprika and a hint of sherry vinegar, adds a delightful tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the potato seasoning. This recipe is a fantastic choice for entertaining, as it’s easy to scale up and can be prepared ahead of time for minimal stress.

Whether you’re hosting a tapas night or just looking for a comforting appetizer, patatas bravas deliver the ideal balance of crunch, spice, and creaminess. Plus, the recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the heat and flavors to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dipping Sauce:

1 garlic clove, minced (or more to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 pinch of salt
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sherry vinegar (or more to taste)
1 tsp tomato paste
1 pinch of cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

For the Spice Blend:

1 tbsp salt
½ tsp ground pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground chipotle peppers

For the Potatoes:

2 quarts water
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
2 bay leaves
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups oil for frying

Kitchen Equipment

Large pot
Mortar and pestle or food processor
Mixing bowls
Medium-sized skillet or deep fryer
Slotted spoon
Paper towels
Sharp knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dipping Sauce

Using a mortar or food processor, make a paste by combining minced garlic, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Add the mayonnaise, sherry vinegar, tomato paste, cayenne pepper, and chipotle chili powder. Mix until well combined. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Prepare the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine the salt, smoked paprika, ground chipotle chili powder, and ground pepper. Set aside for sprinkling over the potatoes later.

3. Cook the Potatoes

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and bay leaves. Add the potato cubes and cook for 5–6 minutes, just until they’re slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely.

4. Fry the Potatoes

Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the potato cubes in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Season and Serve

While the potatoes are still hot, sprinkle them generously with the spice blend. Serve immediately with the chilled dipping sauce on the side.

Tips and Tricks

Shortcut for Sauce: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought aioli as a base and enhance it with smoked paprika, sherry vinegar, and cayenne.
Baking Option: For a lighter alternative, bake the potatoes instead of frying. Toss them in a little oil, spread them on a baking sheet, and roast at 425°F (220°C) until crispy.
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne pepper and chipotle powder in the sauce and spice blend.

Storage and Leftovers

Patatas bravas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the potatoes and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The potatoes will keep for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy. The sauce can be stored for up to a week and makes a great spread for sandwiches or wraps.

Food Pairings

Patatas bravas are a staple of Spanish tapas, making them perfect alongside dishes like garlic shrimp (gambas al ajillo), chorizo, or marinated olives. For drinks, pair with a chilled glass of Spanish cava, a fruity sangria, or a crisp white wine like Albariño.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative, as they hold their shape well and offer a creamy texture.

2. Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute vegan mayonnaise for the dipping sauce and use a neutral oil for frying.

Final Thoughts

Patatas bravas are a deliciously satisfying dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of crispy potatoes and smoky, tangy dipping sauce is a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again.

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