Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
493 | 30g | 4g | 51g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
5g | 5g | 6g | 1g |
Why I Love Spanish Spicy Tomato Sauce Patatas Bravas
There’s a certain magic about Spanish cuisine. It’s vibrant, fresh, and filled with depth that caters to every palates delight — much like our chosen dish today, the Spicy Tomato Sauce Patatas Bravas. Inspired by the famed Spanish Chef José Andrés, this dish is a nod to the bustling tapas bars of Madrid, infused with a touch of New York spirit.
A World of Flavor in Every Bite
Perhaps what I love most about this Spicy Tomato Sauce Patatas Bravas recipe is how it successfully weaves simple ingredients into an extraordinary gastronomic experience. At first glance, you might think you’re in for an American-style fries tribute. The russet potatoes, salt, and olive oil seem to hint towards that direction. But then, the unmistakable aroma of garlic and onions sautéing mingles with the smoky hint of paprika and the heat from the diced red chili pepper, and suddenly, you’re teleported to an al fresco dining area in Spain. The end result? A glorious fusion of NYC’s fast-paced energy and Spain’s relaxed, convivial dining culture.
Perfect for Any Setting
Another reason why the Spicy Tomato Sauce Patatas Bravas gets a star in my book is its versatility. It’s an excellent choice for both casual weeknight meals and gourmet dinner parties, effortlessly showcasing the wealth of flavors Spanish cuisine has to offer. Just as important, though, is that it pairs exceptionally well with other dishes. The fiery tomato sauce and earthy potatoes creates a harmonious balance with lighter fare, like Gazpacho Salad or Spanish-Style Grilled Vegetables with Romesco Sauce.
So why do I love this recipe? It’s simple, really. Its rich flavors, easy adaptability, and the memories it evokes of bustling tapas bars amidst the New York food scene and Spanish city streets. It’s a story unfolding with every bite, a culinary journey that straddles continents, much like my own journey as a New Yorker with a love for global cuisine. In every mouthful of the Spicy Tomato Sauce Patatas Bravas, you’re feasting not just on delicious food, but on a piece of the world’s vibrant cultures.
What You’ll Need
- 7 medium russet potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups of olive oil, for frying
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 1 can (15.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Method
Step One
First, thoroughly wash 7 medium russet potatoes. Dry them well, peel each and cut into 1-inch cubes. Season the potatoes with salt to taste.
Step Two
Heat 2 cups of olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium to high heat. Once hot, add the potatoes, making sure none are overlapping. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Then, remove the potatoes using a slotted spoon and put them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step Three
While the potatoes are frying, start making the sauce. First, dice 1 medium onion and 3 cloves of garlic. Then, dice 1 red chili pepper, removing the seeds if you prefer less heat.
Step Four
In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion to the saucepan and sauté until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and diced chili pepper to the pan. Stir it find let it cook for around 2 minutes.
Step Five
Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of hot paprika, 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste into the saucepan. Mix it well and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step Six
Once the sauce is ready, pour it onto the crispy fried potatoes. Toss the potatoes and sauce until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step Seven
Transfer the patatas bravas to a serving platter, garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Enjoy your delectable Spicy Tomato Sauce Patatas Bravas!