| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 360 | 10g | 3g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2.7g | 4g | 1.4g |
Why I Love Spanish Patatas Bravas
My love for this vibrant Spanish dish, Patatas Bravas, runs deep. The very first time I tasted it, a profound fondness bloomed within me. It’s simplicity, the crisp of potatoes paired with the punchy hit of the spicy tomato sauce – was an explosion of flavors that captured my heart and arguably seared its geospatial coordinates right onto my palate. The artistry of marrying the comfort of potatoes with a tantalizing heat elegantly encapsulates my culinary ethos: dishes that are familiar, yet remarkably exciting. Drawing inspiration from my go-to guru, José Andrés, who’s renowned for his stellar Spanish dishes, I set out to recreate a dish that would stoke the fires of every food enthusiast’s heart.
A Symphony in Food Fusion
Whereas my Irish roots bathe me in a world of hearty potato dishes, mimicking the warmth of a fireplace on a cold winter’s evening, the Spanish cuisine of Patatas Bravas stands as a flamboyant flamenco dancer in the world of food—a sultry syncopation of warmth and spice at every bite. This smoky, tangy version has tips of the hat to my New England upbringing, where bold, flavorful food was always the order of the day.
Oh, The Versatility!
Patatas Bravas, while a complete joy on its own, can be paired with a myriad of other dishes to elevate the dining experience. It mimics a feisty, spicy cousin to the comforting Irish roast potatoes or the classic New England potato salad. It would feel right at home nestling against a serving of traditional Spanish Tapas or acting as a spicy bed for baked or grilled fish. For the vegetarians among us, it makes a stunning companion to a hearty vegetable paella—a melody of colours and a fiesta of tastes.
In a whirlwind life where I juggle my passion for cuisine, a rigorous writing schedule, and being a father, this risqué dance of fire termed as Patatas Bravas holds a special place in my kitchen and my heart. It’s this beautiful ‘chaos’ that it brings with its flavours—the spiciness of the sauce searing through the crispness of the potatoes—that leaves me — and my beautiful fiancé Laura — coming back for more. Each bite of this hearty dish weaves an extraordinary tale, a culinary shared experience from the heart of Spain right to my dinner table in Boston.
As I share with you this recipe, I invite you into a slice of my world: a fusion of wholesome comfort of my roots and an exhilarating literary and gastric adventure with me, Liam O’Sullivan, at ‘Your Gourmet Guru’.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of potatoes
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
Method
Step One
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Next, wash your potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniformity so they cook evenly.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix together the potatoes, 1/4 cup of the olive oil, salt, paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Spread the potato mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
Step Three
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast the potatoes for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Toss the potatoes halfway through roasting to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
Step Four
While the potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the oil and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant – be careful not to burn it.
Step Five
Next, add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, cayenne pepper, tomato sauce, hot sauce, and white vinegar to the saucepan. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
Step Six
Once your sauce is ready, pour it over your roasted potatoes, tossing them gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Serve your Patatas Bravas hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
