Discover how to make Patatas Bravas, a popular Spanish tapas dish featuring crispy fried potatoes topped with a tangy and spicy tomato sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, this recipe combines crunchy potatoes with a flavorful, zesty sauce for an irresistible treat. Follow our step-by-step guide to recreate this classic Spanish favorite at home!

Ingredients:

- For the Potatoes:

 - 4 large potatoes (Russet or similar)

 - Vegetable oil for frying

 - Salt, to taste

- For the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

 - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

 - Salt and pepper, to taste

 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions:

Prepare the Potatoes:

  - Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.

  - Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. Pat dry with paper towels.

  - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).

  - Fry the potatoes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per batch.

  - Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with salt immediately.

Make the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

  - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

  - Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

  - Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.

  - Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.

  - Finish with a splash of red wine vinegar and mix well.

Serve:

  - Arrange the crispy fried potatoes on a serving platter.

  - Spoon the spicy tomato sauce generously over the top or serve on the side for dipping.

  - Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Patatas Bravas as a delicious tapas treat or a flavorful side dish!

Nutritional Value

Potatoes

Large Potatoes (4, Russet or similar)

  - Calories: 800 (for 4 large potatoes)

  - Carbohydrates: 180g

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 0.4g

  - Fiber: 16g

Benefits: Potatoes are a good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. They provide energy through carbohydrates and support digestive health. The high potassium content helps manage blood pressure.

Vegetable Oil (for frying)

  - Calories: Varies (depends on amount used and absorption)

  - Fat: High in fat (type depends on the oil used)

Benefits: Vegetable oil provides energy but is high in fat. Using oils like canola or sunflower can be more neutral compared to others. However, fried foods can be high in calories and fat, so moderation is key.

Salt (to taste)

  - Calories: Negligible

Benefits: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation due to its sodium content, which can contribute to hypertension if consumed in excess.

Spicy Tomato Sauce

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 120

  - Fat: 14g (Monounsaturated Fat: 10g)

Benefits: Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.

Onion (1 small, finely chopped)

  - Calories: 45

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Fiber: 1g

Benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals. They support heart health, boost immunity, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

  - Calories: 10

Benefits: Garlic has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help improve heart health, boost the immune system, and has antimicrobial effects.

Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz)

  - Calories: 70

  - Carbohydrates: 14g

  - Protein: 3g

Benefits: Crushed tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which can reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 30

  - Carbohydrates: 7g

Benefits: Tomato paste is concentrated with nutrients and flavor, providing additional lycopene and vitamins A and C.

Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 6

Benefits: Smoked paprika contains antioxidants and can help with digestion. It adds a unique smoky flavor without extra calories.

Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon, adjust to taste)

  - Calories: 3

Benefits: Cayenne pepper has capsaicin, which can boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and have pain-relieving properties.

Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional)

  - Calories: 16

Benefits: Sugar adds sweetness to balance the acidity of tomatoes but should be used sparingly as excessive sugar intake can lead to various health issues.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

  - Calories: Negligible

Benefits: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation. Pepper adds flavor without significant calories or nutritional value.

Red Wine Vinegar (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 5

Benefits: Red wine vinegar contains acetic acid, which can aid in digestion and may have a beneficial impact on blood sugar levels.

This combination of ingredients provides a balance of nutrients and flavors, making for a delicious and satisfying dish while offering various health benefits.