Patatas Bravas
Cuisine: Spanish Type: Small Plates/Snack

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Potatoes
4 large (800)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoon (42)
Garlic
2 cloves (10)
Tomato Sauce
1 cup (240)
Hot Paprika
1 teaspoon (5)
Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon (5)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (5)
White Vinegar
1 tablespoon (14)
Water
1 cup (240)
Totals
48 oz
(1,366 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Potatoes
160
Olive Oil
120
Tomato Sauce
40
Garlic
5
Paprika
10
Cayenne Pepper
5
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Parsley
5
Totals
345 kcal
Steps
1. Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Cut them into small cubes or bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a deep frying pan or a pot over medium heat.
3. Carefully add the potato cubes to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
4. While the potatoes are frying, prepare the bravas sauce. In a separate saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes to the pan, followed by a pinch of salt, sugar, and a dash of hot sauce or paprika for a spicy kick. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or a mesh strainer. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
8. Transfer the fried potatoes to a serving dish and generously drizzle them with the bravas sauce.
9. For an authentic touch, you can also garnish the dish with a dollop of aioli or mayonnaise and sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives on top.
10. Serve the Patatas Bravas hot as a tapas dish or as a side to your main course. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Patatas Bravas:
1. Potatoes:
- Sweet potatoes: Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
- Turnips or parsnips: Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
2. Olive oil:
- Vegetable oil: Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
3. Garlic:
- Garlic powder: Use 1/2 teaspoon for every clove of garlic in the original recipe.
4. Paprika:
- Smoked paprika: Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
- Cayenne pepper: Use 1/2 teaspoon for every teaspoon of paprika in the original recipe.
5. Tomato sauce:
- Tomato paste: Use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste mixed with 1/4 cup of water for every 1/2 cup of tomato sauce in the original recipe.
6. Hot sauce:
- Tabasco sauce: Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
- Sriracha sauce: Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
7. White vinegar:
- Apple cider vinegar: Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
8. Salt:
- Kosher salt: Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
- Sea salt: Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
Please note that these substitutions may alter the flavor and texture of the dish slightly. Adjustments in cooking time and seasoning may be required based on personal taste preferences.
Pairings
- Aioli or garlic mayonnaise
- Tomato-based sauces or salsa
- Spicy chorizo or other cured meats
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
- Spanish omelette (Tortilla Española)
- Grilled or fried seafood (e.g., calamari, shrimp)
- Spanish cheeses (e.g., Manchego, Tetilla)
- Crusty bread or baguette
- Sangria or Spanish red wine
- Spanish craft beer or cider
Upgrades
Enhancements for Patatas Bravas:
1. Improve presentation:
- Use a decorative plating technique, arranging the potatoes in a tower or in a neat row.
- Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped fresh herbs on top for a pop of color.
- Serve in individual mini cast-iron skillets or elegant serving bowls for a sophisticated touch.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Double-fry the potatoes for an extra crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
- Add a handful of crispy fried chorizo or bacon crumbles on top for a savory, crunchy element.
- Drizzle a homemade aioli or spicy chipotle mayo over the potatoes to enhance the creaminess and add a tangy kick.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular potatoes with purple or fingerling potatoes for a visually appealing and unique twist.
- Upgrade the tomato sauce by using sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a richer flavor.
- Top with shaved truffles or truffle oil to infuse an earthy and indulgent aroma.
Remember, these enhancements are meant to elevate the dish, but feel free to adapt them based on your personal preferences and availability of ingredients. Enjoy your next-level Patatas Bravas!
Diet Restrictions
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a healthier option with lower glycemic index.
- Bake or grill the potatoes instead of frying them to reduce the amount of added fats.
- Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier fat choice.
- Reduce the amount of oil used to cook the potatoes to decrease calorie content.
- Use a low-sodium tomato sauce or make your own to control the salt content.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added nutrients and fiber.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper flavor without adding extra salt.
- Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or a light aioli made with low-fat mayo for a healthier dipping sauce option.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro instead of fried herbs for a lighter touch.
- Consider portion control to manage calorie intake, especially for those with weight management goals.
Healthy Choices
- Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for frying the potatoes. Olive oil is a healthier option due to its high content of monounsaturated fats.
- Opt for sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to regular potatoes.
- Bake or roast the potatoes instead of frying them to reduce the amount of added fat.
- Instead of using white potatoes, try using a mixture of different colored potatoes to add variety and increase the nutrient content.
- Reduce the amount of salt in the sauce by using herbs and spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Make a healthier sauce by using Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream instead of mayonnaise or heavy cream.
- Add a variety of vegetables to the dish, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes, to increase the nutritional value and add more flavor.
- Serve the Patatas Bravas with a side of mixed greens or a salad to add more fiber and nutrients to the meal.
- Consider reducing the portion size of the dish to control calorie intake while still enjoying the flavors.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cut frozen potatoes instead of peeling and cutting fresh ones to save time.
2. Opt for canned tomato sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch to save on cooking time.
3. Substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika to achieve a smoky flavor without additional cooking steps.
4. Use a store-bought aioli or mayonnaise instead of making it from scratch to save time and effort.
5. Skip the step of deep-frying the potatoes and instead roast them in the oven for a healthier and quicker alternative.
6. Consider using a pre-made spicy sauce or salsa instead of making the bravas sauce from scratch.
7. Use a combination of olive oil and vegetable oil for frying to save on cost without compromising taste.
8. Add diced chorizo or bacon to the dish for extra flavor without needing to cook them separately.
9. Use dried herbs instead of fresh ones to reduce preparation time and cost.
10. Serve the patatas bravas as a tapas-style dish with other small plates to make it a budget-friendly meal.