Nothing beats crispy fries and these Patatas Bravas are the most crunchy potatoes I have eaten so far. They are a native of Spain where they are mostly served in bars as tapas. I love food that has history or a story to tell, and when I saw these I had to make them. I love how simple they are to make and the end result is totally awesome. You can devour them just as they are or dip in your very favorite sauce, hot or mild. These patatas bravas never saw the light of the next day after being cooked, thats how delicious they were!
INGREDIENTS
4 large potatoes
3 whole cardamom pods
2 bay leaf
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Paprika
1 Tablespoon Cilantro
2 Tablespoons Chili Tomato Paste
2 Tablespoons Mustard
Pinch Salt
METHOD
Add salt to pan with boiling water
Add 2 bay leaf
Add 3 cardamom pods
Add ground cumin
Add chopped potatoes
Boil potatoes until tender but not cooked through
Take out the bay leaf and cardamom pods. Drain water and lay the potatoes to completely dry out, around 45 minutes
Heat oil in deep pan and add the potatoes
Spread the potatoes so that they do not stick or clump together
Keep frying, once they start to float, they are almost ready
Fry them until crispy brown
Take off the heat and set aside in bowl to drain off excess oil
They should fall hard which is how the texture should be
To make coating spice, add salt to small bowl
Add black pepper
Add pinch paprika
Add chopped cilantro
Toss the potatoes to evenly coat with the spice mix
Traditionally they are served with toothpicks sticking in them and sauce on the side
The patatas bravas are so crunchy you can hear them as you bite. Thats the true test
I served mine with chili mustard sauce. Add 2 tablespoons chili sauce and mustard, whisk and you have your sauce
Patatas bravas are also unevenly shaped, so they are not like fries, wedges or cubed potatoes
Serve as a starter, side dish or snack for the kids by skipping the spices
Deliciousness right there
PATATAS BRAVAS
Prep time: 05 Minutes
Cook time: 15 Minutes
Total time: 20 Minutes
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 Large Potatoes
- 3 Whole Cardmom
- 2 Bay Leaf
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Cilantro
- 2 Tablespoons Chili tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons Mustard
- Salt to taste
Cooking Directions
- Add salt to pan with boiling water. Add 2 bay leaf. Add 3 cardamom pods. Add ground cumin. Add chopped potatoes. Boil potatoes until tender but not cooked through
- Take out the bay leaf and cardamom pods. Drain water and lay the potatoes to completely dry out, around 45 minutes
- Heat oil in deep pan and add the potatoes. Spread the potatoes so that they do not stick or clump together. Keep frying, once they start to float, they are almost ready
- Fry them until crispy brown. Take off the heat and set aside in bowl to drain off excess oil
- To make coating spice, add salt to small bowl. Add black pepper. Add pinch paprika. Add chopped cilantro. Add in the crispy fried potatoes
- Toss the potatoes to evenly coat with the spice mix. Traditionally they are served with toothpicks sticking in them and sauce on the side
- I served mine with chili mustard sauce. Add 2 tablespoons chili sauce and mustard, whisk and you have your sauce. Patatas bravas are also unevenly shaped, so they are not like fries, wedges or cubed potatoes
- Serve as a starter, side dish or snack for the kids by skipping the spices
Here’s your detailed guide to the classic Spanish tapas favorite, Patatas Bravas, including
Patatas Bravas – FAQs
1. What are patatas bravas?
Patatas bravas are crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy, tangy tomato-based sauce, a beloved tapa originating from Spain.
2. How do I make the potatoes crispy?
Use starchy potatoes like Russets, cut into cubes, parboil briefly, then dry and deep-fry or oven-roast at high heat for a crispy outside and fluffy inside.
3. What’s in the bravas sauce?
The sauce typically includes tomatoes, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, vinegar, and olive oil, giving it a smoky, spicy kick.
4. Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, baking or air-frying are healthier alternatives to deep-frying and can still yield crispy potatoes.
5. Is patatas bravas vegan?
The classic recipe is vegan, but some variations include aioli (garlic mayonnaise) which contains egg.
6. What to serve with patatas bravas?
They’re often served as a tapa alongside other Spanish dishes or as a snack with a cold beverage.
Nutrition Card – Approx. per serving (1 cup)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250–300 kcal | — | Depends on frying method and oil |
| Protein | 3–4 g | 6–8% | From potatoes |
| Carbohydrates | 35–40 g | 12–14% | Mostly starch from potatoes |
| Sugars | 2–4 g | — | Natural sugars in tomato sauce |
| Fat | 10–15 g | 15–23% | From frying oil |
| Fiber | 3–4 g | 12–16% | From potato skin and flesh |
| Sodium | Moderate | Adjust seasoning as needed |
Dietary Compatibility & Tips
| Diet Type | Compatible? | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | ✅ Yes | Traditional recipe is vegan |
| Gluten-Free | ✅ Yes | Use gluten-free spices and oil |
| Low-Carb/Keto | ❌ No | High in carbohydrates from potatoes |
| Dairy-Free | ✅ Yes | No dairy in classic recipe |
| Nut-Free | ✅ Yes | No nuts included |
Serving Suggestions:
Serve patatas bravas hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra sauce on the side. Pair with crusty bread and a chilled glass of sangria or beer for an authentic Spanish experience.
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.
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