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Crispy Patatas Bravas Recipe Easy Homemade Spicy Tomato Sauce

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A classic Spanish tapas dish featuring crispy russet potatoes paired with a bold, smoky, and spicy homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for casual dinners, entertaining, or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900g), peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred for flavor)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sauce)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
  • Optional: aioli or garlic mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch, then soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Drain potatoes and place in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes until starting to soften but still firm. Drain and dry completely.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes in a single layer (in batches if needed). Cook 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.
  4. Season potatoes with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne while cooking. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  5. For the sauce, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Add crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  8. Stir in sherry or red wine vinegar, adjust seasoning, and remove from heat.
  9. Serve potatoes piled on a plate, drizzle with spicy tomato sauce, and garnish with parsley or chives. Add a dollop of aioli if desired.

Notes

Soaking and parboiling potatoes is key for crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even crisping. Sauce tastes better after resting overnight. For a healthier option, roast parboiled potatoes at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes instead of frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: patatas bravas, crispy potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, tapas, Spanish recipe, homemade sauce, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-patatas-bravas-recipe-easy-homemade-spicy-tomato-sauce/