Patatas bravas is a classic Spanish dish of crispy fried potatoes served with a bold, spicy tomato-based sauce and a creamy garlic aioli. It is simple, rustic, and full of flavor. The contrast of crispy potatoes with smoky, tangy sauce and smooth aioli makes it very tasty. This recipe shows an easy way to make patatas bravas at home with simple ingredients.

About Patatas Bravas

Patatas bravas is a popular Spanish tapas dish served across Spain, usually as a snack or appetizer. You will often find it in bars and cafes, enjoyed with drinks.

The word patatas means potatoes in Spanish. The word bravas means fierce or spicy. So the name refers to potatoes served with a bold, spicy sauce.

Traditionally, the dish includes crispy fried potato cubes with a spicy tomato-based bravas sauce. In many versions, a creamy garlic aioli is also added, which balances the heat and adds richness.

There are many regional variations. Some sauces are more tomato-heavy, while others are sharper and spicier. But the base remains the same, crisp potatoes and a strong, flavorful sauce.

In this patatas bravas recipe, the potatoes are first soaked to remove excess starch, then dried well and fried until crisp and golden.

The bravas sauce is made with tomato paste, garlic, spices, and a little vinegar for tang. It is simmered gently to develop flavor.

Along with this, a simple garlic aioli is prepared using mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice and pepper. The fried potatoes are then topped with both sauces and served hot.

This method gives you a good balance of crisp texture, spice, tang and creaminess in every bite.

You can also try these similar snack and potato recipes from the blog:

How to Make Patatas Bravas (Stepwise)

Prep Potatoes

1. Rinse 500 grams potatoes thoroughly in water. Drain and set aside. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1 to 1.25 inch cubes.

Soak them in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Later, drain using a colander. Spread on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry completely. This step is important for crisp potatoes.

Also mince 1 to 2 garlic cloves and keep aside.

Make Aioli Sauce

3. Meanwhile when the potatoes are soaking in cold water, you can make the aioli sauce.

In a small bowl, add:

• ¼ cup eggless or vegan mayonnaise
• ¼ teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 pinches black pepper

4. Add ½ teaspoon lemon juice.

5. Mix very well. Taste and adjust pepper if needed. No need to add salt as mayo already has it. Set aside.

Make Bravas Sauce

6. Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil on low to medium-low heat.

Add 1 teaspoon minced or finely chopped garlic.

7. Sauté till the garlic turns light golden.

Switch off the heat. Add 3 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 bay leaf. Mix well.

Substitution: If you do not have tomato paste, use about ½ cup thick tomato puree. Since puree has more moisture, simmer the sauce longer until it thickens and the raw taste goes away.

8. Next add the following spices:

• ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, optional
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

9. Turn on the heat. Again mix well and sauté on low heat for 1 to 2 minutes.

10. Add 6 tablespoons water.

Note: If using tomato puree, add only 2 to 3 tablespoons water and simmer longer until the sauce thickens well.

11. Mix well.

12. Now add:

• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• salt as required
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon sugar

Mix again.

13. Simmer on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring in between.

Add 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar.

14. Simmer again for 2 to 3 minutes.

Switch off heat. Remove the bay leaf and transfer the sauce to a bowl.

Fry Potatoes

15. Heat ½ cup oil in a wok or sauté pan on medium heat.

To check, add one potato cube. If it rises steadily, the oil is ready and moderately hot.

Add the potatoes in batches.

16. Fry on medium to medium-high heat turning as needed.

17. Fry the potatoes until golden and crisp.

18. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper towels.

Assemble & Make Patatas Bravas

19. While still hot, transfer the fried potatoes to a bowl. Sprinkle a few pinches of salt and gently toss.

20. Top the hot crispy potatoes with bravas sauce. Drizzle the prepared aioli over.

I have spooned both the sauces over the potatoes. You can also drizzle them using a squeeze bottle or piping bag for a neat finish.

Garnish with parsley, cilantro or mint if you like. Serve patatas bravas immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve patatas bravas hot as a snack or starter.

You can pair it with grilled vegetables, a mediterranean style Veg Sandwich, Cheese Sandwich or veggie wraps. It also pairs well with a Burger or simple fresh salads like Green Salad, Chickpea Salad, Vegetable Salad or Greek Salad.

The recipe works well for parties and small gatherings.

Storage

Bravas sauce keeps well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Aioli can be stored for 1 to 2 days.

Fried potatoes are best served fresh. Reheat potatoes in an oven or air fryer to bring back crispness.

Dassana’s Recipe Tips

1. For crispy potatoes: Soak the potatoes in water and dry them very well before frying. Moisture will prevent crisping. Also cut the potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
2. For even frying: Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches so they cook evenly and become crisp. Turn them as needed so all sides become golden and crisp.
3. For best sauce flavor: Cook the sauce on low heat so the spices do not burn. Stir often and let it simmer well to develop flavor.
4. To balance taste: Adjust salt, sugar and vinegar slightly after tasting the sauce. The sauce should taste slightly tangy, mildly spicy and balanced.
5. For smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika. It gives the signature taste to bravas sauce. You can add a bit more if you prefer a stronger smoky flavor.
6. Using tomato puree: If using tomato puree instead of tomato paste, reduce the water to 2 to 3 tablespoons and cook the sauce longer until it thickens well.
7. Frying temperature: Make sure the oil is medium hot before adding potatoes. If the oil is too cool, potatoes will absorb oil and turn soggy.

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