Traditional Papas Bravas Recipe

2023-07-20

By Potato Lovers

Spanish Cuisine

Appetizer

Papas Bravas are a classic Spanish dish of crispy roasted potatoes tossed in a spicy tomato sauce. Get your taste buds ready for this flavorful recipe!

Madrid Taberna Specialty

A popular Spanish dish that originated in the region of Madrid, the capital of Spain. Madrid is known for its vibrant and lively food scene, and Papas Bravas is just one of the many delicious dishes that are commonly found in the region. 

Spicy Sauce

Essentially fried potatoes that are typically cut into small cubes or wedges and served with a spicy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is usually made with tomatoes, garlic, paprika, and chili peppers, and provides a nice kick of heat to the dish. 

Crisp and Refreshing Profile

This recipe features a hearty snack or appetizer that could be enjoyed with a cold beer or glass of wine. Some recommendations on beers can be Pale ales, Light lagers, Pilsner or Belgian witbiers, on the other hand for wines can be Rosé, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo.

Wine Pairing

The fruity and spicy Garnacha balances the heat of the paprika and garlic in papas bravas, while its tannins pair well with the dish's crispy and fried texture.

Beer Pairing

The spicy and smoky chipotle ale also enhances the dish's smokiness and spicy flavors, and its maltiness contrasts the dish's acidity.

Pitfalls on Papas Bravas

 Perfecting the texture of the potatoes: The texture of the potatoes is essential for achieving delicious Papas Bravas. The potatoes should be cut to an appropriate size and fried at the right temperature to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

 Making the Bravas sauce: Bravas sauce is a key element of Papas Bravas and requires a delicate balance of tomatoes, vinegar, and spices, such as paprika. Getting the right balance of flavors and consistency can be challenging, as the sauce should not be too thin or too thick.

 Adding the sauce: Once the sauce is made, it's important to add it to the potatoes at the right time. Adding the sauce too early can result in soggy potatoes, while adding it too late can make the sauce too thick.

 Finding the right spices: Finding the right balance of spices is important for Papas Bravas, and people's preferences can vary. Some may prefer a spicier flavor with plenty of paprika, while others may prefer milder flavors.

 Presentation: The presentation of Papas Bravas can often be overlooked, but it can make a huge difference in the overall dish. It's important to layer the potatoes and sauce on the plate to ensure each potato is fully coated, and to use fresh herbs to garnish the dish.

Ingredients

• 8 medium potatoes

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the mixture over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Flip the potatoes once halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Preparation Time 10 min

Cook Time 25 min

Total time 35 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 220

Fat: 7 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Carbohydrates: 38 g

Fiber: 4 g

Sugar: 2 g

Protein: 4 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Papas Bravas

Andalusian Papas Bravas: Known as "Patatas Aliñás", this version uses boiled potatoes, dressed with a garlicky vinaigrette and topped with a red pepper sauce made by blending roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and bread crumbs.

Catalonian Papas Bravas: Called "Patatas Bravas", the traditional version uses fried potatoes, served with a spicy tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Basque Papas Bravas: Known as "Pintxos de Patata", this variation consists of fried potatoes, served with a drizzle of alioli (garlic mayonnaise) and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Madrid Papas Bravas: Called "Patatas Bravas a la Madrileña", this version uses fried potatoes, topped with both a spicy tomato sauce and a creamy alioli.

Asturian Papas Bravas: Known as "Cachelos Bravos", this variation uses boiled potatoes, topped with a spicy sauce made with onions, garlic, and cayenne pepper, mixed with a bit of flour and white wine.

Galician Papas Bravas: Called "Patatas con Salsa", this version features fried potatoes served with a sauce made with braised onions, garlic, tomatoes, and piquillo peppers, flavored with a bit of paprika.

Basque Papas Bravas: Known as "Patatas a la Riojana", this variation uses sautéed potatoes, topped with a sauce made with onions, garlic, paprika, and spicy chorizo sausage, cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.