Spanish Patatas Bravas with Smoky Tomato Sauce

A spicy, crispy tapa straight from the streets of Madrid.

Patatas Bravas are one of the most iconic Spanish tapas — crispy golden potatoes smothered in a smoky, spicy tomato sauce. Found in bars across Spain, they’re bold, simple, and packed with flavor. Our version is oven-roasted and easy to make at home.

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⏱️ Recipe Overview

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 min

• Cook Time: 30–35 min

• Total Time: ~45 min

• Difficulty: Easy

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🛒 Ingredients

For the potatoes:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the bravas sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 pinch chili flakes (optional for heat)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• ½ cup crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp vinegar (white wine or sherry)

• Salt to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

• Aioli or mayonnaise (Spanish-style variation)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Roast the potatoes:
   Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

2. Make the sauce:
   In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add smoked paprika and chili flakes. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and vinegar. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Blend for a smoother sauce if desired.

3. Assemble and serve:
   Spoon sauce over crispy potatoes. Garnish with parsley and optional drizzle of aioli for the full Spanish effect.

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🎯 Gourmet Tip

For extra crispiness, boil the potatoes for 5 minutes, drain, and shake to rough the edges before roasting. This mimics the traditional double-cook method used in tapas bars.