Patatas Bravas

Total Time

Prep: 45 min. Bake: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jul. 25, 2023
Patatas bravas (which means "spicy potatoes") is the ultimate Spanish comfort food. Served tapas-style, the crispy potatoes and smoky sauce are difficult to resist. Add a drizzle of garlic aioli for a richer flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • BRAVAS SAUCE:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • POTATOES:
  • 1-1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Place garlic on a cutting board; sprinkle with salt. Mash garlic with flat side of knife blade, forming a smooth paste. Transfer to a small bowl. Whisk in mayonnaise, lemon juice and oil until smooth. Cover; refrigerate until serving.
  2. For bravas sauce, in a small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour and paprikas until smooth; gradually stir in broth. Add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 6-8 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Remove and discard bay leaf. Puree sauce using an immersion blender. Or, cool slightly and puree sauce in a blender; return to pan and heat through. Keep warm.
  4. Cut potatoes into 1-1/2-in. cubes; soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain potatoes; pat dry with paper towels. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 250°. Fry potatoes until tender, 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels and cool completely.
  5. Increase temperature of oil to 375°. Fry potatoes again until crisp and golden brown, 3-4 minutes, turning frequently. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with salt. Serve with bravas sauce and aioli.

Patatas Bravas FAQ

What are Patatas Bravas?

Patatas bravas is a spicy potato dish that originated in Spain. Traditionally, the dish consists of cubed potatoes tossed in olive oil and fried, then served with a zesty sauce drizzled on top.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup potatoes with about 2 tablespoons sauce and 1 tablespoon aioli: 452 calories, 42g fat (5g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.