Patatas Bravas: The Perfect Combination of Flavors

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 250 ml vegetable broth
• Cayenne pepper
• Crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut into medium cubes. Dry them with a cloth so they remain crisp when fried.
2. Fry the potatoes: In a large skillet, heat plenty of olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the potatoes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and let drain on absorbent paper.
3. To prepare the salsa brava: In another pan, heat a little oil and add the flour, stirring to form a roux. Add the cayenne pepper and crushed tomatoes, mixing well. Pour little by little the vegetable broth until you achieve a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mounting: Serve the potatoes in a dish and coat them with salsa brava. Optionally, it can be served with alioli sauce for extra flavor.

Nutritional information (per serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Proteins: 4 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g

The Patatas Bravas they are an emblem indestructible of Spanish tapas, representing the perfect fusion of flavors that characterizes this kitchen. This classic composed of cubes of potato golden brown and crispy, rises thanks to its sauce iconic: a creamy spicy and aromatic prepared with tomato, paprika and spices carefully selected. The combination of textures and flavours, from the creaminess of the sauce to the crispy potato, it creates a unique experience that never goes unnoticed. Whether in a bar, busy or in a home-cooked dinner, patatas bravas promise instant gratification and a tribute direct to the rich culinary heritage of spain.

Origin and History of Patatas Bravas

The Patatas Bravas have their origin in Madrid, where they were popularized in the mid-TWENTIETH century as one of the tops most iconic of the Spanish gastronomy. Although there is not a creator recognized this dish, it is known that emerged in the bars in madrid, where the cooks were looking for a cover economic, and delicious with a spicy touch. Since then, his fame has spread all over Spain and beyond, adapting to different regions with variations in the sauce and the cooking method.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this dish is that, despite their simplicity, each bar or restaurant has its own version of the salsa brava, some more spicy, more soft and creamy. What never changes is the base of crispy potatoes and the unmistakable flavor of the spicy sauce.

Benefits of Patatas Bravas

Although it is a dish considered as an appetizer or cover the Patatas Bravas have certain nutritional benefits:

• Power source: Thanks to the complex carbohydrates of potato, provide sustained energy.
• Vitamins and minerals: The potato is rich in vitamin C, potassium and fiber.
• Versatility: Can be adapted to diets that are specific to the preparation (in the oven instead of fried, for example).

Popular variations of the Patatas Bravas

Over the years, there have been different versions of the Patatas Bravas, which are adapted to different tastes and culinary traditions. Some of the most popular include:

• Patatas Bravas with Aioli: In some regions of Spain, especially in Catalonia, served with a combination of salsa brava and garlic mayonnaise, which gives it a perfect balance between spicy and creamy.
• Version baked: For those looking for a healthier option, the potatoes may be baked instead of frying them, thereby reducing the amount of fat.
• Salsa brava and mayonnaise: Some versions soften the spiciness by adding a base of mayonnaise or yogurt to the sauce.
• Patatas Bravas gourmet: Some chefs have elevated this dish to a more sophisticated level using potatoes soaked in olive oil and elaborate sauces with ingredients premium as Stuffed peppers or saffron.

Tips for a Patatas Bravas Perfect

If you want to prepare some Patatas Bravas that are similar to those of the best tapas bars, follow these tips:

1. Choose the potato appropriate: The potatoes of varieties firm as the Monalisa or Kennebec are ideal, since they maintain their structure after frying.
2. Double fry for extra crispy: Fry the potatoes at a low temperature (140°C) and then give them a hit of strong heat (180°C) the leaves golden on the outside and tender on the inside.
3. Sauce with texture balanced: It should be neither too runny nor thick, it seeks a point intermediate to completely cover the potatoes.
4. Use good paprika: The quality of the paprika spicy or sweet makes all the difference in the final flavor of the sauce.

Conclusion

The Patatas Bravas they are a simple dish but absolutely delicious, full of history and flavor. From the bars in madrid until cuisines from all over the world, this appetizer continues to conquer palates with its perfect combination of textures and spices. If you have not yet tried to make them at home, now is the time! Share this recipe and tell us, what is your favorite version of Patatas Bravas?