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Fried Potatoes Bravas — traditional dish from Madrid, Spain
Snack Vegan

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥320kcal
💪4gProtein
🌾40gCarbs
🥑18gFat
🌿4gFibre
⚖️250 gServing

* Per serving · 250 g. May vary.

Fried Potatoes Bravas

How to order / say it
Say it Patatas Bravas — [pah-TAH-tas BRAH-vas]
Order I'd like the Patatas Bravas, please.
Locally Quisiera las Patatas Bravas, por favor.
Say locally

Crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce.

Why try it?

Patatas Bravas is a beloved Tapa, serving as a true testament to Spain's vibrant bar and social culture. A dish that embodies the communal spirit of sharing food, it brings people together over its bold flavors.

How it tastes

This dish is characterized by lightly crispy potatoes paired with a spicy, tangy tomato sauce, offering a vibrant burst of flavors. The balance of the crunchy exterior and tender inside creates an addictive contrast.

Origin & History — first documented: 1950

Patatas Bravas originated in Madrid in the mid-20th century as a popular tapa in local bars. The combination of fried potatoes with the piquant sauce quickly became synonymous with casual dining and socializing in the Spanish capital.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥕 400 g potatoes
  • 🥕 50 g tomato paste
  • 🫒 50 ml olive oil
  • 🧂 5 g paprika
  • 🧂 1 chili pepper
  • 🧄 2 cloves garlic
  • 🧂 5 g salt

Method

  1. 1 Peel and cube potatoes, then fry in olive oil until golden.
  2. 2 Make the sauce by sautéing garlic and chili pepper, adding tomato paste and paprika.
  3. 3 Season the sauce with salt and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. 4 Toss the fried potatoes in the spicy sauce and serve.

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All Europe recipes — Spain — Madrid — Fried Potatoes Bravas
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