Hello, fellow potato lovers! If you haven’t had the chance to try patatas bravas, you’re in for a real treat. This classic Spanish tapas dish features fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce that will have your taste buds dancing for joy. Before diving into this delicious dish, it’s vital to choose the right potato to make the magic happen. In this guide, we’ll explore the best potatoes for patatas bravas and why they matter. So, let’s jump right in and discover the secrets to mastering this fantastic dish!

Factors to consider when choosing potatoes for patatas bravas

When you’re on a quest to make the best patatas bravas, it’s crucial to pay attention to the type of potato you use. Just like any other culinary masterpiece, the foundation is key. So before you start dicing and frying, let’s explore the key factors you need to consider while selecting the perfect potato for your patatas bravas.

Starch content

Potatoes can be broadly categorized into high-starch, medium-starch, and low-starch varieties. The amount of starch in a potato affects both the texture and the flavor of the final dish.

High-starch potatoes are really good at absorbing moisture, which makes them perfect for that crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture that we all know and love. On the other hand, low-starch potatoes tend to hold their shape better and result in a denser, waxier texture when cooked.

For patatas bravas, you’re going to want to opt for a high-starch or medium-starch potato to achieve that classic mouthwatering texture.

Size and shape

You know what they say, size matters! When it comes to cooking up a storm with patatas bravas, even-sized potatoes are key. You want to make sure that all your potato pieces cook evenly so that you don’t end up with some overcooked and some undercooked.

Plus, the shape of the potato is equally important. Look for potatoes that are easy to cut into the bite-sized cubes or small wedges that are typical of patatas bravas. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also ensures that each piece is cooked to perfection.

Availability and seasonality

In some regions, you may have access to a wide variety of potatoes throughout the year, while in others, certain types of potatoes may only be available at specific times. When selecting the best potato for patatas bravas, keep in mind the availability and seasonality of the potato varieties in your local market.

In the end, the key is to find the perfect balance between starch content, size, shape, and availability so that you can whip up amazing patatas bravas that will impress your friends and family!

Best potatoes for patatas bravas

Now that you’re eager to whip up a mouthwatering batch of patatas bravas for your next gathering or family dinner, let’s dive into the top contenders for the perfect potato for this flavorful dish.

Russet potatoes

Known for their high-starch content and fluffy interiors, Russet potatoes are arguably the gold standard when it comes to creating patatas bravas with an incredibly crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. These potatoes have a rough, brown skin and an oblong shape. One example of a Russet potato variety that will absolutely shine in your patatas bravas is the Russet Burbank.

When you fry up some Russet potatoes for patatas bravas, they retain their distinct shape and practically melt in your mouth, offering a wonderful contrast to the spicy tomato sauce.

Yukon Gold potatoes

If you prefer a potato with a more balanced texture and a slightly denser interior for your patatas bravas, give Yukon Gold potatoes a try. With their medium-starch content, Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well while providing a creamy, buttery flavor that pairs delightfully with the boldness of patatas bravas. These potatoes have a smooth, golden-yellow skin and a round or oblong shape. A popular example of a Yukon Gold is the Yellow Finn.

Choosing Yukon Gold potatoes for your patatas bravas also adds a lovely subtle golden hue to your dish, making it an eye-catching addition to your tapas spread.

Maris Piper potatoes (UK)

For those cooking in the UK, or if you can get your hands on them elsewhere, Maris Piper potatoes are often hailed as the perfect potatoes for frying. With their high-starch content and a reputation for delivering a creamy and fluffy texture, these British favorites are a top choice for patatas bravas with excellent results.

Incorporating Maris Piper potatoes in your patatas bravas not only provides a delightful texture but also showcases these often hard-to-find potatoes in a dish that truly lets them shine.

Now that we’ve covered the best potato options for your patatas bravas, it’s time to explore cooking techniques that’ll ensure you serve up a plate of utter deliciousness.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Patatas Bravas

Now that you know the best potatoes for making patatas bravas, let’s dive into the cooking techniques that will help you create a perfect plate of this flavorful Spanish tapas dish.

Preparing the Potatoes

Before you start cooking, you need to prepare your potatoes.

1. Peeling and Cutting Technique: Gently peel your potatoes and cut them into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes or wedges. This will make sure that they cook consistently and are easy to eat.
2. Parboiling for Even Cooking: To ensure an evenly cooked and tender interior, parboil your potatoes in a pot of boiling salted water for about 3-5 minutes. Drain them well and let them air dry for a few minutes, or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to avoid oil splatter during frying.

Frying Methods

You have a few options when it comes to frying your potatoes. Choose the one that works best for you and your kitchen setup!

1. Traditional Deep-Frying: Fill a deep pot or frying pan with a high smoke point oil (like vegetable or sunflower oil) until about a third full. Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C), then carefully add the parboiled potatoes. Fry them for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Pan-Frying: In a large non-stick frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of high smoke-point oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the parboiled potatoes and cook them, turning occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
3. Baked Alternative for a Healthier Version: If you’re looking for a lighter version of patatas bravas without sacrificing that crispiness, try baking them in the oven! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the parboiled potatoes on a baking sheet, toss them with a bit of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Making the Spicy Tomato Sauce

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show – the spicy tomato sauce.

1. Traditional Sauce Ingredients: Start by making a base sauce with tomatoes, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (or any other preferred chili), and a pinch of salt. You can also add some sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar for a touch of acidity. Remember that variations exist depending on regional preferences, so feel free to tweak the ingredients to your taste.
2. Tips for Achieving the Ideal Sauce Consistency: Cook the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and developed a rich, savory flavor. You can then blend the sauce using an immersion blender, or transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender for a smooth consistency. To intensify the flavors, let the sauce cool and refrigerate it for a couple of hours or overnight; then, gently reheat it just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

You’ve made it! Your patatas bravas are ready to enjoy! Now, for the grand finale: plating and garnishing.

1. Drizzling Sauce over Potatoes or On the Side for Dipping: Arrange your crispy potatoes on a serving plate, then either generously drizzle the spicy tomato sauce over them, or serve the sauce on the side in a small bowl for dipping.
2. Garnishing with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing your potato and sauce masterpiece with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. And, just like that, you have the perfect patatas bravas to share with friends and family!

Additional tips for perfect patatas bravas

In addition to selecting the best potatoes for patatas bravas, there are other factors you need to consider to ensure your dish turns out perfect. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind for a scrumptious and irresistible patatas bravas experience.

Ensuring freshness of potatoes

To make the most out of your patatas bravas, you want to start with fresh and high-quality potatoes. Here’s how you can ensure that:

1. Storing potatoes properly: Store your potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. This helps prevent sprouting and rotting. Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can turn the starch into sugar, resulting in a sweeter and undesirable taste.
2. Signs of freshness and quality: Choose potatoes that are firm and have no visible green spots, cuts or bruises. Sprouts or eyes are an indication that the potato is no longer fresh; however, if the sprouting is minimal, you may remove the sprouts and still use the potato.

Ensuring crispiness

To achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior, you need to take care of these two aspects:

1. Use of high smoke point oil: Opt for oils with a high smoke point (the temperature at which the oil starts to break down and smoke), such as vegetable, sunflower, or peanut oil. These oils can handle the high heat required for frying, ensuring a crispier and less greasy result.
2. Proper oil temperature for frying: The ideal temperature for deep-frying is around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a deep-fry thermometer, you can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of potato into the hot oil. If it sizzles and starts to brown quickly, the oil is ready for frying.

Testing doneness

To check if your potatoes have reached the desired level of doneness, follow these tips:

1. Fork or knife test: Poke a fork or the tip of a knife into the potatoes. If they slide off easily, they are cooked through and ready to be removed from the hot oil.
2. Visual cues for golden brown exterior: Keep an eye on the color of your potatoes as they fry. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown hue that indicates a crispy texture. Be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll become too hard and not enjoyable to eat.

Now that you’ve learned these additional tips for perfect patatas bravas, you’re well on your way to creating this mouthwatering dish that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy crafting this culinary masterpiece and relish in the delightful flavors of Spain’s beloved tapas dish!

Recipes Incorporating the Best Potatoes for Patatas Bravas

In this section, we’ll explore three delicious recipes for patatas bravas, each featuring one of our best potato options. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these mouth-watering dishes!

Traditional Patatas Bravas Recipe (Russet Potatoes)

Ingredients:

• 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salted water for boiling
• High smoke point oil for frying

Spicy Tomato Sauce: – 1 tbsp olive oil – 1 small onion, finely chopped – 2 cloves garlic, minced – 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes – 1 tbsp paprika – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for your preferred heat level) – Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Boil the Russet potatoes in salted water for 6-7 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain well and allow to cool.
2. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer with high smoke point oil to 350°F (180°C).
3. Carefully add potatoes to the hot oil in batches, frying them until golden brown and crispy, around 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt.

Spicy Tomato Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté onion until softened. Add the garlic, and cook for an additional minute.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Stir well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Serve the crispy Russet potatoes with the spicy tomato sauce drizzled on top, or on the side for dipping.

Yukon Gold Patatas Bravas

Ingredients:

• 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salted water for boiling
• High smoke point oil for frying

Aioli Sauce: – 1 cup mayonnaise – 1-2 cloves garlic, minced – 1 tbsp lemon juice – Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Follow the same steps for boiling and frying as in the traditional recipe, substituting the Yukon Gold potatoes for Russets.

Aioli Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Serve the crispy Yukon Gold potatoes with the aioli sauce on the side for dipping.

Maris Piper Patatas Bravas (UK)

Ingredients:

• 4 large Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salted water for boiling
• High smoke point oil for frying

Smoky Tomato Sauce: – 1 tbsp olive oil – 1 small onion, finely chopped – 2 cloves garlic, minced – 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes – 1 tbsp smoked paprika – 1 tsp dried thyme – Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Follow the same steps for boiling and frying as in the traditional recipe, but use Maris Piper potatoes instead.

Smoky Tomato Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté onion until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to the saucepan. Stir well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Serve the crispy Maris Piper potatoes with the smoky tomato sauce drizzled on top, or on the side for dipping.

Now that you have three fantastic recipes incorporating the best potatoes for patatas bravas, it’s time to get in the kitchen and cook up some amazing tapas. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to these recipes – the possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best potatoes for making patatas bravas play a significant role in achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor for this classic Spanish tapas dish. As we’ve discussed, it’s essential to consider the starch content, size, shape, and availability when determining the ideal potato variety.

To recap, the top contenders are:

• Russet potatoes for their high-starch content, creating a crispy exterior and fluffy interior
• Yukon Gold potatoes for their medium-starch content, providing a balanced texture and rich flavor
• Maris Piper potatoes (typically found in the UK) for their high-starch content, resulting in a creamy and fluffy texture when cooked

Remember that practicing different cooking techniques and incorporating various potato varieties can help elevate your patatas bravas to the next level. Keep in mind our tips on preparing the potatoes, properly frying them, making the spicy tomato sauce, and serving suggestions.

Get ready to impress your friends and family by serving mouth-watering patatas bravas at your next gathering. Don’t forget to have fun experimenting with various types of potatoes and techniques, and ultimately, discover your personal favorite way to make this delicious dish. Happy cooking!

Image Credit: Gary Stevens