Patatas Bravas: Food History of Today’s Famous Tapa

All About Spain’s Most Famous Tapa.

Of all the tapas in Spain, Patatas Bravas can very well be the country’s most famous, most loved, and most accessible.

The History of Patatas Bravas

While paella can arguably be called Spain’s most famous dish, it is a luxury and celebratory meal ideal for family and friends gathered together. If you want to discover Spain’s most common and most beloved everyday dish, look no further than the patatas bravas.

This iconic dish originated in Madrid well after Spain conquered the Inca empire in 1542 and brought back their agriculture such as tomatoes.

The original recipe called for irregular, bite-sized chunks of fried potatoes which were dressed with a spicy tomato sauce and served piping hot. “Bravas” refers to the fieriness in the heat and spice of the sauce.

Why is this such a popular tapas dish? There is something so comforting about a plate of fried potatoes matched with the vibrancy of the sauce. Plus, it is so accessible, so affordable, and available in practically every single tapas bar in the country.

Variations of the Tapa

Traditional patatas bravas has a tomato sauce blended with a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne.

Over the years, there are regional variations of the tapa. For instance, in Catalonia and Valencia, their sauces include olive oil, chili, paprika, and vinegar. Every chef and home cook has their own recipe for the sauce. Some don’t include tomatoes, some include paprika, and so on.

Also, garlic aioli is a common addition on the potatoes and bravas sauce to add another layer of flavors and a creamy, mellow factor to balance the spice.

It all comes down to your personal preference and taking the delicious effort to taste all the plates and variations of patatas bravas.

Patatas Bravas by Sergi Arola of Vi Cool. This is one of the most fun interpretations because of how the potatoes are carved into a halo cylinder and perfectly fried. Then, a well-balanced bravas sauce is piped into the center and topped with a creamy garlic aioli. Creamy, spicy, crunchy, perfection.

Patatas Bravas by Alberto Chicote of Yakitoro. When Spanish tapas marry Japanese yakitori, you get playful plates such as these grilled potatoes on a skewer and topped with a spicy, chunky tomato sauce. Que rico and oishi!

Angela

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Angela

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