Country-Style PATATAS BRAVAS with Peppers, Onions & Aioli Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What country is Patatas Bravas from? ›

Patatas bravas (Spanish: [paˈtatas ˈβɾaβas], also called patatas a la brava or papas bravas, all meaning "spicy potatoes") is a dish native to Spain. It typically consists of white potatoes that have been cut into 2-centimeter (0.79 in)-wide cubes, then fried in oil and served warm with a spicy "brava" sauce.

What is patatas bravas? Patatas bravas is the most popular Spanish tapa, made of crispy fried potatoes that are tossed with salsa brava or bravas sauce. It's really the sauce that gives these potatoes the delicious slightly spicy and smoky flavor and distinguishes them from any other fried potatoes you'll try.

The dish dates back to 1542 after Spain concurred with the Inca Empire to bring back their agricultural produce, such as tomatoes. The people of Madrid, Spain, started preparing bite-sized fried potatoes dressed with served with spicy tomato sauce. Apart from Spain, this is also a familiar dish in other regions.

The best side dishes to serve with patatas bravas are Spanish rice, gazpacho, paella, chicken wings, roast beef, blooming onion, Shrimp Louie salad, fried calamari, grilled vegetables, Spanish tortilla, chorizo, albondigas, pan con tomate, garlic shrimp, manchego cheese, and churros.

Bravo/brava is an adjective with various meanings in Spanish. We use it when we want to say someone is brave or courageous. In some Spanish-speaking countries, however, bravo/brava is also used as a synonym for angry, mad or upset. This adjective can also help us describe the world around us by meaning rough or fierce.

Common names

Potato (Engl.)

The “Patatas Bravas” are potatoes accompanied by hot sauce. In fact, its name comes from the spicy cayenne, which is essential in the sauce. Potatoes can be prepared fried, cooked in water, cooked in oil and even in some cases baked. It is a typical dish of Spanish cuisine, although its origin is really from Madrid.

Tesco Patatas Bravas 250G - Tesco Groceries.

Fist theory says patatas bravas were discovered after Spain conquered the Inca empire in 1542. Potatoes were not really popular at that time, and they were considered animals´food. People thought potatoes were poisonous but a thirty years war, made them have to eat it.

What is the most important meal in Spain? ›

Lunch -- The most important meal of the day in Spain, lunch is comparable to the farm-style midday "dinner" in the United States. It usually includes three or four courses, beginning with a choice of soup or several dishes of hors d'oeuvres called entremeses.

Patatas bravas, or spicy potato as it is translated, originates from Madrid and is a traditional Spanish cuisine typcially served to share. Patatas means “potato” in Spanish, and bravas is the sauce and lends to the term “spicy”.

Traditional bravas sauce, often associated with Spanish tapas, is a bold and flavorful sauce typically made from a combination of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and various spices. While the exact ingredients can vary, the key components of bravas sauce include: Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the base of bravas sauce.

Patatas bravas is a Spanish dish of fried potato pieces served with a spicy garlicky tomato sauce. It's enjoyed as a tapa (appetizer) in tapas bars and homes throughout Spain — usually accompanied with a little wine, sherry or beer and lots of good conversation.

The “Patatas Bravas” are potatoes accompanied by hot sauce. In fact, its name comes from the spicy cayenne, which is essential in the sauce. Potatoes can be prepared fried, cooked in water, cooked in oil and even in some cases baked. It is a typical dish of Spanish cuisine, although its origin is really from Madrid.

One of the best things to try in here is Lisbon street food favourite patatas Bravas. Crisped to perfection and covered in a creamy sauce, these potatoes pack a punch and will make for a meal to remember, you won't want to share!

However, they are so tasty you likely will want to eat them as a meal all by themselves! Although it originated in Spain, and is often served in Spanish tapas restaurants, this dish is a popular side dish at many Mexican and Latin American restaurants as well.

It's enjoyed as a tapa (appetizer) in tapas bars and homes throughout Spain — usually accompanied with a little wine, sherry or beer and lots of good conversation.