Tapas: Patatas Bravas

Patatas Bravas" or Bravas Potatoes is one of the classic Spanish tapas dishes and is served in bars all over Spain. The sauce is a bit spicy from the Tabasco, hence the name bravas, which means "fierce." This is a quick and simple tapa recipe.

• 4 medium potatoes
• salt to taste*
• 1 1/2 - 2 cups Spanish olive oil for frying
• 1 - 16 oz can of tomato sauce
• 2 tspns. sweet Spanish paprika ( Pimenton)
• 1 small onion ( chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves ( chopped)
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• a pinch of chilli powder
• a pinch of sugar
• chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

This bravas potato recipe makes 4 servings as an appetizer.

Peel the potatoes. Cut potatoes into 1/3" to 1/2" chunks as follows: Cut the potato lengthwise, then cut it lengthwise again. You should have four long pieces. Now, cut each of those pieces into 3-4 pieces, cutting crosswise. This should give you nice bit-sized pieces, small enough to use a toothpick to skewer. Sprinkle with salt*. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or fry in a pan.

Pour olive oil in a wide, deep frying pan, with a heavy bottom. Heat the oil on medium high until hot. To test the oil, carefully place one piece of potato in the oil. It is hot enough if the potato immediately fries. If there is no bubbling/frying, the oil is not hot enough and the potato will absorb too much oil. Once the potatoes are fried(about 10 minutes), use a slotted spoon or spatula to remove and set them aside to drain.

For Sauce: 
Prepare ahead by heating the oil in a pan,Using a small 8-inch frying pan, put 1-2 tablespoons of the olive oil in the pan. Heat over medium heat.
Pour tomato sauce into the pan and "saute" the tomato sauce for 5 minutes.
Add the onion and fry for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, tomatoes, tomato purée, paprika, chilli powder, sugar and salt and bring to the boil, stirring. Simmer for 10 minutes until pulpy. Set aside for up to 24 hours.

Place the potatoes on a plate or in a wide open dish. Pour the sauce over the potatoes and serve warm, with toothpicks. You can eat the Patatas Bravas with a garlicky Alioli sauce.

Aioli Sauce is coming up next in Learning Spanish is Fun.

*Tips from Sabrina's Kitchen, Use Sea Salt always, Baelene from the South of France happens to be  my favorite.

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