Once again, the photos are rubbish but the flavour of these potatoes is absolutely divine. I can see me making them over and over again. They are a traditional Tapas dish but I think they will be a fantastic accompaniment to steak or lamb chops on the BBQ. The dish translates as ‘brave potatoes’ due to the hot tomato sauce you drizzle over the roast potatoes. I made mine for friends so I was economical with the chilli. The result was quite mild but absolutely exquisite. I think I will always make them like this as the heat does not overpower the delicate flavours in the rest of the dish. Of course, those who like hot food can add more chilli but I would take care as the tomatoes readily absorb the heat and, once added, it is impossible to remove.
The potatoes are supposed to be crisp. I made mine in Fuerteventura and the oven is very peculiar. I think if I had left them in there for another hour they would still not have crisped up. In the end I served them golden but soft. Once again, I prefered them like this and will try to replicate the texture when I next cook them in my oven back home.
The tomato sauce is so easy to make and has a great texture and incredible flavour. I am going to try it as a pasta sauce, finished off with Parmesan cheese, when I get a chance. I also think it would be great in a pasta bake, tossed with courgettes and red peppers that have been softened in a little olive oil, carefully mixed with cooked pasta shapes, poured into an ovenproof dish and topped with cheese before baking in the oven. I might try this one out on my daughter-in-law.
Anyway, here is the recipe.
Patatas Bravos Serves 4
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 300g canned, chopped tomatoes
- 2 tsps paprika (get the sweet variety if possible but definitely not smoked)
- small pinch chilli (either dried and crumbled, flakes or powder)
- 1kg / 2lbs potatoes (King Edwards or Maris Piper)
- Gently fry the onion in about 3 tbsp of olive oil until softened and not coloured. Takes about 10 minutes. Add all the other ingredients (except the potatoes). Mix well, season with a little salt and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Take off the heat and reserve until the potatoes are cooked. You can refrigerate the sauce for 24 hours if you want to prepare ahead,
- In the meantime, peel and cut the potatoes into small cubes. Put in a baking tray and drizzle with oil. Season with salt then mix well so the potatoes are completely coated. Bake in a hot oven, 200C/190C fan/gas 6, for 50 minutes or until the potatoes are a golden brown.
- Reheat the sauce . Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and drizzle with the hot sauce. Serve immediately.
Tasty Advice 