Cook the Book: Patatas Bravas

Cook the Book
Caroline Russock
Cook the Book: Patatas Bravas

[Photograph: Caroline Russock]

I thought I'd begin our week of tapas from The Book of Tapas by Simone and Inés Ortega with one of the most well-known and loved tapas dishes around, Patatas Bravas. Preparation of patatas bravas varies widely—some versions are fried while other are boiled, sauces are tomato or vinegar-based, and sometimes the patatas are topped with chorizo, chicken, or fish. A garlicky aioli usually finds its way into the mix, either on the side or drizzled on top.

This recipe is closest to a Catalonian or Valencian version, with boiled waxy potatoes tossed in a vinegar and oil-based sauce with paprika, garlic, and either chili powder or Worcestershire sauce. I used all three for a sauce that was smokey, slightly spicy and had a slight richness from the Worcestershire. These patatas are wonderful on their own and pair perfectly with a cold beer or a glass of white wine but if you have an extra few minutes to whip up a batch of aioli it certainly wouldn't hurt.

Win The Book of Tapas

As always with our Cook the Book feature, we have five (5) copies of The Book of Tapas to give away this week.

  • Yield:4

Ingredients

  • 12 small potatoes, unpeeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 pinch hot paprika
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt

Directions

  1. 1.

    Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender but not falling apart. Drain and let cool, then peel and slice or dice. Transfer to a plate or tray. Mix together the oil, vinegar, paprika, garlic, and the chili powder or Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and serve hot.

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