If you’re looking for a truly irresistible Spanish classic to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, this Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe is an absolute must-try. Crispy golden potatoes perfectly roasted to a satisfying crunch, smothered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce with just the right kick of heat, and balanced by a smooth, garlicky aioli that adds creaminess and depth in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth, bold flavors, and a touch of rustic charm straight from the vibrant streets of Spain right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the earthy potatoes to the smoky paprika and the fresh brightness of parsley. You won’t need anything complicated, just honest, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully.
- Russet potatoes: The starchy texture creates that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior when roasted.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden brown, crispy finish on the potatoes and in the sauces.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a deep smoky note that’s essential for authentic bravas flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every element.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics form the flavorful base of the spicy tomato sauce.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a dynamic heat that wakes up your taste buds—adjust it to your liking.
- Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes: Give the sauce a rich, tangy depth and natural sweetness.
- Sugar: Balances acidity, rounding out the tomato sauce perfectly.
- Mayonnaise and lemon juice: Whisk into the garlic aioli to provide a creamy, zesty counterpoint to the spices.
- Fresh parsley: A pop of green freshness to garnish and brighten up the plate.
How to Make Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Potatoes to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Toss the potato cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper until every piece is coated. Spread them out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet; this spacing is key to getting those edges nicely crisp. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway so they brown evenly. You want them irresistibly crunchy on the outside and soft inside—this texture contrast is what makes patatas bravas so addictive.
Step 2: Cook the Spicy Tomato Sauce
While the potatoes roast, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing gently until softened and fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste, letting the spices bloom for about a minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes along with a teaspoon of sugar, then season with salt and pepper. Let this sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens beautifully. For a smooth sauce, you can blend it; I love a little texture, so I often leave it chunky.
Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Aioli
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic clove, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. If the mixture feels too thick, stir in a bit of water to loosen it to a drizzling consistency. This aioli adds a creamy, garlicky coolness that perfectly balances the spicy tomato sauce.
Step 4: Assemble Your Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe
Arrange the roasted potatoes on a serving platter, generously drizzle the spicy bravas sauce over them, and dollop with garlic aioli. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for that final hint of brightness and color. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy, saucy, creamy joyful combo at its best.
How to Serve Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish, adding a fresh herbal note and a burst of color. If you want a little extra flair, a few thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top can enhance both presentation and taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe shines as an appetizer, but also pairs wonderfully alongside Spanish-inspired dishes like grilled chorizo, marinated olives, or a simple mixed green salad with a sherry vinaigrette. It’s a versatile side that elevates any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes in small individual tapas bowls or rustic terracotta dishes to channel authentic Spanish vibes at your table. You can also stack the potatoes like a little pyramid for visual impact and drizzle sauces artfully with a spoon or squeeze bottle for a restaurant-quality look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover patatas bravas are best stored separately from the sauces in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the potatoes from getting soggy and allows you to reheat them to regain their crunch.
Freezing
While the roasted potatoes can be frozen after cooling completely, they might lose some crispness upon reheating. It’s best to freeze the bravas sauce separately for optimal freshness and flavor preservation.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them in a 400°F oven for around 10 minutes to refresh their crisp texture. Warm the tomato sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add aioli fresh before serving—its creamy texture is best enjoyed cold.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the mayonnaise in the aioli with a plant-based mayonnaise or cashew cream, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Is there a way to make the potatoes healthier?
Yes, you can air-fry the potatoes at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes instead of roasting with oil. This method uses less fat but still yields crispy, delicious potatoes.
How spicy is this Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe?
The spice level mainly comes from the cayenne pepper in the tomato sauce. You can adjust this to your preference, from mild to quite fiery, by adding more or less cayenne.
Can I prepare the sauces ahead of time?
Absolutely! Both the bravas sauce and garlic aioli can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just give the sauce a good stir before serving and bring the aioli to room temperature for the best taste.
What potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their starchy texture that crisps up wonderfully when roasted. Avoid waxy potatoes, which tend to stay softer and may not get as crispy.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope this Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen. It’s a dish full of warmth, flavor, and that perfect balance of spicy and creamy that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you serve it as a tapas treat or a comforting side, it’s sure to delight and bring a bit of Spanish sunshine to your table. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring crispy roasted potato cubes served with a spicy tomato-based bravas sauce and creamy garlic aioli. This flavorful appetizer or side dish combines smoky, spicy, and tangy elements, perfect for sharing or complementing any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Bravas Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the potato cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper to coat evenly. Spread them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Make the bravas sauce: While the potatoes roast, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to release their flavors. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper, then simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken the sauce. Optionally, blend the sauce until smooth for a refined texture.
- Prepare the aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Add water a little at a time to thin the aioli to your desired consistency.
- Assemble and serve: Place the roasted potatoes on a serving platter, drizzle generously with the spicy bravas sauce, and add dollops of garlic aioli on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, enjoying this classic Spanish tapas dish.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, air-fry the potatoes at 400°F for 20–25 minutes instead of roasting.
- Adjust the spiciness of the bravas sauce by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness of the potatoes.
- Patatas Bravas works well as an appetizer or a side dish complementing various meals.
