BRAVAS POTATOES, A GOOD SPICY FLAVOUR
- Armando´s European Food
- Feb 8
- 1 min read
Bravas potatoes are one of the most typical dishes in Spanish cuisine. Accompanied by a spicy sauce, this food is one of the most commonly served in bars throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
The origin of bravas potatoes is unclear, as it is attributed to Madrid bars such as Casa Pellico and La Casona, which no longer exist, but its popularity dates back to 1962. In 1967, journalist Luis Carandell described them as "fried potatoes with spicy sauce," sometimes called papas a lo pobre. This wonderful tapa can be prepared in various ways: fried, boiled, or baked. In 2008, the UN classified patatas bravas as a typical Spanish dish, reaffirming its origin in Spain.
The controversy lies in the ingredients of the sauce, as some advocate for the inclusion of tomato, while others argue that paprika is the key component that gives it its characteristic color.
In Barcelona, it is common to find salsa brava made with tomato, which gives it a sweeter and milder taste without losing its characteristic spiciness. This has created a divide between purists who defend the Madrid version and those who prefer the more tomato-based variant, reflecting the different regional preferences in the preparation of this popular dish. Patatas bravas are one of the most consumed tapas in bars and restaurants across Spain, ranking as the third best-selling tapa after tortilla and jamón ibérico.

Bình luận