Crunchy Potatoes with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Photo: Thomas J. Story
A classic Spanish bar snack, patatas bravas are fried twice: The first fry is meant to rid the potatoes of most of their moisture so they'll form a crisp crust when fried the second time. The good news is, you don't have to actually deep-fry them right before serving. They get just as crisp oven-roasted in a healthy drizzle of oil. We especially like this version, from chef Ryan Pollnow of San Francisco's Aatxe ("Ah-chay") restaurant, because the potatoes stay crunchy after they're mixed with the sauce.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Cut potatoes into 1-in. chunks and put in a large pot. Add salt, sugar, and 2 qts. water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer potatoes until just tender, checking with a knife every 2 minutes (you don't want them to lose their shape or fall apart). Drain. Spread on a rack in a single layer and let cool to room temperature.
Step 2
2
Pour enough canola oil into a 4- to 5-qt. pot so it is 3 in. deep. Insert a deep-fry thermometer and heat oil to 325° over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, set cooling racks in 2 rimmed baking pans.
Step 3
3
Make sauce: In a food processor, pulse tomatoes to a coarse purée. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until soft and pale gold, 3 minutes. Add spices and salt and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Reduce heat to low, add tomatoes and vinegar, cover, and simmer, stirring often, 5 minutes to let flavors mingle.
Step 4
4
With a slotted spoon, lower one-third of potatoes into oil. Cook, stirring occasionally to keep potatoes from sticking, until they begin to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer potatoes to baking pans, arranging them in a single layer. Allow oil to return to 325° and cook remaining potatoes. Let cool completely, about 45 minutes. Save 1/2 cup oil from pot.
Step 5
5
Preheat oven to 425°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Toss potatoes with reserved oil and spread out on baking sheets in a single layer. Bake, switching pans and stirring halfway through, until crisp and deep golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with salt.
Step 6
6
Arrange half of potatoes in a shallow serving bowl and spoon on about half of sauce. Layer remaining half of potatoes on top and add remaining sauce. Serve with Aatxe Allioli.
Step 7
7
*Smoked sweet Spanish paprika is available at well-stocked grocery stores. Find both types at Sur La Table and spanishtable.com.
Step 8
8
Make ahead: Brava Sauce, up to 3 days, chilled airtight. Potatoes through step 4, up to 1 day, chilled airtight.
Ingredients
POTATOES
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons sugar
Canola oil for frying
BRAVA SAUCE
1 cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoon smoked sweet Spanish paprika (Pimentón de La Vera, dulce)*
1/4 teaspoon smoked hot Spanish paprika (Pimentón de La Vera, picante)*
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon sherry vinegar
Directions
Step 1
1
Cut potatoes into 1-in. chunks and put in a large pot. Add salt, sugar, and 2 qts. water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer potatoes until just tender, checking with a knife every 2 minutes (you don't want them to lose their shape or fall apart). Drain. Spread on a rack in a single layer and let cool to room temperature.
Step 2
2
Pour enough canola oil into a 4- to 5-qt. pot so it is 3 in. deep. Insert a deep-fry thermometer and heat oil to 325° over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, set cooling racks in 2 rimmed baking pans.
Step 3
3
Make sauce: In a food processor, pulse tomatoes to a coarse purée. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until soft and pale gold, 3 minutes. Add spices and salt and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Reduce heat to low, add tomatoes and vinegar, cover, and simmer, stirring often, 5 minutes to let flavors mingle.
Step 4
4
With a slotted spoon, lower one-third of potatoes into oil. Cook, stirring occasionally to keep potatoes from sticking, until they begin to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer potatoes to baking pans, arranging them in a single layer. Allow oil to return to 325° and cook remaining potatoes. Let cool completely, about 45 minutes. Save 1/2 cup oil from pot.
Step 5
5
Preheat oven to 425°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Toss potatoes with reserved oil and spread out on baking sheets in a single layer. Bake, switching pans and stirring halfway through, until crisp and deep golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with salt.
Step 6
6
Arrange half of potatoes in a shallow serving bowl and spoon on about half of sauce. Layer remaining half of potatoes on top and add remaining sauce. Serve with Aatxe Allioli.
Step 7
7
*Smoked sweet Spanish paprika is available at well-stocked grocery stores. Find both types at Sur La Table and spanishtable.com.
Step 8
8
Make ahead: Brava Sauce, up to 3 days, chilled airtight. Potatoes through step 4, up to 1 day, chilled airtight.
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