Potato omelette

Tortilla de Patatas – A Spanish Delicacy at Home

Tortilla de Patatas, also known as Spanish tortilla, is a delicious and hearty omelet that combines the fine flavor of potatoes with the creaminess of eggs. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as an appetizer. Moreover, tortilla is served at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics or festive meals. Let’s discover together how to prepare this wonderful recipe!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 4 medium new potatoes
- 6 fresh eggs
- 150 ml olive oil (or sunflower oil, according to preference)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (a pinch)

A Brief History
Tortilla de Patatas has deep roots in Spanish culinary culture, evolving over time. It is believed that this recipe was invented in the 19th century, designed to feed workers and soldiers with simple yet nutritious ingredients. Over the years, tortilla has become a symbol of Spanish gastronomy and is often served in bars and restaurants, being one of the most beloved dishes.

Nutritional Details
A serving of tortilla de patatas contains approximately 300 calories, rich in protein from the eggs and providing carbohydrates from the potatoes. Additionally, the olive oil adds healthy fats beneficial for the heart. It is an excellent choice for a balanced meal, packed with essential nutrients.

Step by Step: Preparing Tortilla de Patatas
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the potatoes and washing them thoroughly under cold water. Cut them into small cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Smaller sizes help with even and quick cooking.

2. Frying the potatoes: In a large non-stick skillet, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the cut potatoes and gently stir to ensure they are evenly coated with oil. Let them brown and soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This process should take about 10-12 minutes.

3. Draining the oil: Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and drain the oil into a bowl. It’s important to keep a few tablespoons of oil for the next steps.

4. Preparing the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper. Add the fried potatoes and gently mix, being careful not to crush the potatoes.

5. Cooking the tortilla: In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil and heat it up. Pour in the egg and potato mixture, tilting the skillet to distribute it evenly. Allow the tortilla to cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.

6. Flipping the tortilla: This is the crucial part! Take a large plate and place it over the skillet. With a quick motion, flip the skillet so that the tortilla falls onto the plate. Be cautious of the hot oil! After flipping, let the tortilla cook for another 4-5 minutes until it turns golden and nicely browned.

7. Checking for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the tortilla is cooked in the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, the tortilla is ready!

8. Serving: Tortilla de Patatas can be served warm or cold. You can slice it and serve it plain or with a fresh vegetable salad. Add a few parsley leaves or cherry tomatoes for a more vibrant presentation.

Practical Tips
- For a fluffier tortilla, you can add a splash of water to the beaten eggs.
- Ingredient variations: You can experiment by adding onions or bell peppers for an even richer flavor. If you like cheese, try adding some goat cheese cubes for an extra taste.
- Storing the tortilla: If you have leftover tortilla, you can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can easily reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use leftover fries?
- Yes, it’s a great way to use up leftover fries. Just make sure to add them to the beaten eggs.

2. Is this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, tortilla de patatas is a vegetarian option, packed with protein.

3. How can I make the tortilla less greasy?
- You can use less oil or bake the tortilla instead of frying it. Use a baking dish with cooking spray to reduce fats.

4. What can I pair with tortilla de patatas?
- It pairs perfectly with a tomato and cucumber salad, as well as a cold beer or a glass of white wine. You can also try garlic mayonnaise for an extra flavor boost.

Personal Note
Tortilla de Patatas is the perfect recipe to bring a bit of Spanish sunshine into your kitchen. I fondly remember evenings spent around the table, enjoying a freshly made tortilla surrounded by loved ones. Plated beautifully with a vibrant salad, this omelet becomes not just a delicious dish but also a warm memory.

Try this simple recipe and let yourself be carried away by the authentic flavors of Tortilla de Patatas! I assure you it will quickly become one of your favorites. Bon appétit!