This authentic patatas bravas recipe will make you feel as if you are back in Spain, enjoying a leisurely tapas in the evening. If you’ve never been to Spain, it will give you an idea of what deliciousness awaits you, and learn some tips for your visit to Barcelona.
My trip to Barcelona in December was my first time visiting Spain and I fell in love! (A recipe for authentic patatas bravas follows below.)
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My friend Cathy (She Paused 4 Thought) was right: not only did I fall in love with the city, but with so many other things as well. The architecture, the climate and its food, like patatas bravas–a simple tapas potato dish–made it difficult not to be smitten.
Patatas bravas is on almost every single tapas menu in Barcelona. What is it, exactly? The name translates to “spicy potatoes”, and I became a fan immediately after tasting them the very first time. This is why you’ll find a very authentic Spanish patatas bravas recipe below.
If you recall, I recently shared my experience in taking a cooking class in Barcelona, which was the very first thing I did on my initial morning in this beautiful city. I didn’t know about that I would have wanted an authentic patatas bravas recipe then, or I would have asked there.
As I’m writing this, I have my son and daughter in mind as they are both traveling in Europe next month and will meet each other in beautiful Barcelona! I’m going to buy them tickets to visit La Sagrada Familia together. I want to make sure they don’t miss it (more to come on this incredible cathedral which is pictured below).
The weather the second week of December was almost exactly what it had been in Los Angeles, in the mid 60s Fahrenheit (high teens in Celsius). There were several aspects about Barcelona which reminded me of LA. For example, as I sauntered through Parc de Joan Miró one morning, the cacophany of parrots squawking in the palm trees was similar to what I often hear outside my window. Of course, the palm trees made me feel right at home, too.
Here are my tips for first time visitors to Barcelona, as a first time visitor myself. I’m not attempting to tell you all about a city I’ve only spent a few days in, you can visit Catalunya.com for that. Nevertheless, for a few basic, quick tips, here are my tips~
Walk the City
Barcelona is a very walkable city, and I saw so much more than I would have if I’d taken a taxi or the Metro. Obviously, in any city you’ll have to take some form of transportation for longer distances, but if you’re someone who likes to walk (and is able), be a pedestrian as much as you can (my cousins used the Metro as they stayed outside the center of the city and loved it to get back and forth from their hotel). The following photos give an example of some sights along the streets of Barcelona.
TIP: when you have WiFi, download the Google map of the city to which you are traveling. Then, even when you don’t have Wifi while you are in that city, you can still use your offline map for directions. It’s been extremely helpful to me.
Attractions and Sites Not to be Missed
La Sagrada Familia
Hands down, La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which means “The Holy Family”, should be at the top of your list. Do not miss this incredible work of architecture which is expected to be completed in 2026. (Admission charge goes towards the completion and upkeep of the cathedral.)
La Boqueria Market
One of the most colorful and vivacious markets I’ve ever seen, with vast amounts of top quality foods, beverages, and places to eat. Talk about sensory overload! You could probably spend an entire day here, there’s so much to see (and eat). (FREE.)
Parc Güell
Originally intended as a housing development in growing Barcelona which didn’t come to fruition, it was turned into a park. Antoni Gaudí’s artistic talent is seen throughout Barcelona, but this park is one of his most famous attractions (although it’s not entirely his design). It is the location of one of the most iconic views of Barcelona as one can see much of the city, and the sea from this vantage point.
Gaudí actually lived in the house that is adjacent to the park for many years, before moving into accommodations at La Sagrada Familia, until his death. (There is an admission charge for both the park, and Gaudí’s former residence.)
The Magic Fountain
Known locally as La Fuente Mágica de Montjuïc, this fountain will mesmerize young and old, alike. Just be sure to check the times of the music and colorful light show at the fountain, as it varies by day and season. I would also plan to be there earlier than the show begins as I was there in December and there was a sizeable crowd. I was able to go twice, once alone, and then with my husband, cousin and her husband. Everyone loved it and there is no charge. (FREE.)
The National Art Museum of Catalonia
I know some people aren’t interested in museums, but besides the fact that this one holds more than a quarter of a million works of art, the building itself and view from the top are two other solid reasons to go. It’s easy for me to say that I loved The National Art Museum of Catalonia, and my husband really enjoyed it, too. Inside and out, the building is simply stunning.
It was very serendipitous for us that I asked a staff person a simple question about the museum. My query led to us discovering the top of the museum which affords the most amazing views of the rear of the museum’s gardens, and the city of Barcelona from the front. Nowhere did we see that we could venture there. (You may also want to download an app for the museum, as none of the artworks are described in English.)
My husband and I hadn’t planned to spend as much time as we did at The National Art Museum of Catalonia, and in the end, we had to pry ourselves away to see other attractions. If you have the time, plan to spend at least 3 hours here. We also noticed the museum’s restaurant also has incredible views from expansive windows which we would have loved to try. (There is an admission fee for this museum.)
The Gothic Quarter
A central part of Barcelona, with many ancient buildings, including some from Roman times. The Barcelona Cathedral is there and it’s just a place with its own unique atmosphere that is different than any other part of the city. I was there before Christmas and there was a Christmas market on, although it wasn’t anything like the markets I’d visited in Germany. Christmas markets in Barcelona have a very specific theme of selling mostly Christmas decor, such as nativity sets and Catalan Christmas logs for children.
A strange custom is that of the “caganer”, translated (nicely) to “the pooper” which is a figurine (ranging from the traditional man, to Star Wars/movie/cartoon characters, or heads of countries) who is pooping. This “caganer” is placed somewhere near the nativity set and it seems to be that if he/she is missing, it can bring bad luck. As I said, to me, it was very strange, but then, many customs and traditions are rather bizarre if we think about them (like Santa Claus). (FREE)
The Waterfront/La Barceloneta
This is yet another unique part of Barcelona which feels like a completely different area, altogether. Although very close to the Gothic Quarter, the beachfront was totally redeveloped for the 1992 Olympic Games. Two miles of beachfront was created in the process, and it’s now an area to enjoy a lovely seafood meal or walk on the beach. I did both with my cousin Denisa and her husband, Duncan, while my husband was at work.
Barcelona Bus Turistic (Barcelona Tour Bus – Official)
Although in December only two routes were running on the hop-on hop-off bus, the other two routes cover a majority of the city (the green route by the waterfront doesn’t run year round). It’s really a great way to cover seeing a lot of sights if you don’t have a lot of time in Barcelona. This is also a must if you or someone you are traveling with can’t walk too much or too far. The three photos below the map were all taken from the tour bus.
Food and Beverages to Try
I mostly ate tapas while in Barcelona, so I’m sharing a few of my personal favorites. I wanted to ask for an authentic patatas bravas recipe, but am so happy I found one when I came home! (Photos are arranged clockwise in the collage.)
- Pan con Tomate – I could eat this simple toast and tomato until I die. Seriously, it’s so good!
- Tortilla – a thick, potato and egg dish. It reminded me of a very thick frittata and tasted the same.
- Jamón Ibérico (or Serrano) – you cannot travel all the way to Spain and not try their jamon!
- Cava – Spain’s wonderful sparkling wine. Try it with your jamón.
- Paella – a traditional rice dish made with seafood, chicken or even vegetarian-style.
- Sangria – a fruit filled, sweet wine concoction that is dangerously easy to drink.
- Pastries – from Torta de Santiago, to crisp, breakfast treats, there weren’t many I didn’t enjoy!
- Spanish Patatas Bravas – last, but not least, one of my favorites and recipe is below.
Edited: since this has been published, I have returned to Barcelona another two times and so has my daughter. She discovered a restaurant and fell in love with another type of potato tapa! Enjoy this one, too!
A pin for Pinterest!
One last tip, be vigilant with your purses, wallets and valuables, and don’t carry lots of cash. Although we had no problems whatsoever, I’ve had quite a few friends who were pick-pocketed. One acquaintance had her purse (containing passports and a lot of cash) stolen right from under her nose. She was amazed that they were able to do so and has no idea how they even did it. Be especially careful while on Las Ramblas, a popular shopping street in Barcelona, but realize that this tip truly applies to most large cities.
For more information on visiting Barcelona and the Catalonia region of Spain, visit the tourism board’s site:
Now, for that authentic patatas bravas recipe I promised you!
Authentic Patatas Bravas Recipe
(Spicy Potatoes)
slightly adapted from Hispacocina (YouTube recipe)
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, chopped into bite sized pieces (peeled or unpeeled, your choice)
- oil for deep frying (I used sunflower)
Salsa Brava
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on your taste)
- 1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper (I used 1 tsp and the sauce was quite spicy)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp flour
- 200 ml (7 oz) chicken stock
- salt, to taste
Optional: mayonnaise or aioli sauce to serve with the potatoes
Bring a pot of water to a boil then add the chopped potatoes. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
For the sauce~
In a sauté pan, fry the onions in the heated olive oil (sprinkle a little salt on the onions) for about 5 minutes or so. Do not let them brown. Next, add the paprika, cayenne and white pepper and stir.
Add the flour, stir and continue to cook for about 3 minutes, then slowly add the chicken stock.
Stir continuously until all the stock has been added, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often.
Remove from heat and process with an immersion blender until smooth (or process in a blender) and set aside.
Fry the potatoes~
Heat enough oil to deep fry the potatoes, then add half at a time, unless you are using a very large pot or fryer. Fry until golden brown, then place on a paper-towel lined plate or bowl. Repeat with the next half.
To serve~
There are several ways to serve Spanish Patatas Bravas. Sometimes, the potatoes are served on a plate with the salsa brava on the side, along with some mayonnaise or aioli sauce. Other times, the sauce is mixed with a little mayo to create a less spicy sauce. Either way, these sauces can be poured over the plate of potatoes or squeezed over them from a condiment bottle. I love this authentic patatas bravas recipe!
I made a quick aioli to let my family try all the choices. Which way do you prefer? Do you like this Spanish Patatas Bravas recipe? Let me know!
If you are going to visit Barcelona, you can find everything you need to organize and plan your trip here…
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Spanish Patatas Bravas (Spicy Spanish Potatoes) Recipe
Authentic patatas bravas recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, chopped into bite sized pieces (peeled or unpeeled, your choice)
- oil for deep frying (I used sunflower)
Salsa Brava
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on your taste)
- 1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper (I used 1 tsp and the sauce was quite spicy)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp flour
- 200 ml (7 oz) chicken stock
- salt, to taste
Instructions
Boil the potatoes~
- Bring a pot of water to a boil then add the chopped potatoes. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
For the sauce~
- In a sauté pan, fry the onions in the heated olive oil (sprinkle a little salt on the onions) for about 5 minutes or so. Do not let them brown. Next, add the paprika, cayenne and white pepper and stir.
- Add the flour, stir and continue to cook for about 3 minutes, then slowly add the chicken stock.
- Stir continuously until all the stock has been added, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from heat and process with an immersion blender until smooth (or process in a blender) and set aside.
Fry the potatoes~
- Heat enough oil to deep fry the potatoes, then add half at a time, unless you are using a very large pot or fryer. Fry until golden brown, then place on a paper-towel lined plate or bowl. Repeat with the next half.
To serve~
- There are several ways to serve Patatas Bravas. Sometimes, the potatoes are served on a plate with the salsa brava on the side, along with some mayonnaise or aioli sauce. Other times, the sauce is mixed with a little mayo to create a less spicy sauce. Either way, these sauces can be poured over the plate of potatoes or squeezed over them from a condiment bottle. I don't think any manner is more or less "correct" than another.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 small bowlAmount Per Serving:Calories: 4629Total Fat: 158gSaturated Fat: 40gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 107gCholesterol: 360mgSodium: 17324mgCarbohydrates: 466gFiber: 5gSugar: 193gProtein: 308g
Nutrition info is estimated.
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