Authentic Spanish Tortilla Española
The Tortilla Española, or Spanish Potato Omelette, is a beloved staple of Spanish cuisine, known for its rich flavor and simple ingredients. This recipe, inspired by my unforgettable experience studying abroad in Spain, offers a delightful blend of tender potatoes, savory onions, and fluffy eggs. While this version is traditional, it's versatile enough to allow for personal touches, such as adding meats like chorizo or veggies like bell peppers and spinach. Enjoy this dish hot, cold, or at room temperature—perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or snack. It's especially satisfying with a side of homemade mayonnaise or aioli!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
4 (washed, peeled, and diced)
Eggs
4 (beaten)
Onion
1/3 (diced)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced or pressed)
Extra virgin olive oil
to taste (for frying)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat.
2
Peel and wash the potatoes, then dice them into small, uniform pieces, roughly the size of a thumb.
3
Add the diced potatoes to the pan, along with the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the potatoes are tender and the onions are translucent, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
In a large mixing bowl, crack the four eggs and whisk them until well scrambled.
5
Once the potatoes and onions are cooked, drain excess oil if necessary, then gently fold the cooked mixture into the bowl with the eggs. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or ingredients of your choice.
6
Heat the frying pan again until hot, adding a bit more oil to ensure it coats the bottom. Pour the potato and egg mixture into the pan quickly and evenly.
7
After about 30 seconds, reduce the heat to medium to allow the bottom to set without burning. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, ensuring the edges do not stick. You can gently shake the pan to check if the tortilla releases easily.
8
To flip the tortilla, carefully place a plate larger than the frying pan on top. With one hand on the plate (using an oven mitt), invert the pan so the tortilla lands onto the plate.
9
Add more olive oil back into the pan if necessary, and gently slide the half-cooked tortilla back into the pan to cook the other side for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
10
Once cooked through, remove the tortilla from the pan, let it cool slightly, and cut it into wedges for serving. Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or cold!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tortilla Española?
The Tortilla Española, or Spanish Potato Omelette, is a beloved staple of Spanish cuisine known for its rich flavor and simple ingredients including potatoes and eggs.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The primary ingredients are 4 potatoes, 4 eggs, 1/3 of an onion, 4 garlic cloves, and extra virgin olive oil.
How many potatoes do I need?
This recipe requires 4 potatoes that should be washed, peeled, and diced.
How many eggs are used in the Spanish Tortilla?
You will need 4 eggs, which should be beaten or whisked until well scrambled before mixing.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, it uses 4 garlic cloves which should be minced or pressed to add savory depth to the dish.
How should I cut the potatoes?
The potatoes should be diced into small, uniform pieces, roughly the size of a thumb.
What kind of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for both sautéing the vegetables and frying the omelette.
How long should I sauté the potatoes and onions?
Sauté them for about 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the onions are translucent.
Should I peel the potatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify to peel and wash the potatoes before dicing them.
Can I add meat to the Tortilla Española?
Yes, while this version is traditional, you can add meats like chorizo for a personal touch.
What vegetables can be added for variation?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers and spinach to the mixture.
Is the onion diced or sliced?
The recipe calls for 1/3 of an onion to be diced.
How do I prepare the eggs?
Crack the four eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them until they are well scrambled.
When do I combine the eggs and the potato mixture?
Once the potatoes and onions are cooked and drained of excess oil, gently fold them into the bowl with the scrambled eggs.
What temperature should the frying pan be when adding the egg mixture?
Heat the frying pan until hot and add a bit more oil before pouring the mixture in quickly and evenly.
How long does the first side take to cook?
After setting for 30 seconds, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
How do I know if the tortilla is ready to flip?
You can gently shake the pan to check if the tortilla releases easily from the bottom.
What is the best way to flip the tortilla?
Place a plate larger than the frying pan on top, use an oven mitt to hold the plate, and invert the pan so the tortilla lands on the plate.
How long do I cook the second side?
Slide the half-cooked tortilla back into the pan and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Can I serve Spanish Tortilla cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature, or cold.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe consists of potatoes, eggs, and vegetables, making it suitable for vegetarians.
What sauces go well with Tortilla Española?
It is especially satisfying when served with a side of homemade mayonnaise or aioli.
How should I serve the finished dish?
Remove it from the pan, let it cool slightly, and cut it into wedges for serving.
Is it necessary to drain the oil?
Yes, you should drain excess oil from the cooked potatoes and onions before adding them to the eggs if necessary.
Can I use pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
What size pan is recommended?
A medium frying pan is suggested for this quantity of ingredients.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, it works perfectly as an appetizer, light meal, or snack.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?
Stir the potatoes and onions occasionally while they are sautéing to prevent sticking.
Why should I use a larger plate to flip?
A plate larger than the frying pan ensures the tortilla is fully supported and doesn't spill during the inversion.
What makes this recipe authentic?
This recipe is inspired by the traditional methods and simple ingredient balances used in Spain.