Delicious Spanish Potato Recipes to Try Today

By Edu Valor / Author - Spanish Chef

Spanish potato recipes have a loooong history with one of the few beloved ingredients. Something that humble was responsible for a vast range of recipes.

They are at the heart of every Spaniard's kitchen. Like rice, potatoes are easy to work with but the latter is more versatile. Mashed, baked, fried, mixed, shaped, and who knows what else. It's all good!

It's simply the chameleon among ingredients but did you know Spain played a major role in bringing the potato to Europe?

Patatas a la Importancia. Flavorful, Egg-coated potatoes.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers returned from the Andes with potatoes and potato plants. However, they didn’t immediately embrace the tuber.

When they arrived at the port of Seville in 1570 with the plant it was just another thing from the many they brought in.

Skeptical of this unusual root vegetable, the Spanish took another three years before consuming it as food. The first recorded instance was from the Hospital de la Sangre in 1573.

Even then, potatoes weren’t widely eaten. It took time before they became a staple.

Today, they are a cornerstone of Spanish cuisine, prepared in countless delicious ways. Personally, I love them oven-baked or as fries. But then again, living in Belgium has definitely influenced that preference!

Preparing a Rioja potato dish (patatas a la Riojana).

Who hasn’t heard of tortilla Española, patatas bravas, and papas arrugadas? I’d argue these are Spain’s most famous potato dishes.

Each one is prepared in a unique way and loved by many. All three are crowd-pleasers, but for me, the tortilla Española stands out the most.

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most delicious. For active travelers, this one provides the energy to keep going for hours.

Few Spanish potato recipes are as popular both in Spain and beyond.

Scrambled potatoes

Potatoes are inexpensive, and depending on your location, they might even be cheaper than rice.

No matter where you are in the world, classic Spanish dishes can bring exciting new flavors into your kitchen. And let me tell you, there are plenty to choose from!

However you like to enjoy them, these Spanish potato recipes have something for everyone. Farmers have long favored potatoes for the energy they provide while working the land, and they continue to be a staple today.

For active travelers, potato dishes make a great companion, providing lasting energy throughout the day. And since protein is our muscles' best friend, the tortilla Española earns a top spot on my list.

If you love potatoes, give these recipes a try—you might just discover a new favorite!

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Edu's Classic Potato Recipes

Patatas a la Importancia (potatoes in sauce)

Patatas a la Riojana (potatoes and chorizo)

Revuelto de Patatas (scrambled potatoes)