What is the history of this dish?
The first record of potatoes in Spain and Europe dates back to 1565, in the Canary Islands, after the conquest of the Inca Empire, which brought many crops from the continent, including potatoes.
However, the origin of the classic patatas bravas dates to the 1960s in a bar in Madrid, where they cut potato pieces, fried them, and served them with a spicy sauce, transforming into what is now known as "patatas bravas."
Still, the context of the dish’s origin is somewhat sad, as it was created out of necessity during difficult times due to Spain's civil war; coupled with a high death toll that led to scarcity of money and food.
That is where potatoes come in to save the day, as they are made with basic ingredients and with a low cost. It didn’t take long for them to become popular and widely spread until they became the dish enjoyed to this day.
Characteristics and Variants
This traditional dish doesn’t require much description, as it consists of cut potatoes that are fried and then served with a spicy sauce most of the time.
Although it involves simple ingredients, this dish has some regional variations across Spain.
In Madrid, the sauce for the potatoes includes paprika; in Valencia, the potatoes are served with spicy paprika sauce, and sometimes ketchup; in Catalonia, the sauce contains olive oil, chili, vinegar, paprika, and a touch of mayonnaise to make it less spicy.
