The tortilla de patatas, potato omelette, is a typical dish of the Spanish tradition made with a few ingredients: eggs, potatoes, onion, oil and salt. In Spain it is served in almost every bar and restaurant as a snack, lunch or dinner, and is considered an evergreen dish. In fact, in some historical documents from the 1500s the first traces of this omelette are found, up to 1817 where the tortilla de patatas is mentioned in the hearty rations of Spanish soldiers.
The tortilla de patatas, Spanish potato omelette, is easy and quick to make, it is cooked directly in the pan and then served in wedges or small portions. It can be a complete main course or a tasty appetizer that can be paired with cold cuts and cheeses. To stay on theme, try another Spanish recipe like the Andalusian gazpacho or filini in a pan.
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Portions: For 6 servings
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lb potatoes
- 6 eggs
- 1 onion
- 10 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
Preparation
Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Peel and dice the onion as well.
In a nonstick pan with high sides put 5 tbsp of olive oil and heat it.
Add the onions to the pan first and let them soften in the oil for 2 minutes.
Then add the potatoes and brown them over low heat with the addition of salt. Continue to cook for 15 minutes, covering with a lid. Occasionally stir the potatoes and onions so they do not stick.
Meanwhile put the eggs in a large bowl and beat them, adding salt and a grind of black pepper (optional).
After 15 minutes the potatoes will be cooked; use a slotted spoon to drain them from the oil and transfer them to the bowl with the eggs, mixing all the ingredients well.
Add another 5 tbsp of olive oil to the pan and when it is hot pour the egg-and-potato mixture into the pan. Arrange the potatoes evenly, put the lid on and finish cooking the potato omelette for 5 minutes over low heat.
When it is cooked and set, skillfully flip it over to cook both sides of the omelette.
Turn off the heat after 2 minutes, remove the tortilla de patatas from the pan and serve it hot or cold.
