This Spanish Tortilla Recipe is a classic, comforting dish made with simple ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and olive oil. Known as tortilla de patatas, this traditional Spanish favorite is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal ingredients, making it both budget-friendly and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and versatile enough to serve warm or at room temperature. Whether you’re new to Spanish cooking or looking for an authentic staple, this dish is always a success.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Slice the potatoes in half, then cut into thin 1/8-inch slices. Slice the onion into thin half-moons.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add potatoes and onions, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the mixture using a slotted spoon and reserve the oil.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs with salt and paprika. Add the cooked potatoes and mix gently.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of reserved oil in the pan and pour in the mixture. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom sets.
- Carefully flip the tortilla onto a plate, then slide it back into the pan.
- Cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully set.
- Serve your Spanish Tortilla Recipe warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Tricks
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture
- Cook potatoes slowly to avoid browning
- Don’t overbeat the eggs to keep the texture creamy
- Let the tortilla rest before slicing for clean cuts
- Add herbs or peppers for variation
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Vegetarian, Halal-friendly
Notes
- You can skip onions if preferred
- Serve with salad or crusty bread
- Great for meal prep and picnics
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 24g
FAQ
What is a Spanish tortilla?
A Spanish tortilla is a thick omelette made with potatoes, eggs, and olive oil.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes great at room temperature and stores well.
Do I have to flip the tortilla?
Flipping is traditional, but you can finish it in the oven if preferred.
Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different.
What oil is best?
Extra virgin olive oil gives the most authentic flavor.
Storage
- Fridge: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Not recommended (affects texture)
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave gently
Similar Recipes
Spanish Tortilla Recipe (Tortilla de Patatas)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes peeled
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika optional
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Slice the potatoes in half, then cut into thin 1/8-inch slices. Slice the onion into thin half-moons.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add potatoes and onions, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the mixture using a slotted spoon and reserve the oil.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs with salt and paprika. Add the cooked potatoes and mix gently.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of reserved oil in the pan and pour in the mixture. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom sets.
- Carefully flip the tortilla onto a plate, then slide it back into the pan.
- Cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully set.
- Serve your Spanish Tortilla Recipe warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can skip onions if preferred
- Serve with salad or crusty bread
- Great for meal prep and picnics
Conclusion
This Spanish Tortilla Recipe is a timeless classic that proves simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Once you master it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for any occasion.