How do you make a real Spanish tortilla?
To make a good Spanish tortilla, you’ll need eggs (organic), potatoes, extra olive oil (from Spain) and salt. You can add onions, peppers or chorizo, as you wish. Discover the full recipe in this article.
The Spanish tortilla, an institution
The Spanish tortilla is one of the finest dishes in Spanish gastronomy, and also one of the most widely eaten in Spain. The Spanish tortilla comes in several varieties: tortilla de patata, tortilla de cebolla, tortilla con pimiento (peppers) and tortilla con chorizo.
In the vast majority of cases, you’ll be served a tortilla de patata or cebolla (onion). Some restaurants and tapas bars offer more or less original variations. The preparation of this gastronomic dish is taken very seriously, and every year a competition is held to determine the best tortilla in Spain. It’s usually during the almuerzo (small meal at 11 a.m.) and the cena (dinner) that Spaniards enjoy this typical Spanish dish. Although the recipe is very basic, making a delicious Spanish tortilla is something you have to learn, and practice to achieve perfect cooking and a beautiful shape.
Recipe for tortilla de patata
The most important part of making a Spanish tortilla is the food: we recommend you buy fresh ingredients (free-range eggs, potatoes) and Spanish products if possible, especially olive oil. To make things even easier, we recommend using a special tortilla pan, which will come in very handy when it’s time to turn the tortilla over. If you don’t have one, a plate will do the job just as well.
The tortilla de patata is the basic tortilla, but if you wish, you can add onions, peppers or asparagus.
Ingredients for a good Spanish tortilla
For a 6-person tortilla:
- 10 free-range eggs (preferably organic).
- 1kg potatoes.
- Olive oil (Spanish if possible).
- A little salt.
We recommend frying a few pimento de padron. Allow 30 min for preparation. Tortilla de patata can be eaten hot or cold, and will keep for up to two days.
Where to go on your family vacation in Spain?
Last-minute travel in Spain: ideas you can’t afford to miss!
Top 5 things to do to live like a Madrilenian
The Retiro Park, the green lung of Madrid
Weather in Spain in October: what’s the weather like?
Top 5 cities in Spain where the sun shines brightest
The weather in Spain in December: where to go on vacation?
The historic centre of Madrid
Tortilla preparation stages
Here are the steps to follow to prepare a Spanish tortilla:
1. Peel and wash the potatoes. Cut them into thin slices using a mandolin or a cutting board. Depending on your taste, the potato pieces can be large or small, so it’s up to you how you like them.
2. Start by cooking the potatoes over a low heat in oil. Don’t hesitate to immerse the potatoes completely in the oil, as this will give them flavor and cook them evenly. Control the heat to avoid frying the potatoes.
3. Break 10 organic eggs into a bowl and beat until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain and add them to the bowl with the eggs. The potatoes should be cooked, but not crispy.
5. If the mixture is too liquid, add more potatoes; if it’s too compact, add more eggs. The trick is to keep the mixture slightly liquid, so that the tortilla melts in your mouth.
6. Take a non-stick frying pan and pour in the mixture. If you like a thick tortilla, use a smaller pan than if you like a thin one.
7. Cook over low heat, then take a plate and turn the tortilla to cook the other side. The tortilla is cooked in two stages and should not be turned more than once, otherwise it may tear.
8. Now your tortilla is ready, all you have to do is enjoy it with ham, salmorejo and a glass of good wine.
