Tortilla de Patatas | Spanish omelette The heart of spanish cuisine
Tortilla de patatas | Spanish omelette recipe
🏆 Best spanish tortilla recipe | ⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (based on home cooking experiences)
👨🍳 By Chef Omar Allibhoy
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 45 minutes
🥘 Servings: 6-8
📊 Difficulty Level: Medium
As a Spanish chef who left the vibrant kitchens of Madrid for London over a decade ago, there's one dish that always brings me back home - the iconic tortilla de patatas. This Spanish omelette recipe isn't just food; it's the cornerstone of our culinary heritage and the star of countless family gatherings.
Every time I prepare this dish in my London kitchen, I'm transported back to Sunday afternoons in Madrid, where the aroma of potatoes slowly cooking in olive oil would fill our home.
It's amazing how this simple combination of eggs and potatoes has the power to bring people together, whether it's for a casual tapas night with friends or a comforting family meal.
What is tortilla de patatas?
The Spanish tortilla, also known as tortilla española or tortilla de patatas, is the crown jewel of Spanish cuisine. Unlike its Mexican namesake, this Spanish omelette is a thick, fluffy potato and egg dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold, any time of day.
It's a versatile dish that has sustained Spanish families for generations, from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated national dish.
Essential ingredients for how to make tortilla de patatas
2 large or 3–4 medium waxy potatoes (charlotte is ideal), peeled and halved
1 Spanish onion, peeled and halved
8 eggs
salt
400 ml olive oil
Want to make the best Spanish tortilla recipe? Professional chef's tips
Temperature Control: Keep the heat medium-low throughout cooking. Patience is key for achieving that creamy interior.
The Perfect Flip: Practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first flip isn't Instagram-worthy.
Potato Thickness: Consistent slicing is crucial - aim for 3mm thickness.
Egg Mixture: The potatoes should be well-covered but not swimming in egg.
Resting Time: Always let your tortilla rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Perfect pairings serve your spanish tortilla with:
Fresh crusty bread
Alioli (garlic mayonnaise)
Green salad with sherry vinaigrette
Pimientos de Padrón (small green peppers)
A glass of crisp Spanish white wine or a cold caña (draft beer)
Preparation: How to make spanish tortilla
If you are wondering how to prepare an ideal potato omelet recipe, I recommend you to follow this step by step:
Begin by peeling and slicing the potatoes into thin, uniform rounds (about 3mm thick). This consistency is crucial for even cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. The oil should be abundant enough to almost cover the potatoes.
Add the sliced potatoes to the oil, and if using onion, add finely chopped onion as well. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender but not browned (about 15-20 minutes).
Meanwhile, crack the eggs into a large bowl and beat them well. Season with salt.
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them through a colander, reserving a small amount of oil for cooking the tortilla.
Add the warm potato-onion mixture to the beaten eggs, gently stirring to combine. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil in your non-stick pan over medium heat.
Pour in the egg-potato mixture, shaking the pan gently to ensure even distribution.
Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden but the top is still slightly runny.
Here comes the crucial part - the flip! Place a large plate over the pan and, in one confident motion, turn the tortilla onto the plate.
Slide the tortilla back into the pan, uncooked side down, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden.
How to serve your tortilla de patatas
In Spain, we enjoy tortilla de patatas in countless ways:
As a tapa with a glass of Spanish wine
In a bocadillo (sandwich)
For breakfast with fresh crusty bread
As a main dish with a simple green salad
At room temperature for picnics or beach days
Remember, making the perfect tortilla de patatas is a journey. Each time you prepare it, you'll learn something new about the process and make it even better. As we say in Spain, "La práctica hace al maestro" - practice makes perfect.