Christmas

(Sweet) Patatas Bravas

by:
October  4, 2022
4
9 Ratings
(Sweet) Patatas Bravas
Photo by Rocky Luten
  • Serves 3 to 4
Author Notes

Imagine patatas bravas as the Spanish one-up to French fries. Crispy potatoes, “special sauce.” Here, that means a smoky, spicy tomato dressing with garlicky mayo. Back home, patatas bravas are a late-night go-to at tapas bars (easy to understand if you’ve ever been a little sloshed and anywhere near French fries). Because this version swaps in hearty, squashy sweet potatoes, it's equally lovely as a side and an entree. —Emma Laperruque

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt (I use Morton's)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large garlic clove (or 2 small), minced
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Peel the sweet potatoes and chop into large (roughly 1 1/2-inch) chunks. Add to a naked, rimmed sheet tray, then toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the salt. Roast—stirring the potatoes halfway through—until they're just tender and beginning to brown, about 24 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, mix the tomato paste, sherry vinegar, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, garlic, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. (Both sauces can be prepared days in advance, then refrigerated!)
  3. When the potatoes are done, let them hang out for about 10 minutes. Drizzle with the tomato dressing and gently toss. Transfer to a platter and zigzag with the garlicky mayo. Serve warm.
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  • Emma Laperruque
    Emma Laperruque
  • Darian
    Darian
  • Lexica
    Lexica
Emma Laperruque
Emma was the food editor at Food52. She created the award-winning column, Big Little Recipes, and turned it into a cookbook in 2021. These days, she's a senior editor at Bon Appétit, leading digital cooking coverage. Say hello on Instagram at @emmalaperruque.

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3 Reviews

Darian
Darian February 20, 2022
This was a great way to use a random leftover sweet potato! Perfect for 2 for dinner alongside some chicken.
 
Lexica
Lexica November 26, 2017
I had to make a substitution (WAIT! I know how this kind of comment usually goes but keep reading) because we were out of tomato paste and it was a holiday so the stores were closed. I substituted the adobo sauce from a can of chipotles for the tomato paste+hot sauce, and it turned out delicious. Will definitely make again and expand to other suitable vegetables.
 
Emma L.
Emma L. November 27, 2017
Yes, please! That sounds so, so good. I bet rutabagas or parsnips would make a great swap.