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Classic, with mayonnaise, with ‘allioli’, battered and fried… Here’s a list that you won’t be able to resist
When the Spanish palate was still in its infancy in the face of racy spicy foods like those of Mexican or Indian food, we were already making our first steps with a dish that is synonymous with tavern, bar and beer. We refer to the spicy potatoesborn in post-war Madrid, and who they spread, over time, through bars from north to south. Here it goes a selection of 7 to which we reserve a corner in our little heart.
A market bar is, without a doubt, one of the best possible settings to enjoy some bravas. This casual top is perfect for that crowded and noisy environment. That is why they are not lacking in the bar Central Market of Valencia (Plaza Ciudad de Brujas, s/n), run by chef Ricard Camarena. The Bravas Lourdes Luzin homage to their partner and creator of the recipe, follow the Mediterranean recipe, combining a fantastic ‘alioli’ with hints of hot sauce.
Yes, the humble bravas can also be a zero kilometer recipe. And if you don’t believe it, just try the Bar Jubera, a legend of the well-known Calle de Laurel -located at number 18-. Their bravas are made from quality Riojan potatoes candied in oil. Above, a smooth mayonnaise and a spicy sauce that is made with Riojan joy, the local chilli, and with tomatoes from the area. Stupendous and sweet.
Mr. Vermouth (Barcelona)
The incredible thing about this bar is that it encourages you to ‘vermute’ at the wrong time, even if it’s more of a snack or dinner time. In Mr. Vermouth (Provença, 85) make it easy because the menu, essential to withstand the onslaught of flavored wine, includes some beautifully executed bravas. Well fried, they are wrapped in an excellent ‘allioli’ Y a secret hot sauce that, in reality, has no other secret than being very good (and a bit of curry). The final touch is given by fried green peppers put as a ‘topping’ and a little pepper: you can see that they put love into it.
Marina Restaurant & Bar (Albacete)
The version of this restaurant from Albacete won second place in the II International Patatas Bravas Contest held in Palencia in October 2021. These spicy balls are made from a potato dough, butter and manchego cured cheese which is battered and fried. They are served with a mayonnaise accompanied by a touch of chili and Japanese spices. Whoever tries them does not forget them.
In this mythical eating house in the neighborhood of Quintana canonical bravas have been served since 1963, with a recipe based on the one that was born in the La Casona bar in the center of Madrid in the 1950s. In the sauce, very red, there is no lack of a good touch of peppers, which gives it its smoky and tasty character. The frying of the potatoes is also extraordinary. And in case there is anyone left without trying them and you are wondering: yes, they do sting.
The Gonzalo Inn (Salamanca)
Two sauces, two, crown the potatoes served in this Salamanca restaurant (Plaza del poeta Iglesias, 10). On the one hand, a brava sauce that incorporates meat broth, to give it that powerful and classic touch. For another, an ‘alioli’ with the measured garlic and a vibrant yellow color. A great mix for some soft potatoes on the inside and crisp on the outsidejust as Penelope Cruz liked them in the movie ‘Everything is a lie’.
Jose Luis Martinez He is one of those chefs who nails practically any recipe, including bravas. Winners of the 1st National Patatas Bravas Championship, theirs are similar to French Delfina potatoes: what the chef does is create a fine tuber puree that is then lightly battered and fried. Salsa is an evolution of the classic with echoes of the best Canarian mojo picón. Delicate and wonderful.
Jose Luis Martinez He is one of those chefs who nails practically any recipe, including bravas. Winners of the 1st National Patatas Bravas Championship, theirs are similar to French Delfina potatoes: what the chef does is create a fine tuber puree that is then lightly battered and fried. Salsa is an evolution of the classic with echoes of the best Canarian mojo picón. Delicate and wonderful.