Tortilla de Patata (Spanish Potato Omelet)

Name: Tortilla de Patata (Spanish Potato Omelet)
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H55M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT1H5M0.000S
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: european
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil (preferably Spanish, Arbequina olive oil variety); 1 large onion, chopped; 1 3/4 pounds potatoes, halved lengthwise and very thinly sliced; Salt; 8 eggs; Baguette slices, for serving

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There are so many versions of this emblematic tapa that can be found all over Spain. I know, because I eat my own weight in them, wherever I go! Every region and household have their own special way of preparing this dish and it can get quite controversial as to which is the true, authentic Tortilla de Patata in Spain. This is my favorite make-at-home version adapted from many different recipes over the years. Some recipes don't call for onions but I love the sweetness and depth of flavor that caramelized onions give to the dish. It's a stunning but simple combination of flavors and textures. If you have any left over, this tortilla is also fantastic sliced into thin slices and stuffed into a fresh baguette with aioli, a homemade garlic mayonnaise , and some mild, small green peppers, either fried in olive oil, or roasted and peeled and sprinkled with some fine flaked sea salt.

Level: Easy
Total: 1 hr 5 min

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 55 min

Yield: 6 servings

Level: Easy
Total: 1 hr 5 min

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 55 min

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil (preferably Spanish, Arbequina olive oil variety)

1 large onion, chopped

1 3/4 pounds potatoes, halved lengthwise and very thinly sliced

Salt

8 eggs

Baguette slices, for serving

Directions

Heat the olive oil to medium-high heat in a 12-inch cast-iron or nonstick skillet. Add the onions and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the potato slices, season with salt and cook over low and slow heat until the potatoes are softened and lightly golden brown around the edges, 30 to 40 minutes, gently shaking the pan from time to time to prevent the potato slices from sticking. When the potatoes are ready, reserve 2 tablespoons of the olive oil from the skillet (now infused with the flavor of those onions and potatoes) and drain the potatoes in a colander or on a paper towel.
Beat the eggs with a generous pinch of salt in a large bowl for about 1 minute. Add the drained caramelized potatoes and onions and stir with a fork to lightly break up the potatoes (this will give the finished Tortilla de Patata a wonderful light fluffy texture). Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved olive oil in the same skillet until very hot. Pour in the egg and potato mixture and cook on one side, gently shaking the pan occasionally, until the underside is set and very lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Using a plate to cover the pan, carefully invert the omelet onto the plate and then gently slide the omelet back into the pan to cook on the other side until just set and light golden brown, about 5 minutes more. Do not overcook. This Tortilla de Patata is best when barely runny in the very center. Serve immediately with some slices of fresh baguette, or make ahead to serve later in the day at room temperature. Enjoy!