Classic Spanish Tortilla de Patatas Recipe – Authentic Step-by-Step

Tortilla De Patatas (Tortilla Española) — episode 6 of my restaurant series. In Spain this dish isn’t strictly a breakfast item, but here in the US I find it especially suited to brunch or a hearty breakfast. What do you think?

If you enjoyed this recipe, try Pan Con Tomate.

Why You’ll Love Tortilla De Patatas Recipe

This classic Spanish tortilla is rich, comforting and satisfying with a soft, omelette-like texture. It’s versatile — add vegetables, meat or cheese to make it your own.

Tortilla De Patatas

How To Prepare Tortilla De Patatas Recipe

1. Peel the potatoes, halve them and slice thinly. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

2. Slice the onion thinly.

3. Pour olive oil into a pan to a depth of about 1/4 inch (a bit more is fine). Preheat over medium-high for 2–3 minutes, then reduce to medium. Add the potatoes and cook until they begin to soften.

4. Raise the heat to medium-high or high and fry the potatoes until they develop some color and texture. Total frying time is usually 20–25 minutes.

5. In a separate pan, sauté the onions over medium-low heat until fully softened, about 10 minutes.

6. Whisk and strain the eggs into a large bowl, seasoning them directly.

7. Combine the cooked potatoes and onions. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them straight into the egg mixture — they can be hot. Add the extra yolk, mix well and let the mixture rest for 20 minutes.

8. Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving just enough to prevent sticking.

9. Preheat the pan over medium-high for 2 minutes, then pour in the egg, potato and onion mixture. Cook 6–8 minutes, until the edges are set and the tortilla moves easily in the pan.

10. Add a little oil to a large plate, invert the pan over the plate and flip the tortilla carefully onto it.

11. Slide the tortilla back into the pan to cook the other side, shaping as needed. Cook 2–3 minutes maximum to keep a creamy interior. Serve warm and enjoy.

Substitutions and Variations for Tortilla De Patatas Recipe

  1. You can omit the onion if you prefer.
  2. Add cheese for extra richness.
  3. Include chorizo or other cooked meats for a heartier version.
  4. Add vegetables such as bell peppers for color and flavor.
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Chef Nadia’s Tip 🥔

Olive oil contributes an important flavor to this dish, so avoid substituting it if possible.

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Chef Nadia’s Tips 🔥

  • Letting the egg and potato mixture rest helps the flavors meld and yields a creamier texture.
  • For a very creamy interior cook slightly less; for more color and texture on the outside cook a little longer. I prefer a golden exterior and creamy center.

Similar Recipes

Crispy Potato Galette

Mains

Potato Galette

Buffalo Potato Gratin, spicy version of regular potato gratin

Appetizers

Buffalo Potato Gratin

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Appetizers

Garlic Potato Gratin

Common Questions

What seasoned salt do you use?

I use Peg’s Seasoned Salt.

Can I use a different oil other than olive oil?

I don’t recommend it — olive oil contributes essential flavor.

Can I add cheese?

Yes — cheese, vegetables or meat can all be added to customize the tortilla.

Tortilla De Patatas Recipe
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By: Nadia Aidi

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6

Tortilla De Patatas (Tortilla Española) — a versatile Spanish classic that works beautifully for brunch or dinner.
Tortilla De Patatas
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 55 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 10 inch pan

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Yukon gold potatoes
  • 1/2 Sweet onion
  • 7 Eggs, large
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Seasoned salt
  • Olive oil, a lot

Instructions

  • Peel, halve and thinly slice the potatoes. Rinse and dry well.
  • Thinly slice the onion.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan to about 1/4 inch depth. Preheat 2–3 minutes on medium-high, then lower to medium and add the potatoes. Cook until soft.
  • Increase heat to medium-high/high and fry until the potatoes gain color and texture, about 20–25 minutes in total.
  • Sauté the onions in another pan over medium-low until fully softened, around 10 minutes.
  • Whisk and strain the eggs into a large bowl and season them.
  • Combine potatoes and onions. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them into the egg mixture while hot. Add the extra yolk, mix and let rest 20 minutes.
  • Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving a thin film to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat the pan on medium-high for 2 minutes. Pour in the egg, potato and onion mixture and cook 6–8 minutes until the edges are set and the tortilla moves freely.
  • Place oil on a large plate, invert the pan onto the plate and flip the tortilla carefully.
  • Return the tortilla to the pan, cook 2–3 minutes more for a creamy center, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 1250kcal
,
Carbohydrates: 174g
,
Protein: 61g
,
Fat: 35g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 1250
Keyword: easy recipe, patatas, potatoes, recipe, spanish, spanish recipe, tortilla

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