You will likely find many uses for smoky Bravas Sauce, including drizzled over crispy roasted or fried potatoes.
Spain has given the world some fantastic dishes, including paella, gazpacho, and churros. However, many people are not as familiar with bravas sauce. This Spanish sauce has a roasted tomato base and brings a bit of heat to any meal.
If you have ever had patatas bravas, a hot fried potato dish topped with bravas sauce, you’ve enjoyed the popular tapas dish found in restaurants throughout Spain. I’m excited to try this authentic dish in restaurants in a few weeks when I take my first trip to Madrid. I look forward to popping in and out of tapas bars along my strolls.
You don’t need to fear this sauce’s heat level, as it is not typically “spicy.” With more of a smoky profile, it delivers deep flavor and a slight kick. You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing the cayenne pepper.
Is Bravas Sauce Healthy?
With only 2 1/2 tablespoons of heart-healthy olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and salt to taste, this recipe is a healthier way to enhance your meals than many other sauces. You also get the vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant benefits of tomatoes and peppers, so this is a sauce you can feel good about indulging in.
Why Does The Recipe Call For Smoked Paprika?
Bravas sauce has a smoky flavor due to the use of smoked paprika—a taste you won’t get if you use regular paprika. Various types of paprika impart different flavors to your dishes. While they can often be used interchangeably, that is not always the case, as the dish’s outcome could vary significantly from how it should taste. Let’s look at the leading paprikas to understand their uses and why this recipe benefits from smoked paprika:
Regular Paprika: Used most often as a garnish (think atop deviled eggs), regular paprika has a sweeter, low-intensity heat level that comes from drying and grinding red peppers. Regular paprika is used more for its color than its flavor.
Smoked Paprika: This type of paprika is dried by smoking over an oak fire, hence the smoky flavor. Its taste is richer than regular paprika, with its heat level ranging from mild to intense. Bravas sauce is a smoky dish that requires the flavor profile of smoked paprika.
Hungarian Paprika: There are eight varieties of Hungarian paprika, and they can be sweet, pungent, or hot, with a color profile ranging from light brown to deep red. Hungarian paprika is a staple in goulash.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 3/4 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- Salt to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Sauté
Cook onion and garlic in olive oil.
Simmer
Add spices, tomatoes, peppers, and vinegar; simmer.
Blend
Blend until smooth, season, and serve.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
If you are short on time or want to complete some steps in advance, you can chop your onion, mince your garlic, and roast a red pepper the day before making this dish. Refrigerate them in airtight containers until ready to use. Once cooked and blended, bravas sauce will last in the refrigerator in a jar for up to 4 days. Always let the sauce cool to room temperature before refrigerating. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Defrost the sauce overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
It is best to use smoked paprika because bravas sauce is best with a smoky flavor. Regular paprika does not have the same flavor profile.
Patatas bravas are a tapas dish featuring crispy potatoes fried in oil and topped with bravas sauce. It is a staple in tapas bars in Spain and around the world.
Serving Suggestions
Bravas sauce is a delicious addition to your meal when drizzled over Fish Fingers, Fried Catfish, Roasted Pork Tenderloin, or Chicken Fingers. Use it as a dipping sauce for Empanadillas, which are savory little pockets of meat and veggies. For a healthier version of patatas bravas, try drizzling bravas sauce over these recipes for English Roast Potatoes, Air-Fryer Potatoes, or Delicious Roasted Red Potatoes. This sauce is one you will undoubtedly find many great uses for.
Bravas Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 can 14.5 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 3/4 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 roasted red pepper chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, garlic, and onion. Sauté for a few minutes until onions are translucent.
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Add tomatoes, cayenne (if using), paprika, red pepper, sugar, and vinegar. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then simmer for 8-12 minutes.
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Turn off the heat and blend the mixture until smooth using a blender or food processor.
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Add salt and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve or store.
Nutrition
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