Patatas Bravas With Saffron Aïoli Recipes

PATATAS BRAVAS

Steps:

• For the sherry-saffron aioli: Combine the sherry vinegar and saffron threads in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes to rehydrate the saffron.
• Combine the mayonnaise, shallots, anchovy paste, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the saffron-vinegar mixture in a food processor; process until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 2 days.
• For the spicy tomato sauce: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and saute until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and 1 teaspoon salt and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, 15 minutes. Serve immediately, or cool and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 2 days.
• For the potatoes: Place two baking sheets on oven racks. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on size, to get roughly 1-inch pieces. Toss the potatoes with the olive oil and 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl. Carefully pour half of the potatoes onto the first baking sheet; they should sizzle as they hit the pan. Repeat with the remaining potatoes on the second baking sheet. Roast, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and crispy, 40 to 45 minutes. (If some of the potatoes do not move when you stir them, do not force them; they will release from the pan when they have crisped up.) Let cool slightly.
• Spread one third of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a serving dish. Top with half of the potatoes. Spoon another third of the tomato sauce over the potatoes, and then top with the remaining potatoes and the rest of the tomato sauce. Dollop with the aioli, and sprinkle with the parsley and some paprika. Serve any extra aioli on the side.

PATATAS BRAVAS

Steps:

• Place garlic on a cutting board; sprinkle with salt. Mash garlic with flat side of knife blade, forming a smooth paste. Transfer to a small bowl. Whisk in mayonnaise, lemon juice and oil until smooth. Cover; refrigerate until serving. , For bravas sauce, in a small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour and paprika until smooth; gradually stir in broth. Add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 6-8 minutes. , Remove from heat; cool slightly. Remove and discard bay leaf. Puree sauce using an immersion blender. Or, cool slightly and puree sauce in a blender; return to pan and heat through. Keep warm., Cut potatoes into 1-1/2-in. cubes; soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain potatoes; pat dry with paper towels. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 250°. Fry potatoes until tender, 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels and cool completely., Increase heat of oil to 375°. Fry potatoes again until crisp and golden brown, 3-4 minutes, turning frequently. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with salt. Serve with bravas sauce and aioli.

OVEN-FRIED PATATAS BRAVAS (CRISPY POTATOES WITH TWO SAUCES)

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450 degrees. Put potato chunks in a large bowl, season generously with salt and toss to coat. Leave for a few minutes to let potatoes absorb salt. Add olive oil and unpeeled garlic cloves and toss to coat well. (Don't skimp on the oil; it can be strained and saved after cooking for future use.)
• Transfer potatoes (and garlic cloves) and oil to a large cast-iron skillet or heavy roasting pan. Make sure to have potatoes in a single layer without crowding. (If necessary, use two pans.) There should be a good 1/2-inch oil in the bottom of the pan. Add more if required.
• Place pan in oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until potato chunks are well browned on the bottom. With a metal spatula, carefully turn chunks over. Reduce heat to 400 degrees, and continue roasting until potatoes are well browned and crisp, about another 15 to 20 minutes.
• While potatoes are roasting, make the two sauces: For the salsa brava, put 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and let sizzle without browning, then stir in flour and let mixture sizzle. Stir in tomato paste, pimentón dulce and pimentón picante, then add chicken broth gradually, stirring well as the sauce thickens. Bring to a gentle simmer, add vinegar and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce has a gravylike consistency, but isn't too thick. Thin with a little more broth or water, if necessary. Season with salt to taste.
• For the allioli, put egg yolks and garlic in a mortar or small bowl and whisk together. (Alternatively, use a mini food processor or stick blender, see note.) Add oil a few drops at a time, whisking vigorously with each addition. As the sauce thickens, add olive oil a teaspoon at a time. If the aioli gets too thick, whisk in 1 tablespoon water, then continue to whisk in remaining oil. The finished sauce should have the consistency of softly whipped cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• When potatoes are ready, use spatula to transfer to a pan lined with paper towels to blot, then to a warm serving dish. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve warm with the two sauces.