Spanish Poor Mans Potatoes One Of Spains Most Iconic Dishes Recipe

There’s nothing like the comforting aroma of smoked paprika and roasted garlic to remind me of cozy family gatherings, and this recipe perfectly delivers that warm, inviting vibe. Plus, it’s all about that satisfying crunch from the golden potato edges paired with the tenderness of the vibrant bell peppers—an ultimate treat for the tastebuds!

Spain’s Poor Man’s Potatoes, one of the most iconic dishes in Spain, captures with its simplicity and comforting flavors. I love how tender potatoes pair with bell peppers and sweet onions, enhanced beautifully by smoked paprika and garlic.

Cooked in olive oil, it is rich in antioxidants and garnished with fresh parsley.

Spanish Poor Mans Potatoes One Of Spains Most Iconic Dishes Recipe Ingredients

• Potatoes: Rich in carbohydrates, these provide energy and a creamy texture.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth, rich in antioxidants.
• Bell Peppers: High in vitamins A and C, they bring color and sweetness.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic flavor and is known for heart health benefits.
• Olive Oil: A healthy fat that enhances flavor and provides antioxidants.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, deep flavor; rich in antioxidants.

Spanish Poor Mans Potatoes One Of Spains Most Iconic Dishes Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 4 cloves garlic
• 100 ml olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Spanish Poor Mans Potatoes One Of Spains Most Iconic Dishes Recipe

1. Trim the potatoes and cut them into rounds that are 1/4 inch thick.

2. Slice and peel the onion. Make thin rings from the slices.

3. Cut the green and red bell peppers into thin strips.

4. The garlic cloves need to be peeled and sliced thinly.

5. Warm the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat.

6. Place the potato slices in the pan and cook for roughly 5 minutes. Stir them occasionally and watch them closely; the fire must not be too high. You want the edges of the potatoes, and only the edges, to be turning golden and the insides to still be white. When you think they are close, remove the lid and give them a good stirring.

7. Onion, garlic, and bell peppers are added to the pan, with everything thoroughly mixed to ensure a harmonious blend.

8. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper to taste, and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.

9. Put the lid on the pan and reduce the heat to low. For about 20 minutes, stir the contents of the pan every so often and make sure they stay right under the lid. When you take the lid off, the pan contents should have the same consistency as the vegetables in the previous step. The potatoes should be tender, and the other vegetables should be cooked through.

10. If you want, you can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley, and you can also serve it hot.

Spanish Poor Mans Potatoes One Of Spains Most Iconic Dishes Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Vegetable peeler
4. Measuring spoons
5. Large skillet with lid
6. Stirring spoon or spatula

FAQ

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?Select waxy potatoes such as Yukon Golds, which maintain their shape well during cooking.
• Can I use another type of paprika if I don’t have smoked paprika?You can use sweet or hot paprika, but it will change the flavor a bit.
• Is there a way to make the dish spicier?For added heat, you may add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced fresh chili peppers.
• Can this dish be made ahead of time?Absolutely, you can make it a day ahead and reheat it slowly on the stove before serving.
• What can I serve with Poor Man’s Potatoes?It complements grilled meats, a straightforward salad, or rustic bread exceptionally well.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep all remaining food in an open container inside the fridge for no longer than 3 days.
• Can I add meat to this dish?Certainly, chorizo and bacon can be added to kick the flavor up a notch.

Spanish Poor Mans Potatoes One Of Spains Most Iconic Dishes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Sweet potatoes: Substitute for standard potatoes for a less starchy, sweeter flavor.

Parsley: Substitute with celery leaves or other mild green herbs such as chervil, tarragon, or basil for a more or less sweet flavor.
Olive oil: Substitute with sunflower oil or any vegetable oil.
Paprika, smoked: Replace with ordinary paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Yellow or orange bell peppers can be substituted for green and red bell peppers. These sweet peppers alter only very slightly the flavor profile in a dish that calls for green and red bell peppers.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is not available, use garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-soak Potatoes For a crispier texture, soak the potato slices in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring they cook evenly and have a nice, crispy edge.

2. Layer Flavors Instead of adding all the vegetables at once, start by softening the onions and garlic in the olive oil before adding the potatoes. This will help deepen the flavors by allowing the onions to caramelize slightly.

3. Control Moisture After adding the bell peppers, if you notice excess moisture in the pan, briefly increase the heat to medium-high and leave the lid off for a couple of minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. This will help prevent the vegetables from becoming too soggy.

4. Test for Tenderness Using a fork or skewer, test the potatoes for tenderness about halfway through the cooking process. This ensures they cook evenly and gives you time to adjust the heat as needed.

5. Customize Spice Blend Enhance the dish by experimenting with additional spices like cumin or cayenne pepper. These can complement the smoky flavor of paprika and give the dish a unique twist.