Spanish Style Potatoes and Onions, known as “Patatas a lo Pobre,” is a classic dish from Spain. This dish, which translates to “poor man’s potatoes,” exemplifies the beauty of simple, rustic cooking. It’s made with basic ingredients like potatoes, onions, and olive oil, but the result is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main course. This recipe is a testament to the idea that sometimes the simplest dishes are the best.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel and Slice Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes. After peeling, slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Ensuring the slices are uniform in thickness will help them cook evenly.
- Slice Onions: Next, peel the onions and slice them thinly. Thin slices will caramelize nicely and blend well with the potatoes. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful here for achieving uniform slices.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Choose a Pan: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan. This type of pan distributes heat evenly and prevents the ingredients from sticking.
- Heat Oil: Pour the olive oil into the skillet and heat it over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking; you’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
- Add Potatoes: Carefully add the sliced potatoes to the hot oil in the skillet. Stir to ensure all the potatoes are coated in oil.
- Cook Potatoes: Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll want the potatoes to start softening and taking on a golden brown color. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can cause the potatoes to break apart.
Step 4: Add the Onions
- Combine Onions and Potatoes: Add the sliced onions to the skillet with the potatoes.
- Season: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) over the potatoes and onions. The paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
- Cook Together: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 15-20 minutes. The goal is for the onions to become soft and caramelized and the potatoes to be fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Drain Excess Oil: If there is too much oil in the skillet after cooking, you can drain some off. However, leave enough to keep the potatoes and onions moist and flavorful.
- Garnish: Transfer the potatoes and onions to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant note to the dish.
- Serve: Serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, such as grilled meats, or it can be enjoyed on its own with a fried egg on top.
Cooking Notes
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a medium heat to avoid burning the potatoes and onions. If the oil is too hot, the outside will cook too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked.
- Variations: You can add sliced green or red bell peppers for added color and flavor. Chorizo also makes a great addition for a heartier dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of main courses or enjoyed on its own.
Variations
Add Chorizo:
- Slice Spanish chorizo and add it to the skillet along with the onions for a flavorful variation. The chorizo will add a smoky, spicy element that complements the potatoes and onions beautifully.
Add Peppers:
- Add thinly sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the onions for a colorful and sweet addition. The peppers will cook down and add a different texture and flavor profile to the dish.
Spicy Version:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Tips for Perfect Patatas a lo Pobre
- Consistent Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure all potato and onion slices are of uniform thickness. This helps them cook evenly and prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
- Stirring: Stir gently to avoid breaking the potato slices. You want to keep the slices as intact as possible for a better texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh potatoes and onions for the best flavor and texture. Older potatoes can become mealy and won’t have the same flavor.
Spanish Style Potatoes and Onions (Patatas a lo Pobre) is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that embodies the flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and versatile. Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Garnish with fresh parsley and pair with your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your Spanish Style Potatoes and Onions!
