Description
Bravas Sauce (Salsa Brava) is a vibrant and spicy Spanish tomato-based sauce perfect for patatas bravas and an excellent companion to grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, chicken, or as a zesty dip. This sauce blends smoky paprika, garlic, and tangy vinegar for an authentic bold flavor that enhances a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika (or cayenne pepper)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water (optional, for thinning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for blending, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté onion: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Toast spices: Add smoked paprika, hot paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add sugar and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Cool slightly and blend: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool down a bit. Then, blend it in a food processor or with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Adjust texture and seasoning: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it. For a silkier texture, blend in an extra tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- This spicy Spanish sauce is ideal for patatas bravas, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or chicken, and also works beautifully as a zesty dip.
- For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the hot paprika.
- Store sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
