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    Home » Appetizers » Tortilla Española - Traditional Spanish Tortilla

    Tortilla Española - Traditional Spanish Tortilla

    Published: May 23, 2018 · Modified: Apr 19, 2020 by Elaine · This post may contain Amazon affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog generates income via ads · 9 Comments

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    Tortilla Española or Spanish Tortilla is a traditional Spanish tapa, ideal for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner! This is a simple 4-ingredient recipe that always turns out.

    Traditional Tortilla Española--Spanish TortillaToday I'm dreaming of tapas, particularly the most traditional tapas of all:  Tortilla Española, also known as Spanish Omelet. If you have eggs, potatoes and onions on hand, you can make this classic Spanish tortilla in no time!

    A slice of Traditional Tortilla Española on a plate --Spanish Tortilla

    Tortilla Española is nothing like a Mexican tortilla. It's more like a fritatta, but one hundred times better.

    Close up view of a slice of Traditional Tortilla Española

    In years past, it was a simple dish made with eggs, potatoes and onions, served cold, and was something a shepherd could wrap in brown paper, shove in his pocket, and save for his lunch.

    Tortilla Española. A simple Spanish omelette to serve at a tapa party. |www.flavourandsavour.com

    We found Tortilla Española on the menu in every bar or restaurant we visited while traveling in Spain.  Some versions were simple, made with just those three ingredients. Other chefs took it up a notch, splitting it and stuffing the center with sliced tomatoes, lettuce and a creamy aioli or topping it with Romesco sauce.Tortilla Espanola, Spanish omelet tapa |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Tortilla Española is a classic in tapas bars

    Tapas--those small bites served in Spanish bars and restaurants from early evening to all hours of the night--have to be the best way to eat. I'm convinced I could have those sharable little morsels every day and never tire of them.

    Tapas are a great way to serve a crowd at your next gathering, too. No cook wants to be stuck in the kitchen all night--unless you're having a tapas party, that is. I'm planning a couple of parties and will invite my friends to hang out in the kitchen with me, or better still, I may even put them to work assembling these fun morsels.
    Tortilla Española, Spanish tapas |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Providing a variety from which to choose insures that even my guests with allergies or dietary preferences will be looked after.

    Tortilla Española and tapas in Spain |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Tapa in Spanish translates to "cover."

    Historically, a small piece of bread was used to cover the top of a wine glass to prevent flies from getting in.

    Those days are gone, and Denis and I found the tapas scene to be evolving too. In some parts of Spain, most tapas were simple bites, maybe a slice of baguette with some Manchego and Iberico ham on top or simply a small dish of olives. In other tapas bars, however, notably in Seville, Barcelona, and San Sebastian, eating tapas was definitely an upscale gourmet experience.
    A variety of Spanish tapas
    And in the name of research, we popped in to several tapas bars. We were a little unsure just how to order these, but we were determined to figure it out. With our limited knowledge of Spanish, but armed with a "can-do" attitude, we made the plunge into the first one and soon developed the confidence to take on the tapas bar world.

    Tortilla Española and tapa bars in Spain |www.flavourandsavour.com

    This recipe for Tortilla Española is quick and easy. It never fails.

    I have made it many times, for breakfast, for lunch, and even for a light dinner, and it always turns out perfectly.
    You will need:

    • an ovenproof skillet (cast iron works well)
    • a large pot to cook the potatoes
    • a sharp knife (or a mandolin slicer)
    • a large bowl
    • a whisk

    Simply cook the potatoes until just tender, slice them, sauté the onions, whisk the eggs, add a little salt and mix it all together. Pour into a preheated ovenproof skillet with a generous amount of olive oil, let it set just for a minute, then bake in the oven.

    When it is done, invert a serving dish over the skillet and flip the skillet over. The tortilla will release easily and should slide right out.
    Tortilla Española, Spanish tortilla tapas |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Serve this classic Spanish tortilla as finger food

    I've adapted this recipe to make smaller bites that would be perfect to serve at a tapas party where guests will likely want to try everything without overeating.
    Tortilla Española, Spanish tapas |www.flavourandsavour.com
    Enjoy this traditional Spanish tortilla for breakfast, lunch or dinner . . .  or plan a tapas night soon!

    Tortilla Espanola, Spanish tapas |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Tortilla Española

    Tortilla Española--the most traditional Spanish tapa is quick and easy to make. Delicious!
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Lunch
    Cuisine: Spanish
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 347kcal
    Author: Elaine
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    Ingredients

    • 5 large Yukon Gold potatoes
    • 6 large eggs
    • 1 yellow onion sliced
    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • salt to taste

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Peel and boil the potatoes, just until tender. Avoid overcooking or the potatoes will not slice nicely. Slice thinly. Using a mandolin slicer produces uniform slices, but it's not essential. A sharp knife will work too.
    • Heat half of the oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions, just until translucent but not browned.
    • Whisk eggs in a large bowl. Add the sliced, cooked potatoes, salt and onions.
    • Add the remaining oil to the frying pan and when hot, pour in the egg-potato mixture. Let it cook for a minute or two, just until the edges are set.
    • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 350 F. for 20 minutes or until the egg has set.
    • Invert a serving dish over the frying pan and flip the frying pan over. The tortilla will release easily.
    • Allow to cool. Slice into wedges or small squares and serve at room temperature.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 697mg | Potassium: 1008mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Vitamin C: 26.2mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 8.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @enessman or tag #flavourandsavour!
    Nutrition Facts
    Tortilla Española
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 347 Calories from Fat 180
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 20g31%
    Saturated Fat 3g19%
    Cholesterol 245mg82%
    Sodium 697mg30%
    Potassium 1008mg29%
    Carbohydrates 29g10%
    Fiber 5g21%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 14g28%
    Vitamin A 355IU7%
    Vitamin C 26.2mg32%
    Calcium 107mg11%
    Iron 8.2mg46%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    *This post was originally published in 2015. I have updated it with new photos and tweaked the recipe instructions.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marisa

      August 10, 2016 at 4:38 pm

      Sounds very similar to an Italian potatoe frittata and actually a favorite of mine! Looks and sounds so delicious.

      Reply
      • Flavour & Savour

        August 22, 2016 at 8:17 pm

        It's a favourite of ours!

        Reply
    2. MDIVADOMESTICA

      August 10, 2016 at 12:18 pm

      I had the opportunity to experience some great tapas dishes while in Barcelona. This recipe will be on my to make list and I'm sure we it will bring back some memories. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Dana

      August 10, 2016 at 11:16 am

      Elaine! These are adorable! I love tapas and this got me thinking that I should really host a tapas party with my gals. Love this idea. Thanks for the inspo!

      Reply
      • Flavour & Savour

        August 10, 2016 at 3:38 pm

        Tapa parties are the BEST! There are so many choices that there is always something for everyone.

        Reply
    4. Marie-Pierre Breton

      August 10, 2016 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      Hi Elaine,
      I'm currently living in Barcelona, love tortilla de patata! It's true, this tapa is in every single tapas place, it's a must try fro anyone visiting Spain and also a great dish to reproduce at home.

      Reply
      • Flavour & Savour

        August 10, 2016 at 10:21 am

        And it's so easy to make! We had it for breakfast and as tapas wherever we were in Spain. Love it!

        Reply
    5. Cathy

      August 10, 2016 at 8:49 am

      That must have been a wonderful trip! This looks like a great gluten-free appetizer!

      Reply
      • Flavour & Savour

        August 10, 2016 at 9:30 am

        Yes Cathy, it was a great trip. Can't wait to return! In the meantime, I'll just have to make my own tapas 🙂

        Reply

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