The Famous Spanish Tortilla Paisana Omelette Recipe - Spain on a Fork (2024)

FAQs

What is a Spanish omelette in Spain? ›

Spanish omelette or Spanish tortilla is a traditional dish from Spain. It is celebrated as one of the most popular dishes of the Spanish cuisine. It is an omelette made with eggs and potatoes, usually including onion. It is often served at room temperature as a tapa.

Bound with beaten eggs, Spanish omelette has cooked potatoes and onions and is cooked in a thick layer, while an American or French-style omelette is generally just a thin layer of eggs at its most minimal or with some herbs, cheese, and vegetables for a more filling version.

‍The Tortilla Espanola or Spanish Omelet is perhaps the most commonly served dish in Spain. It is also called Tortilla de Patata or Potato Omelet. Cafes, restaurants and bars in Spain serve this dish as tapas or appetizer, but mostly served as a light dinner in Spanish homes.

Legend has it that the inventor of the Spanish omelet was a humble peasant who lived in the forests of Navarre, and one winter night he received the visit of the Carlist general Tomás de Zumalacárregui (1808-1835), who asked him for something to eat.

Spanish tortilla (or Spanish omelette) is made with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and eggs, gently cooked in olive oil. It is also known as Torta Espnaola or Torta de Patates and it is best served at room temperature or even cold, which is why it is the perfect make-ahead dish!

A note on the skillet: Traditionally, this would all be done in a carbon steel skillet, and, if you have one that's well seasoned, you certainly can use it here for both the frying and the omelette-cooking steps. If not, a nonstick skillet is your best option.

The tortilla (or Spanish omelette) can be served hot or cold and is a fantastic way of using up all kinds of ingredients – simply add in any leftover vegetables, crumbled or grated cheese, jarred red peppers or cooked sausage.

Japan) is one of the hardest egg dishes to make, but. it isn't impossible!

This Spanish Omelette is a healthy twist on the traditional Spanish Tortilla of potato and onion. This meat and dairy free option is great for those looking to up their protein intake, or those who love a savoury breakfast as much as we do!

Storing and freezing tortilla de patatas:

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze your Spanish omelette. To freeze, allow it to cool completely and wrap it well in plastic wrap. Then slide it into a freezer safe ziplock bag and put it in the freezer for up to 1 month.

What is an interesting fact about the Spanish omelette? ›

History of Tortilla de Patatas

It may be surprising to discover that one of the main ingredients of a Spanish omelet—potatoes—isn't actually native to Spain at all. In the 15th century, Spanish explorers brought the first potatoes to Europe from South America.

The Omelette de la mère Poulard (Omelette of Mother Poulard) is an omelette developed by Anne Boutiaut Poulard, also known as Mother Poulard, in the 19th century in Mont-Saint-Michel, France. It is served at La Mère Poulard, her restaurant there, and at many other restaurants on the small island.

The word tortilla, in European Spanish as well as in some variants of Latin American Spanish, means omelette. As such, a potato omelette is a tortilla de patatas or papas.

Purists would have it that a true tortilla de patatas would only contain potato, eggs and olive oil, leaving the subtle flavours of the oil and egg to give the dish its distinctive taste, but onion advocates claim that the sweetness it brings when slowly cooked down in olive oil is an essential component of what makes ...

Known in English as Spanish omelet, this popular collation is also called tortilla española or tortilla de patata (potato omelet) in Spanish, because of its origin and its main ingredient. A traditional Spanish tortilla is basically a potato omelet, so you need eggs, potatoes, and onion, plus some oil and salt.

Tortilla means omelette or frittata in Spanish (from Spain also called Castillian).

Learn how to make this chouriço or linguiça omelete for breakfast.