The perfect potato omelette: a classic of Spanish cuisine

The Spanish omelette is an emblematic dish of Spanish cuisine, internationally recognized for its simplicity, versatility and delicious flavor. Also known as Spanish tortilla or potato omelette in some regions, this culinary delight has conquered the palates of people of all ages and backgrounds. March 9th is International Spanish Omelette Day, so we want to pay tribute to it by making its origins known and showing its original recipe.

Origin and history of this kitchen classic

The history of the potato omelette dates back to the 18th century in Spain. Although there is no absolute consensus on its origin, it is believed that this dish emerged as an ingenious solution to the poverty and food shortages experienced at that time.

It is said that the potato omelette was invented by the working classes, who combined two basic and inexpensive ingredients: eggs and potatoes. These foods were easily accessible to most of the population, making the potato omelette a popular and widely consumed dish throughout the country.

Over time, the recipe for Spanish omelette has evolved and adapted to the tastes and preferences of each region of Spain, as well as to current gastronomic trends. Nowadays, Spanish omelette is on the menu of practically all bars and restaurants in Spain, and is an essential element at any family gathering or social event.

Potato omelette recipe: surprise everyone with this basic dish

Here is a classic and easy-to-follow recipe to prepare a delicious potato omelette in the comfort of your home:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 6 eggs
• Salt to taste
• extra virgin olive oil

Step by step instructions:

Preparation of Ingredients:

• Start by peeling the potatoes and onion. Then, cut the potatoes into thin slices and the onion into julienne strips. An even cut will ensure even cooking.

Cooking the potatoes and onion:

• In a large skillet, pour enough olive oil and heat it over medium heat.
• Once hot, add the potatoes and onion.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender but not brown. This may take around 15-20 minutes. The key is to cook them over medium heat so that they cook slowly and soften without burning.
• Although the original recipe is made with onion, in this step you can show your creativity and add the ingredients you prefer. From other vegetables to chorizo, ham, mushrooms...

Preparation of the eggs:

• While the potatoes are cooking, beat the eggs in a large bowl and season with salt to taste. You can use a fork or a hand whisk for this task.
• Make sure the eggs are well beaten to obtain a soft and fluffy omelette.

Mix of ingredients:

• Once the potatoes are ready, drain them well to remove excess oil. Then add them to the bowl with the beaten eggs.
• Mix carefully so that the potatoes are well coated with egg. This will ensure an even and tasty omelet.

Cooking the omelette:

• In the same pan where the potatoes were cooked, add a little more oil and heat it over medium heat. Pour the potato and egg mixture into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Let the tortilla cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and set on the inside. You can use a large plate to flip the omelette and cook the other side.

Completion and rest:

• Once the tortilla is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and the tortilla to acquire a firmer texture.

There you go! Now you can enjoy an authentic potato omelette. The versatility of this dish makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a quick breakfast, a light lunch or a comforting dinner.

Different types of flavors in potato omelette

The best thing about Spanish omelette is that it is such a simple dish with such common and versatile ingredients, that you can add almost any ingredient you prefer to give it a different touch and more flavour. Here, we are going to share with you our favorite tortilla variations, but always remember to innovate with your favorite ingredients.

• Potato omelette with peppers: A popular variation of the potato omelette is one that incorporates peppers. These can be green, red or yellow peppers, adding a pop of color and a slightly sweet, smoky flavor. The combination of peppers with potatoes and eggs creates a more flavorful and vibrant omelette.
• Tortilla with chorizo: Chorizo is a typically Spanish sausage that adds an intense smoky and spicy flavour to Spanish omelette. By adding chunks of chorizo to the egg, potato and onion mixture, a heartier and more flavorful version of this traditional dish is created.
• Potato omelette with ham: Ham is another star ingredient in Spanish cuisine, and it is not surprising that it is used to enrich Spanish omelettes. By adding diced Serrano or Iberian ham to the preparation, you get an omelette with a salty touch and a deliciously smoky flavour that perfectly complements the potatoes and eggs.
• Cod omelette: A more sophisticated variant is the potato omelette with cod. Cod, a fish widely consumed in Spanish cuisine, is shredded and mixed into the traditional tortilla preparation. The result is a combination of marine flavours with the softness of potatoes and eggs, creating a unique culinary experience.
• Scrambled potato omelette: Scrambled potato omelette is a less compact version of the classic omelette. Instead of cooking the potatoes in slices, they are cut into smaller pieces and mixed directly with the beaten eggs, creating an omelette with a more unstructured and rustic texture.
• Potato omelette with truffle: A luxurious and sophisticated version of the potato omelette is one that incorporates truffle. Known for its distinctive aroma and delicate, earthy flavour, truffle is grated or thinly sliced and mixed into omelet preparation before cooking. The result is an elegant and exquisite omelette, with a subtle but unmistakable truffle flavour that elevates this classic dish to new gastronomic heights.
• Caramelized onion potato omelette: Caramelized onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the potato omelette. To prepare this variation, the onions are simmered in olive oil until they turn golden and caramelized, then mixed with the potatoes and eggs before being cooked. The result is a tortilla with a sweet and sour flavor and a smooth, silky texture, perfect for those looking for a richer, more complex culinary experience.

In addition, to complement this delicious dish, it is usually accompanied by another lighter meal. These are our favorite options for Spanish omelette:

• Green salad: Nothing complements the richness of a Spanish omelette better than a fresh, crisp green salad. A mix of mixed greens, cucumber, tomato and avocado, dressed with a simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar and salt, provides a refreshing and light contrast that balances the creaminess of the tortilla.
• Gazpacho: Gazpacho, a cold soup made from tomato, cucumber, pepper, onion and garlic, is a refreshing and healthy option to accompany Spanish omelette, especially in the warmer months. Its fresh and vibrant flavor perfectly complements the creaminess of the tortilla.
• Manchego cheese: This is a Spanish cheese with an intense and slightly salty flavour, it is the perfect complement to Spanish omelette. Its robust flavor and creamy texture add a touch of sophistication to every bite.
• Fresh bread: Bread is a classic and comforting companion for Spanish omelette. Whether in the form of a crusty baguette, country bread or sourdough bread, fresh bread is perfect to accompany every bite of tortilla. You can enjoy it alone, drizzled with a little olive oil, or use it to make sandwiches filled with tortilla pieces.
• Tomato salad: Tomato salad is a fresh and vibrant accompaniment that beautifully complements the potato omelette. With ripe tomatoes cut into slices or chunks, dressed with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and fresh herbs such as basil or parsley, this salad provides a refreshing and acidic contrast that balances the creaminess of the omelette.

From the classic potato omelette to its variations: discover your favourite and surprise everyone

In conclusion, Spanish omelette is a versatile dish that can be adapted to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. Whether made with classic ingredients like potatoes and onions, or with more creative variations such as chorizo, ham or even cod, the Spanish omelette remains a mainstay of Spanish gastronomy that never fails to surprise and satisfy. What will be your next culinary adventure with Spanish omelette? Feel free to explore and discover new variations and flavors!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POTATO OMELET

What is the origin of the potato omelette?

Although its exact origin is uncertain, the potato omelette is believed to have originated in Spain in the 18th or 19th century. It became a popular dish among the working class due to its simplicity and ability to feed many people with inexpensive ingredients.

What is the ideal texture for a potato omelette?

The ideal texture of a potato omelette is soft and juicy on the inside, with a golden and crispy exterior. It should be cooked but still a little creamy in the center.

Can potato omelette be served cold or hot?

Spanish omelette can be enjoyed either hot or cold, and is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, appetizer, or even as part of a sandwich.

How long can a potato omelette be kept?

A potato omelette can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or in a frying pan before serving.