Tortilla Española
Katastrofa La Cocina slow-cooks the potatoes in olive oil for twenty minutes, the pochar step that decides whether the tortilla is tender or flat.
Tortilla española turns up at breakfast, midday, and late at night in Spain, one of the few preparations that move freely across all meals. The technique that separates a good one from a flat one is pochar: Katastrofa La Cocina slow-cooks the diced potatoes in olive oil over medium-low heat for up to twenty minutes, pressing some pieces to break them down, so the interior stays tender. The egg mixture is added in two stages, with cheddar laid between the layers before the whole omelette is flipped onto a plate and slid back into the pan.
What you'll need
Serves 3 · Video says 2-3 servings (stated as 'for 2 to 3 people, even 4 if they eat a little')
- 600g / 1.3 lb(about 3 medium potatoes)PapasPotato600g / 1.3 lb(about 3 medium potatoes)PotatoPapas
- 5–6(medium)HuevosEgg5–6(medium)EggHuevos
- 1 smallCebollaOnion1 smallOnionCebolla
- as neededAceite de olivaOlive oilas neededOlive oilAceite de oliva
- to tasteSalSaltto tasteSaltSal
- to tasteQueso cheddarCheddar cheeseto tasteCheddar cheeseQueso cheddar
Cook it through
One step at a time.
- Step 101Step 01 / 10
Sauté the onion
Saltear la cebollaAdd a generous splash of olive oil to a medium pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm (not smoking), add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
By feel · Watch the panBy FeelNo timer — watch the pan. - Step 202Step 02 / 10
Poach the potatoes
Pochar las papasAdd the diced potatoes to the pan and season with another pinch of salt. Stir to coat each piece in oil. Cook over medium to medium-low heat, stirring regularly, for 15–20 minutes until a toothpick passes through the potato easily. If desired, lightly press some of the pieces to break them up so they cook faster.
By feel · Watch the panBy FeelNo timer — watch the pan. - Step 303Step 03 / 10
Drain and cool potatoes
Escurrir y enfriar las papasPass the cooked potatoes through a strainer to remove excess oil. Transfer to a bowl and let them cool slightly — they should be warm but not hot when mixed with the eggs.
Timer · 3 minIn the app · Timer3 min - Step 404Step 04 / 10
Beat the eggs
Batir los huevosIn a large bowl, crack in the eggs and season with salt to taste. Beat well until fully combined.
Timer · 2 minIn the app · Timer2 min - Step 505Step 05 / 10
Combine eggs and potatoes
Mezclar huevos y papasAdd the warm potatoes to the beaten eggs and mix to combine. The egg will not completely cover the potatoes — this is the right consistency. Taste and add more salt if needed. If using, fold in crumbled feta or blue cheese at this stage.
Timer · 2 minIn the app · Timer2 min - Step 606Step 06 / 10
Start cooking the omelette
Comenzar a cocinar la tortillaAdd a dash of olive oil to a 24 cm (9.5 in) non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in about ⅓ of the potato-egg mixture and spread it evenly.
Timer · 1 minIn the app · Timer1 min - Step 707Step 07 / 10
Add cheese filling
Añadir relleno de quesoLay a few slices of cheddar (or other meltable cheese) over the layer of potato mixture. Then pour the remaining ⅔ of the mixture on top, using a spatula to cover the cheese and shape the omelette into a round.
Timer · 1 minIn the app · Timer1 min - Step 808Step 08 / 10
Cook first side
Cocinar el primer ladoCook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until the bottom is set and the edges look firm. Run a spatula around the edge to make sure the omelette is not sticking before flipping.
Timer · 5 minIn the app · Timer5 min - Step 909Step 09 / 10
Flip and cook second side
Voltear y cocinar el otro ladoPlace a large plate face-down over the skillet, then flip quickly and decisively. Slide the omelette back into the pan with the uncooked side down. Use a spatula to tuck in the edges for a neat round shape. Cook for another 5 minutes until fully set.
Timer · 5 minIn the app · Timer5 min - Step 1010Step 10 / 10
Plate and serve
Emplatar y servirFlip the finished omelette once more onto a serving plate. Let it rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm.
Timer · 2 minIn the app · Timer2 min
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Get Whisq for iOSAdd a generous splash of olive oil to a medium pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm (not smoking), add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally,…
Add a dash of olive oil to a 24 cm (9.5 in) non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in about ⅓ of the potato-egg mixture and spread it evenly.
Flip the finished omelette once more onto a serving plate. Let it rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm.
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