A rustic wooden table with a golden brown Tortilla Española, garnished with fresh parsley, and a glass of Rioja wine.

Tortilla española

crispy tortilla espanola: a simple yet exquisite spanish delight (updated march 6 2025)

By Isabella Rossi

Published: 06 Mar 2025

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of Spanish cuisine with a recipe that's both surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding: Tortilla Española, or Spanish Tortilla. I remember the first time I tasted this—it was in a small tapas bar in Madrid, and it completely blew me away. That experience inspired me to perfect my recipe.
Close-up shot of a perfectly golden-brown Tortilla Española, slightly crisp around the edges.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: 'Tortilla? Isn't that a type of wrap?' While 'tortilla' does refer to a type of flatbread in Mexican cuisine, in Spain, it means something entirely different—a thick, potato and onion omelet that's both savory and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is far from your average omelet! It’s a symphony of textures and flavors. The potatoes should be perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside, tender within, while the eggs create a creamy, luxurious interior.
A rustic Spanish kitchen with a Tortilla Española cooling on a wire rack.
The key to a truly amazing Tortilla Española lies in mastering a few simple techniques. First, you need to ensure the potatoes are cooked evenly and to perfect tenderness, the trick to achieving that lovely crispiness on the exterior. Then, you need to get that delicate balance between the potatoes and onions, creating a harmonious blend of texture and taste. Lastly, you need to cook the tortilla without overcooking the eggs. Trust me, it's all about the process!
A step-by-step image sequence showing the process of making a Tortilla Española.

Required Equipments

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Potato ricer or fork
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Crispy-Tortilla-Espanola:-A-Simple-Yet-Exquisite-Spanish-Delight-(Updated-March-6-2025)

This recipe guides you through making a classic Spanish Tortilla Española, a hearty potato and onion omelet with a perfectly crispy exterior and creamy interior. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, we'll prep the potatoes. Peel about 1.5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes—I find these have the perfect texture—then wash and cut them into thin, even slices, about 1/8 of an inch thick. Consistency is key here, folks!
  2. Next, let's get those spuds cooking. Heat about 1/4 cup of good quality extra virgin olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Don't rush this part! We want the oil to be hot but not smoking.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced potatoes. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. This will take around 15 to 20 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat.
  4. While the potatoes cook, let's tackle the onions. Finely chop about half a medium yellow onion. I like the sweetness of yellow onions, but feel free to use white onions if you prefer.
  5. Once the potatoes are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the skillet, leaving the oil behind. Set them aside to drain on some paper towels—this helps keep them from being greasy.
  6. Now, let's make the egg mixture! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. I usually use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but adjust to your taste.
  7. Now, gently stir the cooked potatoes and the chopped onions into the whisked eggs. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
  8. Pour the egg and potato mixture into the same skillet you used to cook the potatoes. Make sure there's still some of that tasty olive oil leftover at the bottom of the pan.
  9. Now for the tricky part (not really!): Cook the tortilla over medium-low heat. Cook it slowly and gently, letting it set. This will take about 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to pull away from the pan and the top looks set but still a tiny bit jiggly. Resist the urge to flip it!
  10. Once it's cooked through, carefully slide the tortilla onto a plate. If it's sticking, you can loosen it with a spatula. It's a delicate operation so be patient!
  11. Now, here's the fun part! Let it cool slightly, then gently flip the tortilla over onto another plate. This is optional, but it creates a more even cooking and a nicer presentation.
  12. Finally, cut into wedges and serve! Enjoy your crispy Tortilla Española! It's incredible both warm and cold. I personally love it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the rich, egg-custard center. Mmm, so satisfying!

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the egg mixture before cooking.
  • If you want a thinner tortilla, use slightly fewer potatoes.
  • For those who love garlic, add 1 or 2 crushed garlic cloves while cooking the potatoes.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment! Add some herbs like rosemary or thyme for another twist

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 15 g

Fat: 25 g

Carbohydrates: 15 g

Fiber: 3 g

Calcium: 50 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The simplest dishes often hold the greatest depth of flavor. Embrace the essence of good ingredients.

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