A rustic wooden table with a golden-brown Tortilla Española, garnished with fresh parsley, next to a glass of Rioja wine

Tortilla española

tortilla espanola: a culinary masterstroke

By Isabella Rossi

Published: 16 Mar 2025

Tortilla Española, or Spanish Tortilla, is more than just a dish; it's a culinary experience. Imagine: a flawlessly golden-brown disc, its interior soft and yielding, a subtle hint of onion mingling with the richness of the eggs and potatoes. It’s comfort food at its finest, a true testament to the beauty of simple ingredients elevated to perfection.
Close-up shot of a perfectly cooked Tortilla Española, showing the layers of potatoes and onions
This isn't your average potato and egg dish. This recipe celebrates the humble potato in all its glory, creating a harmony of textures that is both satisfying and incredibly comforting. I've tweaked this recipe over the years to achieve what I consider the perfect balance of flavor and texture; and I’m so excited to share it with you!
A person slicing a Tortilla Española and serving it on a rustic plate
Each bite of this tortilla is a journey – the slight crispiness of the outside giving way to the tender, flavorful interior. It’s a dish that is wonderfully versatile, perfect as a light lunch, a tapa, or even a part of a larger spread. And trust me, it disappears quickly; so make sure you make enough!
A rustic setting with a Tortilla Española being shared amongst friends

Required Equipments

  • Large non-stick frying pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Potato Ricer (optional)
  • Serving dish

Tortilla-Espanola:-A-Culinary-Masterstroke

Tortilla Española is a classic Spanish dish made with potatoes, onions, and eggs. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to create a perfectly cooked, delicious tortilla.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First things first, prep your taters! Peel about 1kg of potatoes and slice them super thinly – think about 1/8 inch thick. If you have a mandolin, use it! If not, a sharp knife and patience are key. Try not to cry too much; it happens to the best of us.
  2. Next, get a large non-stick frying pan ready, about 10-12 inches, and add a good glug of olive oil. We're talking about enough to generously coat the bottom of the pan, but not so much it's swimming in oil. We want those potatoes gently frying, not deep-fried!
  3. Carefully add the sliced potatoes to the hot oil. Cook them over a medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but not browned. Think around 15-20 minutes. This part is crucial; we don't want crispy potatoes here, just nice and soft.
  4. Once your potatoes are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside on some paper towels to absorb any excess oil. We want our tortilla to be delicious, not greasy!
  5. Now, let's tackle the onions. Finely chop about 1 large onion. I like a really sharp knife for this – makes all the difference. Sauté the onion in the same pan you used for the potatoes, using a bit more olive oil if necessary. Cook until softened and translucent, roughly 5-7 minutes. Don't overcook them, or they'll taste bitter.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. I use a good quality sea salt, as it brings out the flavor of the potatoes and eggs. Don't be shy with the pepper – a bit of a kick is delicious!
  7. Add the cooked potatoes and onions to the egg mixture. Gently stir everything together until well combined. We want the potatoes and onions distributed evenly; no big clumps!
  8. Pour the egg and potato mixture into the same frying pan you used for the potatoes and onions. Cook over medium-low heat, allowing the bottom to set before gently working your way around the edges to loosen the tortilla with a spatula. Patience, my friend; don't rush it!
  9. Once the bottom is nicely set and golden, carefully flip the tortilla over using a large plate. I always make sure to slide the plate gently to ensure that it is done evenly. It can be a little tricky, but with practice you'll become a pro!
  10. Continue cooking the tortilla for another few minutes until it is cooked through and golden brown on both sides. You'll know it's done when the egg is set and the tortilla is firm to the touch.
  11. Carefully remove the tortilla from the pan and place it on a serving dish. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It's best served warm, but delicious at room temperature too!

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the egg mixture.
  • If using a potato ricer, it helps to achieve a very creamy texture.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the potatoes, otherwise they will steam instead of fry.
  • Ensure the eggs are not overcooked. It's okay if the center is a little wet/soft

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal

Protein: 15g

Fat: 20g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 5g

Calcium: 50mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The best recipes are those that evoke memories and bring people together – Tortilla Española is one of those.

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