Spanish Potato Omelette - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a Spanish omelette made of? ›

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!

It is an omelette made with eggs and potatoes, optionally including onion. It is often served at room temperature as a tapa. It is commonly known in Spanish-speaking countries as tortilla de patatas, tortilla de papas, or tortilla española.

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.

Recipe Tips

Equipment: The size of the non-stick frying pan is important: a base measurement of 20cm/8in diameter is right for two to three people. If using a larger pan for more people, it should not be too heavy because you need to turn the omelette out using both hands.

Many people add either milk or cream to their omelettes in order to bulk them out and have a more substantial dish without the need to add an extra egg. While this does work, it's crucial not to go overboard or you'll end up with a mixture that's too loose.

If you want a lighter (not lighter in calories) and fluffier omelette, you can add a splash of water to the eggs which will create steam as it cooks. Or if you want a richer omelette, you can add a splash of milk or cream.

("It's tortilla de patatas, not patatas y cebollas," they'll say.)

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.

Tip everything into the pan and cook on a moderate heat, using a spatula to shape the omelette into a cushion. When almost set, invert on a plate and slide back into the pan and cook a few more minutes.

Spanish omelette makes a great breakfast alone (hot or cold) with a piece of baguette, or even in a sandwich (your choice of bread). Add a coffee and a glass of orange juice and you've got your own complete, balanced, breakfast - Spanish style.

Can you eat Spanish omelette cold? ›

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.

Written by Maxime Published on May 1, 2021 in Breakfast, French, Mains. We are back with a French classic that most of you already know and may guessed by the picture: the French 'omelette'.

For a small frying pan we would suggest using a 20-23cm (8-9-inch) frying pan. It needs to have deep sides and also to have a handle that can potentially take the heat from the grill. A skillet would also be a good option. Anything larger than 23 cm could be used but the omelette will be on the skinny side.

Fill and cover.

While the eggs are still wet on the top, turn the heat down to low. Sprinkle the fillings (if using) on top of the eggs evenly (so there is filling in every bite) and cover the pan with a tight fitting lid; I recommend a tempered glass lid so you can keep an eye on the progress.

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.

Spanish omelette makes a great breakfast alone (hot or cold) with a piece of baguette, or even in a sandwich (your choice of bread). Add a coffee and a glass of orange juice and you've got your own complete, balanced, breakfast - Spanish style.

Plain or French Omelet - made with just eggs, salt, and pepper, and is usually folded over itself. Cheese Omelet - made with grated cheese as a filling. Western or Denver Omelet - made with diced ham, onions, peppers, and cheese. Spanish Omelet - made with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.