We’ve always been captivated by Katie Button’s innovative recipes that fuse authentic Spanish flavors with a fresh American edge. As a celebrated chef from Asheville she’s transformed classic dishes into everyday favorites we can’t resist.
In our kitchen experiments we’ve found her creations easy to master yet packed with bold tastes. Whether you’re craving tapas or hearty mains Katie’s recipes bring restaurant-quality meals right to your table.
Let’s dive in and elevate our cooking game together.
Ingredients
In our exploration of Katie Button’s innovative recipes, which masterfully blend authentic Spanish flavors with a modern American twist, we start by assembling the key ingredients for her signature Patatas Bravas. This classic tapa showcases bold tastes and crispy textures, making it an accessible favorite for home cooks. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are used, with prep specifics for precision and ease.
For the Potatoes:
- Potatoes: 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and cubed into 1-inch pieces (these form the hearty base, ensuring a perfect crisp when fried)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin (used first for frying to achieve that golden, flavorful exterior)
For the Bravas Sauce:
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped (added early in sauce preparation to build a savory foundation)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (incorporated next for its pungent aroma that elevates the sauce’s depth)
- Tomatoes: 2 large, fresh and diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes, introduced to create a rich, tangy base)
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, smoked variety (stirred in for that signature smoky heat, a hallmark of Katie Button’s Spanish-inspired dishes)
- Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon (optional, for an extra kick of spice that enhances the bold flavors we love in her recipes)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste (seasoned throughout to balance and highlight the natural tastes)
These ingredients, sourced with care, allow us to recreate Katie Button’s restaurant-quality magic in our own kitchens, transforming simple components into a vibrant, shareable dish.
Tools and Equipment
As we move from selecting the perfect ingredients for Katie Button’s Patatas Bravas, let’s equip our kitchens with the essential tools that ensure precise preparation and elevate the dish’s crispy textures and bold flavors. These items help us achieve restaurant-quality results at home, making the process efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools List
To recreate this vibrant tapa, gather the following tools, organized by the sequence of use in the recipe:
- Knife: A sharp chef’s knife for peeling and dicing Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform pieces. We recommend a 8-inch blade for control and safety during prep.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy wooden or plastic board to provide a stable surface for chopping onions, garlic, and potatoes, minimizing mess and ensuring even cuts.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet (at least 12 inches) for frying potatoes to achieve that signature golden crispiness with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized glass or stainless-steel bowl for combining ingredients like smoked paprika, tomatoes, and optional cayenne pepper into a flavorful sauce.
- Spatula: A heat-resistant silicone spatula for gently stirring and flipping potatoes, preventing breakage while promoting even cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate sets for measuring oils, spices, and liquids, ensuring our Patatas Bravas boasts the precise balance of flavors Katie Button is known for.
- Colander or Strainer: Essential for draining fried potatoes, removing excess oil to keep the dish light and not greasy.
With these tools in hand, we seamlessly transition to the preparation steps, where their roles become clear in crafting this authentic Spanish-inspired favorite.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s bring Katie Button’s Patatas Bravas to life with simple, step-by-step guidance. We’ll focus on creating crispy potatoes and a vibrant, smoky sauce that captures authentic Spanish flavors.
Prep
Before we start cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients to ensure everything is ready for seamless execution. Begin by scrubbing 1 pound of Yukon Gold potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel. Peel the potatoes if desired, and cut them into 1-inch cubes for even frying— this step helps achieve that signature crispy exterior we love in Katie Button recipes.
Next, finely chop 1 medium onion and 3 garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavors. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and optional 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Measure out 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil and set it aside. Organizing these elements in the order we’ll use them—potatoes first, followed by aromatics and spices—ensures our prep is efficient and aligns with Katie Button’s emphasis on fresh, bold tastes.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we’ll now cook the components to build layers of texture and flavor. Heat 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the cubed potatoes in a single layer and fry them for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until they turn golden and crispy on all sides—imagine the satisfying crunch that elevates this Katie Button favorite.
In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato mixture and spices, then simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken the sauce, allowing the smoked paprika to infuse its earthy depth. This cooking sequence not only maximizes flavor but also ensures the potatoes remain crisp while the sauce develops a rich, bold profile true to authentic Spanish-inspired dishes.
Assemble
Finally, we’ll assemble the dish to create a visually appealing and tasty presentation. Drain any excess oil from the fried potatoes using a colander, then toss them gently with the warm sauce in a mixing bowl to coat evenly—this step coats each cube with vibrant red hues and smoky notes. Serve the Patatas Bravas immediately on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley if available, for a shareable tapa that highlights Katie Button’s innovative twist on classic recipes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To bring Katie Button’s Patatas Bravas into your busy routine, we recommend preparing components in advance. This approach lets us preserve the dish’s crispy textures and bold flavors while making assembly quick and effortless. By planning ahead, we can capture the authentic Spanish essence that Katie Button masterfully infuses into her recipes.
Preparing the Potatoes Ahead
We start by prepping the star of Patatas Bravas—the potatoes—for optimal crispiness. Begin with 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes: scrub them clean under cold water, peel if desired, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Parboil the cubes in a large pot of salted water for 5-7 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain thoroughly in a colander and let them cool completely on a baking sheet.
Once cooled, spread the potato cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to an airtight freezer bag or container. This method ensures our potatoes maintain their shape and achieve that irresistible crispy exterior when fried later, allowing us to store them for up to 1 month without losing Katie Button’s signature texture.
Making the Sauce in Advance
The smoky sauce is key to Patatas Bravas‘ bold tastes, and we can prepare it ahead to let flavors meld beautifully. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, and optional ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat.
Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a vibrant, aromatic sauce. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions using ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags, where it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to use, simply reheat gently on the stove, stirring to revive the rich, smoky notes that define Katie Button’s innovative twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the dish’s sensory appeal, from the crunchy bite of fried potatoes to the spicy depth of the sauce. We summarize key storage durations and methods in the table below for quick reference:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parboiled Potatoes | Freeze in airtight container | Up to 1 month | Thaw in fridge overnight, then fry in oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. |
| Smoky Sauce | Refrigerate in sealed container or freeze | Up to 3 days (fridge) or 2 months (freezer) | Reheat on stovetop over low heat for 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to restore consistency. |
By following these steps, we ensure Patatas Bravas retains its restaurant-quality flair, making it easy for us to serve Katie Button’s elevated tapas whenever inspiration strikes.
Conclusion
We’ve explored Katie Button’s fresh take on classic dishes like Patatas Bravas and seen how they add excitement to home cooking.
Her recipes inspire us to blend bold flavors with ease right in our kitchens.
Let’s dive in and make these meals our go-to favorites for memorable gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Katie Button?
Katie Button is a celebrated chef from Asheville, renowned for her innovative recipes that fuse authentic Spanish flavors with a modern American twist. Her work focuses on transforming classic dishes into easy, bold-tasting meals, perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their skills and enjoy restaurant-quality tapas or main courses.
What is Patatas Bravas?
Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish tapa featuring crispy fried potatoes topped with a smoky, spicy tomato sauce. It’s a shareable dish that highlights bold flavors and textures, often served as an appetizer, and showcases Katie Button’s creative spin by making it accessible for everyday cooking.
What are the key ingredients for Patatas Bravas?
The main ingredients include Yukon Gold potatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, onion, garlic, tomatoes, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. These simple, fresh components create a vibrant, flavorful sauce and crispy potatoes, allowing home cooks to recreate this authentic tapa with ease.
What tools are needed to prepare Patatas Bravas?
Essential tools include a sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, large skillet or frying pan, mixing bowl, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a colander or strainer. These items ensure precise preparation, efficient cooking, and perfect crispy textures, making the process straightforward and enjoyable.
How do I prepare Patatas Bravas?
Start by scrubbing and cubing Yukon Gold potatoes, then fry them until crispy. Sauté chopped onion, garlic, and tomatoes with smoked paprika for the sauce. Combine the fried potatoes with the sauce, mix well, and serve hot. This method delivers Katie Button’s bold flavors in a simple, step-by-step process.
Can I make Patatas Bravas ahead of time?
Yes, prepare potatoes by parboiling and freezing them to maintain shape and crispiness when fried later. Make the sauce in advance to let flavors meld, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently to preserve textures—ideal for busy schedules while keeping the dish fresh and delicious.