Authentic Spanish Omelet Recipe

Spanish omelet, or tortilla Española as it is also known, is a combination of potatoes and eggs, giving you not only a ton of flavor, but also a protein and energy boost. You can eat a Spanish omelet recipe hot, chilled or at room temperature.

I Love This Spanish Omelet Recipe!

When I lived in the Canaries and mainland Spain, a Spanish omelet recipe was one of my favorite tapas, and sometimes I would indulge in a Spanish omelet sandwich in crusty bread with aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and a touch of ketchup too. Oh – and a slice of cheese. Now that was a real treat!

The main ingredients you need to make this Spanish potato omelet are eggs and potatoes. Onion is optional but that lovely crunch and bite of flavor it offers are great. So I would strongly suggest using onion in this dish, as well as some salt and black pepper.

Learning how to make Spanish omelet is incredibly easy. If you can slice potatoes and beat eggs, you are halfway there!

Use Idaho potatoes or another firm variety in this recipe. Creamier ones might fall apart. They are great for mashing but not for serving boiled, in salads, or in recipes where you need them to hold their shape.

Peeling them is not compulsory but most home cooks prefer to peel potatoes for a Spanish omelet. If you aren’t going to though, make sure you scrub the skins well.

Spanish Omelet Recipe: More Suggestions

You will need another egg or 2 if you are using big potatoes instead of smaller ones. The onion is also optional but if this is your first Spanish omelet, use it, because it is so good in this dish. Serve the finished potato omelet with a salad on the side or even some steamed asparagus if you prefer.

If you are having it tapas-style then consider serving it as part of a Mediterranean tapas platter along with cheese, salami and cherry tomatoes.

It is quite filling so a small slice will be sufficient if there are other items on the platter, or if you still have a main dish to come. Spanish omelet is also nice for a box lunch. Just wrap a slice tightly in aluminum foil and it will stay nice and fresh.

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Authentic Spanish Omelet Recipe

Eggs and potatoes team up to make this classic Spanish dish which can be served as a snack, appetizer or main dish. Add some salt, pepper, onion and olive oil, and the flavor is complete. This is really delicious.

  • Author: Victoria Haneveer
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Entree
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 peeled, thinly sliced, medium Idaho potatoes
  • 7 eggs
  • 1 finely chopped, small yellow onion
  • Olive oil, as needed
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a splash of oil in a pan over a low to moderate heat.
  2. Add the potatoes and cook them, covered, for 10 minutes, or until they are tender.
  3. Don’t let them get crispy.
  4. Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil in another pan.
  5. Sauté the onions in there until the are translucent.
  6. This should take about 5 minutes.
  7. Strain the potatoes and onions into a bowl, draining off as much oil as you can.
  8. Keep the oil if you want, to use it in another dish.
  9. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them, then stir in the potatoes and onion.
  10. Grind in some salt.
  11. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a skillet over a moderate heat.
  12. Add the omelet mixture and turn the heat to medium-low.
  13. Cook the omelet until the eggs are set, then lift a corner with a spatula to see if the bottom of the omelet is golden.
  14. This will take about 8 minutes.
  15. Put a plate over the top of the pan and flip the tortilla over.
  16. Return the pan to the heat (you might need some more oil) and put the tortilla back in, so you can cook the other side for about 5 minutes.
  17. Flip the finished omelet on to the plate, then slice and serve.