Name: Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 yellow onion, finely chopped; 2-3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned); 1/2 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon spicy paprika; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar; 1 cup vegetable stock; 1 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

There is something simply irresistible about a well-made Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe, a classic Spanish staple that brings bold flavors and a hint of smoky heat to the table. This vibrant sauce combines sweet smoked paprika, tangy tomatoes, and a touch of sherry vinegar, creating a harmonious blend that’s perfect for brightening up fried potatoes or adding a punch to any dish. Whether you’re familiar with patatas bravas or just looking to explore new sauce horizons, this recipe is a game-changer that’s both easy and utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, including a light beige bowl filled with clear brown broth placed at the top center, and to the left a white bowl of chunky red tomato sauce. To the right of the sauce, there are two halves of a white onion close to a small black bowl of white flour and two garlic cloves. Below, there are three small white plates with different powders: reddish-brown spice on the left, bright red spice in the middle, and a small black bowl with coarse white salt on the right. At the bottom left, a white bowl contains bright yellow oil, and next to it a spoon with a dollop of dark red paste. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, striking the perfect balance between depth and freshness. Each one plays a crucial role, from the mellow sweetness of onions to the aromatic complexity of paprika, ensuring your Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe hits all the right notes.

2 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing and adds a fruity richness.
1 yellow onion: Offers a mild sweetness and body to the sauce.
2-3 garlic cloves: Adds a sharp, aromatic kick that wakes up the flavors.
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a luxurious consistency without heaviness.
1 cup chopped tomatoes: Brings freshness and natural acidity, the soul of the sauce.
1/2 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky depth that’s signature to Bravas Sauce.
1 teaspoon spicy paprika: Adds gentle heat without overpowering.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for richness and color.
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar: Gives a bright, tangy lift balancing the sauce’s sweetness.
1 cup vegetable stock: Builds body and helps meld the flavors during cooking.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient, bringing the sauce together perfectly.

How to Make Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook until it softens and starts to turn golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. This gentle caramelization releases the onion’s sweetness. Then add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to infuse the oil with its fragrant aroma. This stage builds the flavor foundation for the sauce.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes. This cooking step is key to develop a subtle nuttiness and to ensure your sauce thickens beautifully without any raw flour taste. The flour coats the aromatics evenly, setting the stage for a smooth texture.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Paprika

Pour in the chopped tomatoes, sweet smoked paprika, spicy paprika, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly. Cook this mixture for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and all those smoky, spicy flavors meld together, creating a bright and vibrant base that defines this Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe.

Step 4: Simmer and Season

Next, add the vegetable stock and sherry vinegar, stirring gently to incorporate. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This is when the sauce thickens perfectly and the flavors intensify. Finish with a teaspoon of salt to season to taste, making sure every ingredient shines.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

To achieve that iconic silky texture, transfer the sauce to a hand blender and blend until completely smooth. This step transforms the sauce into a luscious, velvety finish that clings perfectly to potatoes or whatever dish you choose. Now your Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe is ready to elevate your meals.

How to Serve Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe

A top view of a bowl filled with smooth, thick, reddish-orange sauce. The sauce has a uniform texture with slight swirls made by a wooden spoon resting on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl is white with a blue patterned rim and sits on a white marbled surface. In the top right corner, there is a partial view of a dark bowl holding golden-brown roasted pieces. A light beige fringed cloth is placed at the bottom right corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika are wonderful toppings that add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to your bravas sauce. If you like a bit of creamy contrast, a dollop of aioli or garlic mayonnaise makes the dish even more indulgent and flavorful.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs famously with classic patatas bravas, fried crispy potatoes that soak up every bit of the smoky, spicy sauce. Beyond potatoes, try drizzling it over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even as a zingy pasta sauce to surprise and delight your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Bravas Sauce in small bowls alongside a tapas platter or use it as a flavor-packed dipping sauce for crispy chicken fingers or veggie sticks. Its versatility makes it a star in casual gatherings and fancy dinners alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Bravas Sauce fresh in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This allows the flavors to even deepen after sitting overnight, making it taste even better.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before use.

Reheating

Gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring regularly to prevent burning. If it’s too thick, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving aggressively, as that can alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh paprika instead of powdered?

Fresh paprika isn’t really a common form, as the distinctive smoky and spicy essence in this sauce comes from the powdered smoked and spicy paprikas. Using the right paprika powders is essential to achieve authentic flavor.

Is Bravas Sauce very spicy?

This recipe strikes a lovely balance, with smoky warmth and mild to moderate heat from the spicy paprika. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less spicy paprika depending on your preference.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

Absolutely! This Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe is naturally vegan as it relies on vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients. Just ensure your stock is vegan to keep it entirely plant-based.

What is the best use for leftover Bravas Sauce?

Aside from patatas bravas, try mixing it into sandwiches, spreading it on grilled vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for snacks. It’s surprisingly versatile and adds a flavorful punch wherever you use it.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not so thick that it becomes pasty. Adding vegetable stock during simmering helps achieve that perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire that brings a burst of Spanish flair to any meal with minimal effort. Its balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy elements will have you reaching for more, whether spooned over potatoes or exploring creative uses. Give it a try and watch your meals come alive with this unforgettable sauce!

Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need