Description
This vibrant Bravas Sauce (Salsa Brava) recipe is a flavorful Spanish-inspired sauce perfect for drizzling over fried potatoes, using as a dipping sauce, or enhancing pasta dishes. Made with a blend of smoky and spicy paprika, fresh tomatoes, and a hint of sherry vinegar, this sauce is cooked to perfection on the stovetop and blended until smooth for a rich, tangy finish.
Ingredients
Bravas Sauce 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
Instructions
- Cook the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften and change color. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes. This step helps to create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, sweet smoked paprika, spicy paprika, and tomato paste. Cook together for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the vegetable stock and sherry vinegar, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Season with salt to taste.
- Blend the sauce: Transfer the sauce to a hand blender and blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring a consistent texture.
- Serve: Use the Bravas Sauce as a delicious topping for fried potatoes, a dipping sauce, or a flavorful addition to pasta dishes.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of spicy paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh tomatoes in season or canned for convenience and consistent flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick after blending, thin it with a little additional vegetable stock.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This sauce is naturally vegetarian and vegan.