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Bravas Sauce Recipe (Salsa Brava) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Spanish
  • Diet: Vegan

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Blend the sauce: Transfer the sauce to a hand blender and blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring a consistent texture.
  6. 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.