Salsa Brava (Spanish Bravas Sauce)
This salsa brava is smoky, smooth, and full of bold Spanish flavor. Made with tomatoes, paprika, garlic, and olive oil, it’s the perfect bravas sauce for crispy potatoes and tapas nights at home.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tomatoes diced
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 150 ml water
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper, then cook until softened. Stir in the 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Transfer the 2 diced tomatoes to a food processor, add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and blend until smooth.
- Return the blended mixture to the saucepan. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon granulated sugar. Stir until fully combined.
- Pour in ⅔ cup (150 ml) water and let the sauce simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Serve warm with crispy potatoes, grilled meats, or tapas dishes.
Notes
Blend While Warm: I like blending the tomatoes with the onion and garlic while they are still warm because the sauce turns smoother and silkier.
Cook the Paprika Gently: I always keep the heat moderate after adding the paprika so it deepens in flavor without tasting bitter.
Adjust the Spice: For me, the cayenne gives salsa brava its classic kick, but you can use a little less if you prefer a softer heat.
Let It Rest: I find the sauce tastes even better after resting for a few hours because the garlic, paprika, and olive oil settle together beautifully.
Nutrition
Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 141mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg
