This Spanish Omelette recipe, also known as Tortilla Española, is more than just a delicious egg dish – it’s a champion for resourceful cooking and minimizing food waste. This recipe celebrates the simple yet ingenious way leftover vegetables and pantry staples can be transformed into a stunning and satisfying meal.
Think you have leftover potatoes or bits and bobs of veggies lingering in the fridge? The Spanish Omelette welcomes them with open arms! This versatile dish thrives on improvisation. Use leftover cooked potatoes, onions, peppers, or whatever vegetables you have on hand. The result is a golden-brown masterpiece that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a satisfying late-night snack.
So, gather your leftover ingredients, embrace the spirit of resourcefulness, and whip up a Spanish Omelette. It’s a delicious and budget-friendly way to reduce waste and create a culinary masterpiece you’ll love.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 20 minutes
Spanish Omelette Recipe
Spanish Omelette Recipe Ingredients:
This deceptively simple dish transforms a few humble ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need to create a classic Spanish Omelette (Tortilla Española):
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The Starring Ingredients:
- Eggs (6 large) – The base of the omelette, providing structure and flavor.
- Potatoes (2-3 medium, about 500g) – Russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, which crisps up beautifully.
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Flavor Boosters:
- Olive Oil (a generous amount for frying, around 1/2 cup) – Opt for good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced) – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the omelette.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) – Seasoning is key for a well-balanced omelette.
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Optional Additions:
- Chopped Vegetables (optional) – Feel free to incorporate leftover or chopped vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Herbs (optional) – A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a touch of brightness.
- Grated Cheese (optional) – For a cheesy twist, incorporate shredded cheese like Manchego or Spanish cheese blend.
Spanish Omelette Instructions:
Creating a delicious Spanish Omelette is easier than you think! Follow these steps for a golden-brown and flavorful masterpiece:
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Prep the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline slicer for even thickness or chop them by hand. Rinse the sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
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Heat the Olive Oil: In a large non-stick skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough for shallow frying, but not smoking.
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Sauté the Potatoes: Add the sliced potatoes to the hot oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender on all sides. This can take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices.
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Whisk the Eggs: While the potatoes cook, whisk the eggs in a large bowl with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
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Drain and Season the Potatoes: Once golden brown, remove the potatoes from the hot oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Season the drained potatoes with a little more salt and pepper, if desired.
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Optional Additions: If using, add any chopped vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the remaining oil in the pan and cook until softened.
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Combine Eggs and Potatoes: Add the cooked and drained potatoes to the whisked eggs in the bowl. Gently fold them together, ensuring the potatoes are evenly distributed.
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Cook the Omelette: Return the pan with the remaining oil to medium heat. Carefully pour the egg and potato mixture into the pan. Tilt the pan occasionally to allow the uncooked egg to flow underneath.
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Coaxing Perfection: As the omelette cooks, use a spatula to gently push the cooked edges towards the center of the pan, allowing the uncooked egg to reach the bottom.
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The Flip: Once the bottom is golden brown and the center is mostly set, it’s time for the big flip! You can use a plate or a lid to help you invert the omelette. Slide the cooked omelette onto a plate, then carefully slide it back into the pan (uncooked side down) to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the bottom is also golden brown.
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Rest and Enjoy: Transfer the cooked Spanish Omelette to a serving plate and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into wedges. This allows the omelette to set completely for easier slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Spanish Omelette Serving Suggestions:
This versatile dish can be enjoyed in several ways:
- Main Course: A Spanish Omelette is a satisfying main course on its own, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Tapas Delight: Cut it into bite-sized pieces and serve it as part of a tapas spread.
- On-the-Go Snack: Spanish Omelette travels well, making it a great option for a picnic lunch or a satisfying snack.
- Leftover Magic: While best enjoyed fresh, leftover Spanish Omelette can be sliced and pan-fried for a quick and delicious breakfast the next day.
Why Spanish Omelette Is a Great Leftover Recipe:
The Spanish Omelette is a champion for resourceful cooking and minimizing food waste! Here’s why it’s a fantastic leftover recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples like eggs and potatoes, the Spanish Omelette is a budget-friendly and accessible meal.
- Leftover Friendly: This recipe welcomes leftover vegetables with open arms! Use leftover cooked veggies you have on hand to add extra flavor and avoid waste.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients. From adding cheese for a richer flavor to incorporating different herbs and spices, the possibilities are endless.
- Second Life for Leftovers: Leftover Spanish Omelette can be easily repurposed into new dishes. Slice it and add it to breakfast burritos or frittatas, or crumble it and use it as a topping for salads or soups.
So next time you’re looking for a way to use up leftover vegetables or simply crave a comforting and delicious egg dish, look no further than the Spanish Omelette. It’s a testament to resourceful cooking and a delightful way to minimize food waste, all while creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Take a look at more recipes to reduce food waste here.
