Spanish Tortilla (Tortilla Española)

Silky potatoes, sweet onions, and tender eggs—Spain’s simple, satisfying comfort classic.


Craving an easy, hearty dish that works any time of day? Spanish Tortilla, or Tortilla Española, is a beloved Spanish potato and onion omelet—golden outside, custardy inside. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, it’s the definition of simple meals, big comfort.


Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • 5 core ingredients, maximum flavor
  • Great warm, room temp, or chilled
  • Meal-prep friendly; perfect for picnics and tapas
  • Naturally gluten-free

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 lb (450 g) waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold), peeled & thinly sliced (⅛–¼ in / 3–6 mm)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) olive oil (for confit-frying)
  • ¾–1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Slow-fry Potatoes & Onions:
    Heat olive oil in a 10-inch (25 cm) nonstick or seasoned skillet over medium-low. Add potatoes, onion, ½ tsp salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, 15–20 minutes until very tender but not browned. Drain, reserving 2–3 tbsp oil.
  2. Beat Eggs:
    In a bowl, whisk eggs with ¼–½ tsp salt and pepper. Fold in warm potatoes and onions; rest 5 minutes to hydrate.
  3. Set the Tortilla:
    Return 2 tbsp reserved oil to skillet over medium heat. Pour in mixture, spread evenly. Cook 3–5 minutes, gently shaking pan and running a spatula around edges until sides set and center is still slightly loose.
  4. Flip & Finish:
    Place a large plate over the skillet; invert tortilla onto plate. Add another 1 tsp oil to pan, slide tortilla back in uncooked side down. Cook 2–3 minutes more for a custardy center (longer for firmer).
  5. Rest & Serve:
    Slide onto a plate; rest 5–10 minutes. Slice into wedges.

Pro Tips & Substitutions

  • Texture control: Less time = jammy center; more time = fully set.
  • Add-ins (regional twists): Roasted peppers, chorizo cubes, or herbs—keep it minimal.
  • Oil reuse: Strain and save the olive oil for future tortillas or sautéing.
  • No onion? It’s still authentic—tortilla de patatas can be with or without cebolla.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days; great cold or room temp.
  • Rewarm slices briefly in a skillet or 300°F (150°C) oven.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as tapas with crusty bread and olives.
  • Add a simple tomato salad or garlicky aioli.
  • Perfect for brunch, packed lunches, or midnight snacks.

Nutritional Information (per slice, 1/6 tortilla, approx.)

  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Protein: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 340mg

Did You Try This Recipe?

Slice it thick or thin and show us your perfect flip! Tag @comfortdishesofficial for a chance to be featured—simple meals, big comfort.


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