Best Basque Potato Tortilla Recipes

BASQUE POTATO TORTILLA

Steps:

• You will need a heavy skillet with a diameter or 9 to 10 inches (Dorie uses a cast-iron skillet; smaller is better than larger).
• Choose a skillet with a handle that can go under the broiler (if you are not sure, wrap the handle in foil).
• Pour about 2 tablespoons oil into the skillet and warm it over medium heat.
• Add the potatoes and onion, garlic and rosemary if using; turn the ingredients around until they glisten with oil.
• Season with salt and pepper; decrease the heat and cook slowly until the potatoes are golden and cooked through, about 20 minutes; you should be able to pierce the potatoes easily with the tip of a knife.
• Discard the garlic and rosemary and transfer the potatoes and onion to a bowl.
• Carefully wipe the skillet with a paper towel (if anything has stuck to the bottom of the pan, you should wash it--you need a clean surface so the tortilla will unmold easily).
• Position broiler rack so that when you slide the skillet onto it, the pan will be about 6 inches from the heat source; preheat broiler.
• In a big bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper to taste and the cayenne, then stir in the potatoes and onion.
• Put the skillet over med-high heat and pour in about 1 1/2 tablespoons oil.
• When the oil is hot, add the eggs and potatoes to the pan.
• Immediately lower the heat, and let the eggs cook, undisturbed, for about 2 minutes.
• Run a silicone spatula or a table knife around the edges of the pan to release the tortilla, then cover the pan and cook slowly for another 8-10 minutes, or until the top is almost set--there will be a circle of liquid or jiggly egg at the center.
• Every couple of minutes, run your spatula around the sides of the pan and just under the tortilla to keep it from sticking.
• Slide the pan under the broiler and cook until the top of the tortilla is set; check it after 1 minute, and then keep checking--it can go fast.
• Transfer the tortilla to a serving platter and allow it to cool to room temperature before cutting and serving it.

PEPPER AND POTATO TORTILLA

Steps:

• Do not peel the potatoes, but wash them well.
• Parboil them for about 20 minutes, then drain and, and when they are cool enough to handle, slice them thickly.
• Switch on the broiler so that it warms up while you prepare the rest of the dish.
• In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil and fry the onion, garlic and peppers over a moderate heat for 5 minutes until softened.
• Add the potatoes and continue frying, stirring from time to time until the potatoes are completely cooked and the vegetables are soft.
• Add a little extra oil if the pan seems rather too dry.
• Pour in half the beaten eggs, then sprinkle over half the grated Cheddar cheese, then the rest of the egg.
• Season with salt and pepper and finish with a layer of cheese.
• Continue to cook over a low heat, without stirring, half covering the pan with a lid to help set the eggs.
• When the mixture is firm, flash the pan under the hot broiler to seal the top just lightly.
• Leave the tortilla in the pan to cool.
• This helps it firm up further and makes it easier to turn out.
• Cut into generous wedges to serve.