Spanish Tortilla Recipe

I have been on a Spanish food kick of late so here is another traditional Spanish recipe that has been around since at least 1817. (There is a lot of conjecture about who should get the credit for inventing this dish and exactly when it was invented but according to Wikipedia the first recorded instance was in 1817 when it was mentioned in an anonymous Navarrese document.) [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortilla/_de_patatas ] Regardless of who or when the Spanish Tortilla is a tasty potato omelet style meal that has made a lasting impression through the centuries because it is so good to eat.  Boy does it smell great when it's cooking, prepare for mouthwatering aroma's to envelop your kitchen when preparing this.
Image: Spanish Tortilla by S. Hensley Copyright Orsons Retro

Spanish Tortilla
Serves 8

125 ml olive oil
600g potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
1 large Spanish onion, sliced thin
6 large eggs
salt and pepper
2 tablespoon spring onion finely chopped to garnish

Step 1
In a hot, large pan add the olive oil and heat.  When hot turn heat down and add the potatoes and onion and cook for 15 - 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender on medium heat.

Step 2
Beat the eggs in a large bowl and season generously with salt and pepper.  Drain the potatoes and onion through a sieve over a heatproof bowl.  Reserve the oil.  Gently stir the vegetables into the eggs and leave to stand for 10 minutes.

Step 3
Heat 4 tablespoons of the reserved oil on medium heat in the frying pan.  Add the egg mixture and smooth it out.  Cook like an omelet for around 10 minutes, until bottom has hardened.  Invert over a plate.  Slide back onto the pan the other side down and cook for 3 - 5 minutes until crunchy. 

Step 4
Remove from pan and stand for 2 minutes.  Slice and serve.  Garnish with spring onion.
Hints:  Adding onion is a regional thing and in some areas of Spain is left out.  Parsley makes a great garnish for this dish instead of spring onion.  Spanish Tortilla works well as a Tapas appetizer, side dish or as a vegetarian option. (Just between you and me - This is a fantastic hangover cure as well.)

Do you know a great Spanish recipe?  Why not share it in the comments section we would love to read it.