Tortilla Española, also known as Spanish omelette, is a classic dish from Spain that combines simple ingredients to create a delicious and hearty meal. This dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner, and it can be served warm or at room temperature. The combination of tender potatoes and sweet onions bound together by eggs makes for a comforting and satisfying dish.
While most of the ingredients for Tortilla Española are common household staples, you might need to ensure you have enough olive oil on hand, as it is essential for cooking the potatoes and onions to the right tenderness. Additionally, using good quality olive oil can significantly enhance the flavor of the dish. Make sure to pick up fresh eggs and potatoes if you don't have them at home.

Ingredients For Tortilla Española Recipe
Potatoes: The main ingredient, providing a starchy base and a tender texture.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the potatoes and onions, and for frying the tortilla.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cooking the potatoes and onions, make sure to slice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness. This will help achieve a consistent texture throughout the tortilla. Additionally, when flipping the tortilla, use a plate that is slightly larger than the frying pan to avoid any spills and ensure a clean flip.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and a different texture, but they can be a nutritious and tasty alternative.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions, making them a good alternative.
eggs - Substitute with chickpea flour batter: A mixture of chickpea flour and water can mimic the binding properties of eggs, suitable for a vegan version.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for frying.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the tortilla espanola to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the tortilla soggy.
Wrap the tortilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure there are no gaps to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Place the wrapped tortilla in an airtight container. This adds an extra layer of protection and helps maintain its texture and flavor.
Store the tortilla in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, consume it within this time frame to enjoy its optimal taste and texture.
To freeze, cut the tortilla into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.
Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
Transfer the frozen portions to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
Store the tortilla in the freezer for up to 2 months. Beyond this period, the texture may degrade.
When ready to eat, thaw the tortilla portions in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain its texture.
Reheat the tortilla in a non-stick skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Enjoy your tortilla espanola warm or at room temperature, just as delicious as when it was freshly made.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tortilla espanola on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method ensures even heating and maintains the potatoes and onions' texture.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the tortilla espanola in the pan and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are evenly warmed. This method helps retain the eggs' moisture and flavor.
Microwave Method: Place a slice of tortilla espanola on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This is the quickest method but may slightly alter the texture of the potatoes and eggs.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tortilla espanola on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method is convenient and provides a nice, even reheating.
Steam Method: Place the tortilla espanola in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the eggs fluffy and the potatoes tender.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Frying pan: Essential for cooking the potatoes, onions, and the egg mixture. A non-stick pan is ideal to prevent sticking.
Mixing bowl: Used for beating the eggs and mixing them with the cooked potatoes and onions.
Spatula: Helps in stirring the potatoes and onions while they cook and for flipping the tortilla.
Plate: Used to flip the tortilla to cook the other side evenly.
Knife: Necessary for peeling and thinly slicing the potatoes and onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the potatoes and onion.
Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs to a uniform consistency.
Measuring cup: Ensures you use the correct amount of olive oil.
Colander: Used to drain the cooked potatoes and onions before mixing them with the eggs.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use a mandoline: Slice potatoes and onions quickly and evenly with a mandoline.
Pre-cook in microwave: Soften potatoes and onions in the microwave for a few minutes before frying.
Batch cooking: Cook a larger tortilla espanola and save leftovers for quick meals.
Non-stick pan: Use a non-stick pan to make flipping the tortilla easier and reduce cooking time.
Ready ingredients: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting to cook.

Tortilla Espanola
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 6 eggs beaten
- ½ cup olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced potatoes and onions. Cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the potatoes and onions and add them to the beaten eggs. Mix well.
- Heat a little olive oil in the frying pan again. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and cook on low heat until the bottom is set, about 5-7 minutes.
- Flip the tortilla using a plate and cook the other side until fully set, about 5 minutes more.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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