# Tortilla Española Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/tortilla-espanola
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: tortilla española recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for tortilla española, with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8  Servings
## Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 cups olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- 2 medium waxy potatoes (about ¾ lb.), peeled, cut into ¾” pieces
- 8 large eggs
## Method
1. Step 1: Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and dark brown, 35–40 minutes. Let cool slightly.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/tortilla-espanola-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Step 1 for Tortilla Española.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, heat potatoes and remaining 2 cups oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until oil around potatoes begins to bubble; reduce heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender but have not taken on any color, 10–12 minutes. Drain potatoes, reserving oil. Season potatoes with salt and let cool slightly.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/tortilla-espanola-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Step 2 for Tortilla Española.
3. Step 3: Combine eggs, onion, potatoes, and ¼ cup reserved potato cooking oil in a large bowl and gently beat with a fork.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/tortilla-espanola-step-3.webp
   Image description: Step 3: Step 3 for Tortilla Española.
4. Step 4: Heat 3 Tbsp. reserved potato cooking oil in a 10” nonstick skillet over medium heat (reserve remaining oil for another use). Add egg mixture and cook, lifting at edge and tilting skillet to let uncooked egg run underneath, until bottom and edge of tortilla are set but center is still wet.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/tortilla-espanola-step-4.webp
   Image description: Step 4: Step 4 for Tortilla Española.
5. Step 5: Set a large plate on top of skillet. Swiftly invert tortilla onto plate, then slide back into skillet, cooked side up. Cook until center is just set, about 2 minutes longer. Cut into wedges.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/tortilla-espanola-step-5.webp
   Image description: Step 5: Step 5 for Tortilla Española.
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This dinner builds on the history of the humble tuber that conquered the world, linking the dish to potato’s longer story in food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/tortilla-espanola/tortilla-espanola-og.webp
- Description: Tortilla Española. Photo: Kolforn (Kolforn)
I'd appreciate if you could mail me (Kolforn@gmail.com) if you want to use this picture out of the Wik / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Tortilla Española recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/tortilla-espanola