La tortilla española

The Spanish tortilla, also known as "Tortilla Española" or "Spanish omelette," is a classic and delicious dish made with eggs, potatoes, onions, and olive oil. It's a popular tapas dish in Spain and can be served hot or cold.

Spanish Tortilla, the way my friend Javier’s Mum makes it

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• 6-8 large eggs

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced potatoes and onions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the potatoes are tender, but not browned. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Remove them from the pan, draining any excess oil. Set them aside to cool slightly.

4. In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Gently fold the cooked potatoes and onions into the beaten eggs until they are well coated.

6. Clean the frying pan and remove any excess oil, leaving just a thin coating on the bottom. Place the pan back on medium heat.

7. Pour the potato and egg mixture back into the frying pan, spreading it out evenly.

8. Cook the tortilla on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the edges start to set.

9. Flip the Tortilla: Now comes the tricky part! Place a large plate (larger than the frying pan) over the pan and carefully flip the tortilla onto the plate.

10. Slide the tortilla back into the frying pan, uncooked side down. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the eggs are fully set, and the tortilla has a nice golden color.

11. Once the Spanish tortilla is cooked through, slide it onto a serving plate. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges.

The Spanish tortilla is a versatile dish, and you can add other ingredients such as cooked vegetables, cheese, or ham if you like. It's perfect for a light lunch, as part of a tapas spread, or even as a picnic dish; Javier’s Mum would make us one when we went “de senderismo”. Enjoy your homemade Spanish tortilla!