''Riojan Style Potatoes'' ''or'' ''Patatas a la Riojana'' is a dish from

Spanish cuisine Spanish cuisine consists of the cooking traditions and practices from Spain. Olive oil (of which Spain is the world's largest producer) is heavily used in Spanish cuisine. It forms the base of many vegetable sauces (known in Spanish as ''sofri ...

, popular in the counties of Rioja and

Álava Álava ( in Spanish) or Araba (), officially Araba/Álava, is a province of Spain and a historical territory of the Basque Country, heir of the ancient Lordship of Álava, former medieval Catholic bishopric and now Latin titular see. Its ca ...

in the Basque region of Spain. It's made with bell peppers,

chorizo Chorizo (, from Spanish ; similar to but distinct from Portuguese ) is a type of pork cured meat originating from the Iberian Peninsula. In Europe, chorizo is a fermented, cured, smoked meat, which may be sliced and eaten without cooking, or ...

sausage and potatoes. The sauce is simple, and thickened by the potato starch. Other ingredients like bay leaves, pimenton and mushrooms may be added. Red wines complement this dish. Patatasalariojana

History

It is not known when it was first made. However, potatoes were not used in soups in Spain until

Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte ; it, Napoleone Bonaparte, ; co, Napulione Buonaparte. (born Napoleone Buonaparte; 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821), later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a French military commander and political leader who ...

's invasion, so it wasn't until at least the 19th century that this dish was eaten there. It is also said that Chef

Paul Bocuse Paul Bocuse (; 11 February 1926 – 20 January 2018) was a French chef based in Lyon who was known for the high quality of his restaurants and his innovative approaches to cuisine. A student of Eugénie Brazier, he was one of the most prominen ...

tasted this stew in a famous winery, and after three servings, told everybody that Riojan style potatoes were the best food he had ever eaten. The chef also recommended this dish to be the national dish of Spain. Riojan Style potatoes are usually served in the areas of Alava and Rioja. PeppersRiojana

References

External links

Patatas a la riojana Riojan Style Potatoes official page

Potato dishes Riojan culture Spanish cuisine Álava Basque cuisine Sausage dishes {{spain-cuisine-stub