I remember the first time I tried patatas a la riojana at a tiny tapas bar in Madrid. The smoky chorizo, tender potatoes, and rich paprika sauce felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Ever since, I've been perfecting my own version at home, and I'm thrilled to share it with you.
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This recipe is all about big flavor with minimal fuss. You'll use just one pan, simple ingredients, and a handful of spices to create a dish that tastes like it simmered all day. It's the kind of meal that makes you look forward to leftovers.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is forgiving and adaptable. Let's get those potatoes golden and that chorizo sizzling!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for best flavor. You can substitute with any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed.
1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150g)
Sweet onions like Vidalia also work well. If you're in a pinch, use 2 shallots.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is key, but jarred minced garlic can save time. Use 1 teaspoon of jarred for each clove.
1 pound (450g) Spanish chorizo, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Look for cured Spanish chorizo (not Mexican) for the authentic smoky flavor. If you can't find it, use a smoked paprika-spiced sausage.
2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
Yukon Golds hold their shape well. You can also use red potatoes or baby potatoes, just adjust cooking time.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón)
This is the star spice! If you only have sweet paprika, add a pinch of liquid smoke for that smoky kick.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Cumin adds warmth. You can skip it or use a pinch of chili powder for a different flavor.
1 (14.5 oz / 400g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra depth. If you have fresh tomatoes, use 2 cups chopped.
1 cup (240ml) chicken broth, low-sodium
Vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian twist (use a plant-based chorizo too).
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Adjust salt according to your chorizo's saltiness. Start with less and add more at the end.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground is best, but pre-ground works in a pinch.
2 tablespoons (8g) fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Fresh cilantro also works if you prefer. Skip if you don't have any on hand.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Smaller pieces cook faster, larger ones take longer.
- Don't skip browning the chorizo—this step renders fat and builds the flavor base for the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thin at the end, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken. If it's too thick, add a splash of broth.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the oil
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
2. Add garlic and chorizo
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and crispy on the edges, stirring occasionally.
3. Toast the spices
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cumin. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma, being careful not to burn them.
4. Add potatoes and tomatoes
Add the cubed potatoes and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to coat everything evenly with the spice mixture.
5. Pour in broth
Pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
6. Simmer until tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low (200°F / 95°C). Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Adjust seasoning
Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Garnish and serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot, directly from the pan or in bowls. Enjoy!
Delicious Variations
Add bell peppers
Sauté 1 diced red or green bell pepper with the onion for extra sweetness and color.
Make it spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the garlic for heat.
Go vegetarian
Use a plant-based chorizo and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It's just as delicious!
How to Store Spanish Potato Dish With Chorizo
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat (300°F / 150°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked?
Yes, but the dish will lose its smoky flavor. Add a few drops of liquid smoke or use a smoked salt to compensate.
Q: What is the best potato variety for this dish?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape best. Russets will break down too much.
Q: How do I make this dish less oily?
After browning the chorizo, you can drain off some of the rendered fat before adding the onions, or use a leaner chorizo.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
It's great with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or over rice for a heartier meal.
I hope you love this Spanish potato dish with chorizo as much as I do. It's a staple in my weeknight rotation. If you try it, let me know in the comments below—I'd love to hear how it turned out for you! Small steps, big change.
Spanish Potato Dish With Chorizo
This Spanish potato dish with chorizo is a smoky, hearty one-pan meal that's ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) Spanish chorizo, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (14.5 oz / 400g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth, low-sodium
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
📋 Instructions
- 1Heat the oil — In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- 2Add garlic and chorizo — Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and crispy on the edges, stirring occasionally.
- 3Toast the spices — Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cumin. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma, being careful not to burn them.
- 4Add potatoes and tomatoes — Add the cubed potatoes and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to coat everything evenly with the spice mixture.
- 5Pour in broth — Pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
- 6Simmer until tender — Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low (200°F / 95°C). Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7Adjust seasoning — Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly.
- 8Garnish and serve — Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot, directly from the pan or in bowls. Enjoy!



