When it comes to kitchen staples, few ingredients are as dependable as the humble potato. A firm favourite in households across the UK, potatoes are endlessly versatile — and finding new ways to cook them is one of the easiest ways to refresh your weekly meals. That’s where the pairing of potatoes and olive oil really comes into its own. From Spanish omelettes to silky purées, we’ve gathered a selection of simple, flavour-packed recipes to try at home.
Why Potatoes and Olive Oil Are Mediterranean Staples
Potatoes and olive oil have long earned their place in Mediterranean cooking. While potatoes arrived later than many traditional ingredients, they were quickly embraced for their adaptability and ability to soak up flavour. Olive oil, meanwhile, has been at the heart of Mediterranean cuisine for thousands of years.
Together, they strike a natural balance between comfort and nourishment. Potatoes provide a satisfying base for rustic, home-style dishes, while olive oil adds richness, aroma, and depth without overpowering other flavours.
The Role of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Flavour and Texture
Extra virgin olive oil has a way of transforming potatoes from something simple into something special. Its fruity, aromatic character enhances the natural earthiness of potatoes, adding complexity without the need for heavy seasoning. Different olive oils can subtly change the feel of a dish, making even familiar recipes taste fresh and distinct.
Now, let’s take a look at a few delicious ideas to try in your own kitchen.
Tortilla de Patatas: A Versatile Spanish Staple
Spanish potato omelette — or tortilla de patatas — is a much-loved classic and a mainstay of Spanish cooking. Traditionally made with just eggs, potatoes, and olive oil, it’s a dish that proves how little you need to create something truly satisfying. Many modern versions add onions or other ingredients for extra flavour.
Our Rustic Spanish Omelette takes things a step further, combining peas, chorizo, Serrano ham, and spring onions for a rich, comforting dish that works just as well for lunch as it does for supper.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer a recipe closer to the traditional style, try this Spanish Tortilla served with sautéed mushrooms and finished with a drizzle of Olive Oil Flavoured with White Truffle — a simple way to bring authentic Spanish flavours to your table.
Gourmet Mashed Potatoes with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you’re a fan of mash, you’re in for a treat. This Mashed Potato and Pumpkin Purée with Brie, Bacon, Poached Egg and Truffle Oil is full of bold, comforting flavours. Mash and purée dishes are particularly good at bringing different ingredients together, making them ideal for more indulgent combinations.
Spicy Patatas Bravas: A Quick and Easy Side
If fried potatoes are more your thing, why not serve them Spanish-style? Classic Patatas Bravas are a brilliant option, whether you’re after a punchy side dish or a crowd-pleasing appetiser. This version comes with a mild bravas sauce that suits most tastes, but if you like a bit more heat, our Patatas Bravas with a Spicy Sauce are also well worth a try.
Simple Salad with Baby Potatoes
Potato salads are popular across the Mediterranean, particularly in the warmer months. This Baby Potato, Red Onion and Vegan Cheese Salad shows exactly why potatoes and extra virgin olive oil work so well together. With red onion, fresh chives, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a bright, fresh dish that comes together in around 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cooking with Potatoes and Olive Oil
Yes. Although potatoes arrived later than many Mediterranean staples, they’re now widely used in Spanish, Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern cuisines thanks to their versatility.
Extra virgin olive oil is ideal. It adds flavour, helps create crisp edges, and brings out herbs, garlic, and spices.
Absolutely. Potatoes provide fibre and nutrients, while olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants — a natural fit for Mediterranean-style eating.
Greek lemon-roasted potatoes, Italian rosemary potatoes, Spanish potatoes cooked with garlic and olive oil, and herb-packed potato salads are all great places to start.
Both work well. Adding oil before cooking helps with crisping and flavour, while a drizzle at the end boosts aroma and freshness.
Bring Mediterranean Cooking to Life with Olive Oil
Keeping olive oil as a kitchen staple opens up endless possibilities, from simple weeknight meals to more indulgent dishes. With La Española’s range of olive oils, it’s easy to bring Mediterranean warmth and flavour into everyday cooking. For more recipes and inspiration, be sure to explore our blog.