This Red Pepper Tortilla with Chilli Pesto Aioli is a delicious twist on the classic Spanish tortilla. Filled with soft, sautéed onions, red peppers, and tender potatoes, it’s a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a tapas night, brunch, or a hearty midweek meal. The creamy, spicy aioli takes it to the next level, adding depth and heat. Easy to make and packed with flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 M&S Remarkable Value brown onions, peeled and thinly sliced
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1 M&S Remarkable Value red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
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400g M&S Remarkable Value Select Farms white potatoes, thinly sliced
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8 M&S free-range mixed-size eggs, beaten
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2 tbsp aioli (for serving)
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2 tsp chilli pesto (for serving)
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60g rocket leaves (for garnish)
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½ M&S Remarkable Value lemon, juice only
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Olive oil for sautéing
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, then pat them dry with kitchen towel.
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Sauté the Onions and Peppers: Heat 4 tbsp of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the sliced onions and red pepper, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for 15-20 minutes until soft and sticky.
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Cook the Potatoes: Remove the onions and peppers from the pan, add a bit more oil, and add the sliced potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in the onions and peppers, then let cool slightly.
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Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
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Cook the Tortilla: Return the potato mixture to the pan over low heat and add the beaten eggs. Cover the pan and cook for 8 minutes, until the eggs are starting to set around the edges. Use a spatula to tease the edges away from the pan as needed.
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Flip the Tortilla: Carefully flip the tortilla onto a large plate. Then return it to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the eggs are set but with a slight wobble in the middle.
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Serve: For the aioli, swirl the chilli pesto into the aioli and serve alongside the tortilla. Dress the rocket leaves with lemon juice and serve the tortilla topped with the rocket and aioli on the side.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 400 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Protein: 20g
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Fat: 25g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Cholesterol: 180mg
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Sodium: 800mg
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Potassium: 650mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 5g
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Vitamin A: 12%
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Vitamin C: 40%
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Calcium: 8%
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Iron: 15%
The Versatility of the Spanish Tortilla
The Spanish tortilla, or “tortilla Española,” is a quintessential Spanish dish, beloved for its simplicity and heartiness. Traditionally made with just eggs, potatoes, and onions, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Its versatility makes it a perfect addition to any meal, from a quick breakfast or brunch to a comforting dinner. In Spain, tortillas are often served as tapas, cut into small squares and shared among friends, but they are equally satisfying when served as a main dish.
This Red Pepper Tortilla is an updated version that still honors the traditional roots of the Spanish tortilla while infusing it with bold, new flavors. Red peppers add a sweetness and crunch to the dish, making each bite more exciting and flavorful. This variation not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color, making it visually appealing as well. The creamy chilli pesto aioli provides a perfect contrast to the tortilla’s richness, adding spice and depth with every dip or drizzle.
The Role of Red Peppers in the Tortilla
Red peppers are a wonderful addition to the tortilla, providing a natural sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the potatoes and onions. When sautéed, red peppers become soft and slightly caramelized, releasing their natural sugars and enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile. The red peppers also offer a fresh, vibrant crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender potatoes.
Red peppers are also packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, which is vital for immune health and skin health, as well as antioxidants that help protect the body against free radical damage. Adding red peppers to the tortilla not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish, making it a wholesome, healthy option.
The Heartiness of Potatoes and Onions
At its core, the Spanish tortilla is all about the combination of potatoes and onions, which bring a rich, savory flavor and a satisfying texture. In this recipe, the thinly sliced potatoes are sautéed until they become tender, soft, and slightly golden. The onions are cooked until they become sweet and sticky, providing a perfect contrast to the potatoes. Together, these two ingredients form a hearty base that’s both comforting and filling.
Potatoes are a staple ingredient in many dishes due to their versatility and their ability to absorb flavors. When combined with onions, they create a balanced, savory filling that can carry the other flavors in the dish. The potatoes provide a creamy texture when cooked, while the onions bring an aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
Whisking the Eggs for the Perfect Tortilla
The eggs play a vital role in holding the tortilla together, creating a smooth and cohesive texture. When whisked together and poured over the sautéed vegetables, the eggs bind the ingredients, allowing them to set into a firm, cohesive cake that’s easy to slice and serve. The eggs also provide a richness that complements the other ingredients, creating a satisfying meal with just the right balance of flavors.
To ensure a smooth, fluffy texture, the eggs should be whisked well before being added to the pan. They need to be cooked gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs and creating a dry, rubbery tortilla. The trick is to let the tortilla set on the edges while keeping the middle slightly wobbly, so that it’s soft and creamy in the center.
Chilli Pesto Aioli: A Flavorful Kick
The chilli pesto aioli is what takes this tortilla to the next level, adding a creamy and spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the savory base. Aioli, a garlic mayonnaise, is rich and creamy on its own, but when combined with chili pesto, it transforms into a zesty and flavorful topping that enhances the tortilla. The chili pesto adds heat and depth, making each bite of tortilla even more exciting. The aioli balances the richness of the tortilla while adding a spicy contrast that cuts through the dish’s heaviness.
The use of both chili pesto and aioli is a brilliant way to incorporate layers of flavor into the dish. The pesto’s deep, roasted chili flavor is enhanced by the creamy aioli, creating a luscious sauce that clings to each bite of tortilla. Whether you choose to drizzle the aioli over the tortilla or serve it on the side for dipping, it’s the perfect complement to the dish.
Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Meal
This Red Pepper Tortilla with Chilli Pesto Aioli is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions. It’s perfect for tapas night, where it can be served as a shareable dish among friends. The small, bite-sized pieces are easy to share and enjoy, making it a great addition to a larger spread of Spanish tapas. You can also serve it for brunch, where it can be paired with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a light and refreshing meal.
For a hearty lunch or dinner, the tortilla can stand alone as the main dish or be served alongside a side of mixed greens or a tomato-based salad. The richness of the tortilla, combined with the fresh, zesty aioli, makes for a filling yet well-balanced meal. If you’re serving this dish to a crowd, you can cut the tortilla into wedges for easy serving.
The Ease of Preparation
One of the standout features of this Red Pepper Tortilla with Chilli Pesto Aioli is its simplicity. While the dish looks impressive and feels like a treat, it’s actually quite easy to prepare. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the steps are straightforward. Sautéing the vegetables and cooking the eggs is a simple process, and once the tortilla is done, all you need to do is add the aioli and garnish with fresh rocket leaves.
The one-pan approach makes this recipe especially convenient for those who don’t want to deal with multiple pots and pans. The tortilla is cooked in the same pan, minimizing cleanup and making it a more accessible recipe for those who are short on time. The aioli can be prepared quickly, and the fresh parsley and rocket leaves make for an elegant garnish that adds both color and flavor to the final dish.
Conclusion
The Red Pepper Tortilla with Chilli Pesto Aioli is a delightful twist on the classic Spanish tortilla, offering rich, savory flavors with a spicy, creamy finish. The combination of sautéed red peppers, onions, potatoes, and eggs creates a hearty base, while the chilli pesto aioli adds a zesty contrast that elevates the entire dish. Whether served as a tapas appetizer, brunch main, or a hearty dinner, this tortilla is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The simple preparation and minimal cleanup make it an ideal recipe for both casual weeknight meals and special occasions. With its layers of flavor, beautiful presentation, and ease of preparation, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.