Rioja style potatoes or ''patatas a la Riojana'' is a dish from

Spanish cuisine Spanish cuisine () consists of the traditions and practices of Spanish cooking. It features considerable regional diversity, with significant differences among the traditions of each of Spain's regional cuisines. Olive oil (of which Spain is ...

, popular in the region of

La Rioja La Rioja () is an autonomous communities in Spain, autonomous community and provinces of Spain, province in Spain, in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. Its capital is Logroño. Other List of municipalities in La Rioja, cities and towns in the ...

and the province of

Álava Álava () or Araba (), officially Araba/Álava, is a Provinces of Spain, province of Spain and a historical territory of the Basque Country (autonomous community), Basque Country, heir of the ancient Basque señoríos#Lords of Álava, Lordship ...

in the Basque Country of Spain. It is made with bell peppers,

chorizo ''Chorizo'' ( , ; ; see #Names, below) is a type of pork sausage originating from the Iberian Peninsula. It is made in many national and regional varieties in several countries on different continents. Some of these varieties are quite differe ...

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 (born Napoleone di Buonaparte; 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821), later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a French general and statesman who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led Military career ...

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

Paul Bocuse Paul François Pierre Bocuse (; 11 February 1926 – 20 January 2018) was a French chef based in Lyon known for the quality of his restaurants and his innovative approaches to cuisine. Dubbed "the pope of gastronomy", he was affectionately nick ...

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. Rioja style potatoes are usually served in the areas of Alava and Rioja. PeppersRiojana

References

External links

History
Potato dishes Culture of La Rioja Álava Basque cuisine Sausage dishes {{spain-cuisine-stub