The potato omelette is one of the hallmarks of Spanish cuisine. However, its origin is not entirely clear. Apparently, in 1519 the egg omelette was already known , but it is not until 1817 that the first document that refers to the potato omelette appears.

A legend said that the general Tomás de Zumalacárregui, during the siege of Bilbao, invented the potato omelette as a fast and nutritious dish for his hungry soldiers. It is not known if this is true but, the potato omelette began to spread during the Carlist Wars.

Another version of this legend said that it was invented by a housewife from Navarre, in whose house General Zumalacárregui stopped. The woman prepared something with all the ingredients she had that were eggs, onions and potatoes. In that way, she cooked a dish that the general liked very much and then he order to cook and distribute among the soldiers.

However, more recent studies place the origin of the potato omelette quite long before and in another Spanish region: Extremadura. A document signed by Joseph de Tena Godoy and Malfeyto, dates exactly the origin of this specialty on February 27, 1708 in the Extremaduran region of La Serena.

And something that supports this story is that in the town of Villanueva de la Serena the potato omelette is part of their traditions. For example, on Easter Monday this delicacy is used to have a picnic

The fact is that the potato omelette is one of the best known Spanish dishes in the world. There must be a reason. And if you wish to discover it, visit El Anciano Rey de los Vinos, where we will serve you a freshly made “tortilla” cooked in the traditional way.