Authentic Canarian Papas Arrugadas Recipe

Ingredients

1 kg of small potatoes
250 gm of sea salt
Water (enough to cover the potatoes)
For the Mojo Sauce:
5 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
1 red bell pepper
3 red chillies
1/2 cup of olive oil
Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Place the potatoes in a large pot, add the sea salt and pour in enough water to cover them.
Cover the pot and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender and the water has evaporated. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the Mojo sauce. Begin by peeling and finely chopping the garlic.
De-seed and finely chop the red bell pepper and the chillies.
In a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic, cumin seeds and paprika together to create a paste.
Add in the chopped bell peppers and chillies to the paste and mix well.
Transfer this mixture to a bowl, add in the vinegar, olive oil and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
Once the potatoes are cooked and the water is evaporated, lower the heat and continue to cook the potatoes for a few minutes until they are dry and have a wrinkled skin.
Serve the potatoes hot with a generous helping of Mojo sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Large pot - To cook the potatoes in.
Mortar and pestle - To crush the garlic, cumin seeds, and paprika together for the Mojo sauce.
Knife - To chop the garlic, red bell pepper, and chillies.
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping.
Bowl - To mix the Mojo sauce ingredients together.

Recipe variations

Use different types of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a variation in taste and texture.
Experiment with different types of salt, such as rock salt or flavored salts, to add a unique twist.
Add herbs and spices to the cooking water for extra flavor, such as rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves.
Try using different dipping sauces alongside the Mojo sauce, such as aioli, chimichurri, or salsa verde.
For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapenos or hot sauce to the Mojo sauce.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic and chillies in the Mojo sauce.
Include roasted bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes in the Mojo sauce for added depth of flavor.
Serve the Papas Arrugadas as a side dish with grilled meat or fish for a complete meal.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to the Mojo sauce for a tangy twist.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the Mojo sauce or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like a spicy tomato salsa or avocado crema.

Recipe overview

Papas Arrugadas, or "wrinkled potatoes", is a traditional Canarian dish that offers a burst of flavor in every bite. This simple yet delicious recipe involves boiling small potatoes in salty water until they turn tender and their skin turns wrinkly, hence the name. Accompanied by a fiery and tangy Mojo sauce made from garlic, chillies, red bell pepper and a blend of spices, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is easy to follow and requires basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a comfort food fix, Papas Arrugadas with Mojo sauce is the perfect choice. Enjoy this authentic Canarian delight and let the flavors transport you to the sunny islands of Canary!

Common questions

What type of potatoes should I use for Papas Arrugadas? You should use small potatoes for this recipe, preferably a variety that is waxy and low in starch, such as baby potatoes or new potatoes.
How much salt should I use to cook the potatoes? You will need approximately 250 grams of sea salt to cook the potatoes. This will help create the wrinkled skin texture.
Can I use regular table salt instead of sea salt? While it is recommended to use sea salt for the authentic flavor and texture, you can use regular table salt if sea salt is not available. However, the texture of the potatoes may differ slightly.
How long should I cook the potatoes? Simmer the potatoes in salted water for about 20-30 minutes until they are tender and the water has evaporated.
What should I do if the potatoes stick to the bottom of the pot? To prevent the potatoes from sticking, make sure to use a pot with a thick bottom and stir occasionally while they are cooking.
Do I need to peel the potatoes? No, you do not need to peel the potatoes. The traditional method is to cook them with the skin on to achieve the wrinkled texture.
Can I make the Mojo sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the Mojo sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What can I serve with Papas Arrugadas? Papas Arrugadas are typically served as a side dish with Mojo sauce, which is a traditional Canarian sauce. They pair well with grilled meats, fish, or as a part of a tapas spread.

Serving dishes and utensils

Potato Peeler - A tool for peeling the skin off the potatoes.
Large Pot - Required for boiling the potatoes.
Mortar and Pestle - Used for crushing the garlic, cumin seeds, and paprika together to make the Mojo sauce.
Bowl - Used to mix the ingredients for the Mojo sauce.
Knife - Required for finely chopping the garlic, red bell pepper, and chillies.
Serving Platter - Used to present the cooked Papas Arrugadas.
Sauce Bowl - A small bowl to serve the Mojo sauce alongside the potatoes.

Origin stories

Papas Arrugadas, or "wrinkled potatoes", is a traditional dish hailing from the Canary Islands of Spain. It's said that the unique preparation method of these potatoes was born out of necessity by the island's farmers. With scarce fresh water resources, seawater was used instead to boil the potatoes, resulting in their characteristic wrinkled skin and salty flavor. This unique culinary approach has since become a beloved hallmark of Canarian gastronomy. The potatoes are usually accompanied by Mojo Sauce, which comes in green or red variants, offering a hearty burst of flavors to the humble spud. It's a testament to the creativity of the Canarian people, transforming simple ingredients into gourmet experiences.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.