Tenerife, one of the stunning Canary Islands, is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and of course, its mouth-watering cuisine. Among the many culinary delights that Tenerife offers, one stands out as a must-try dish: This traditional Papas Arrugadas recipe transforms simple potatoes into a flavorful experience, accompanied by the rich and zesty mojo sauces. If you’re ready to bring a piece of Tenerife into your kitchen, keep reading!

The Unique Charm of Papas Arrugadas

Papas Arrugadas, also known as “wrinkled potatoes“, are a testament to the simplicity and depth of Canary Islands cuisine. Historically, these potatoes were cooked in sea water, but today, they can be prepared using tap water and sea salt to achieve the same distinctive flavor. The result is a tender, salty potato that pairs perfectly with the traditional red (mojo rojo) and green (mojo verde) sauces. Let’s dive into the Papas Arrugadas recipe:

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 kg small potatoes (preferably young)
• 250 g of sea salt (normal salt can be used as a substitute)

For the Red Mojo Sauce:

• 100 g red pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• A pinch of oregano and thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked red pepper powder
• 50 ml olive oil
• 20 ml vinegar
• Pinch of salt

For the Green Mojo Sauce:

• 20 g coriander leaves
• 10 g parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 small clove garlic
• 20 ml olive oil
• 8 ml wine vinegar
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes:

1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly without peeling them.
2. Place the potatoes in a pot and just cover them with cold water. Add the sea salt.
3. Boil the potatoes until they are just cooked through, about 20 minutes.
4. If too much water evaporates, add more as needed.
5. Once cooked, drain the water and let the potatoes rest on the stove over very low heat until all the water has evaporated and the potatoes are coated with a layer of sea salt.

Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a slice of lemon to the water while boiling the potatoes.

Crafting the Perfect Mojo Rojo Sauce

1. Roast the red peppers in the oven until the skins are charred. Let them cool, then peel and remove the seeds.
2. In a blender, combine the roasted peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano, thyme, smoked red pepper powder, and salt.
3. Slowly add the olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the vinegar and blend gently. Store the sauce in the fridge until ready to use.

Making the Green Mojo Sauce

1. In a blender, combine the coriander leaves, parsley, cumin, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the olive oil in a steady stream while blending.
3. Finally, add the wine vinegar and blend again. Store the sauce in the fridge until ready to serve.

Versatile and Flavorful: Enjoying Papas Arrugadas

Papas Arrugadas are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a delightful appetizer, a side dish to complement meats and fish, or even as an addition to salads. The mojo sauces are not just limited to potatoes; they also make excellent accompaniments to grilled meats, fish, and even baked cheeses like the local Canarian goat cheese, queso asado.

Why You Need to Try This Recipe Now

The world of food trends is always evolving, but the love for authentic, regional recipes never fades. This week, culinary enthusiasts everywhere are rediscovering the joy of simple, home-cooked meals with a twist. By trying this Papas Arrugadas recipe, you can join this trend and bring a piece of Tenerife’s culinary heritage to your table. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something delicious and traditional is unbeatable.

FAQs

• What are Papas Arrugadas? Papas Arrugadas are traditional Canary Islands potatoes cooked in heavily salted water, resulting in a wrinkled, flavorful potato often served with mojo sauces.
• Can I use regular salt instead of sea salt? Yes, while sea salt is preferred for its distinct flavor, regular salt can be used as a substitute.
• What can I serve with Papas Arrugadas? These potatoes are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or with grilled meats, fish, and salads.
• How long do the mojo sauces last? Both red and green mojo sauces can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
• Can I make the sauces ahead of time? Absolutely! Making the sauces ahead allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing their taste.
• What other dishes can I use mojo sauces with? Mojo sauces pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, fish, and cheeses like queso asado.

Conclusion

Bringing the culinary traditions of Tenerife to your kitchen with this Papas Arrugadas recipe is a rewarding experience. The simple yet profound flavors of these wrinkled potatoes, combined with the bold mojo sauces, create an unforgettable dish that captures the essence of the Canary Islands. So, don your chef’s hat, gather your ingredients, and get ready to discover a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.