Canarian Wrinkled Potatoes with Sea Salt
Experience the savory taste of the Canary Islands with these delightful Canarian Wrinkled Potatoes, known as Papas Arrugadas. These small, naturally dry potatoes are traditionally paired with a vibrant dipping sauce, such as Mojo Rojo or Mojo Verde, and are a staple at every meal in the Canaries. While ideally made with the local variety of small potatoes, you can easily substitute with golf-ball sized new red or white potatoes, which will provide a similar texture and flavor. The key ingredient to achieving the iconic wrinkled appearance is large-grained sea salt, which helps to create a deliciously robust crust. This simple yet delightful recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Spain.
N/A
Servings
138
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
New Potatoes
8 (Scrubbed and about 1 1/2 inches in diameter)
Sea Salt
1/2 cup (Large-grained)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly scrubbing the new potatoes to remove any dirt. You can leave the skins on for a rustic presentation.
2
Place the scrubbed potatoes in a large saucepan and add just enough water to submerge them without covering them completely.
3
Add the sea salt to the saucepan and bring the water to a vigorous boil over high heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and maintain a lively simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, which should take about 20-30 minutes.
5
After the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them using a colander.
6
Return the drained potatoes to the saucepan and place it over low heat. Gently shake the pan for about 1 minute until a light crust forms on the potatoes, signifying that it's ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
31g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
3g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Canarian Wrinkled Potatoes?
Known as Papas Arrugadas, they are a traditional side dish from the Canary Islands made of small potatoes boiled in salt water until wrinkled.
What does the name Papas Arrugadas mean?
Papas Arrugadas is the Spanish name for Wrinkled Potatoes, referring to their characteristic salty, shriveled skin.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The recipe requires only two main ingredients: new potatoes and large-grained sea salt.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
Small new potatoes about 1.5 inches in diameter are best. You can use red or white varieties.
Can I substitute the local Canarian potatoes?
Yes, golf-ball sized new red or white potatoes provide a similar texture and flavor to the local variety.
What type of salt is recommended?
Large-grained sea salt is the key ingredient to achieving the iconic robust crust.
Should I peel the potatoes before cooking?
No, leave the skins on for a rustic presentation and to allow the salt crust to form on the surface.
How should I clean the potatoes?
Thoroughly scrub the new potatoes to remove any dirt while keeping the skins intact.
How much water is needed for boiling?
Use just enough water to submerge the potatoes without covering them completely.
What temperature should I use to start the cooking process?
Bring the water and salt to a vigorous boil over high heat initially.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and maintain a lively simmer for 20-30 minutes.
How do I know when the potatoes are finished cooking?
The potatoes are ready when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the first step after the potatoes are tender?
Carefully drain the water from the potatoes using a colander.
How do I get the potatoes to wrinkle?
Return the drained potatoes to the pan over low heat and shake them gently for about 1 minute.
Why do the potatoes need to be shaken in the pan?
Shaking them over low heat dries the skin and allows a light salt crust to form, causing them to wrinkle.
What should I serve with Canarian Wrinkled Potatoes?
They are traditionally paired with vibrant dipping sauces like Mojo Rojo or Mojo Verde.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner cooks?
Yes, this is a simple and delightful recipe perfect for beginners.
Are Canarian Wrinkled Potatoes vegan?
Yes, this recipe consists only of potatoes and salt, making it entirely vegan.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 138 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 0g of fat.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving contains 3.5g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 31g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the potatoes?
There are 3g of fiber per serving.
Is there much sugar in this recipe?
No, there is only 0.5g of sugar per serving.
Where do these potatoes originate from?
They are a staple dish from the Canary Islands in Spain.
Can I use table salt instead of sea salt?
Large-grained sea salt is preferred to create the specific crust texture that defines this dish.
What is the recommended size for the potatoes?
Potatoes about 1.5 inches in diameter, or golf-ball sized, are ideal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 2 ingredients: 8 new potatoes and 1/2 cup of sea salt.
Are these potatoes served hot or cold?
They are best served warm immediately after the salt crust forms.