Wrinkled Canary Potatoes with Zesty Lemon
Discover the delightful taste of Papas Arrugadas, a traditional Canarian dish that features tender, wrinkled Yukon Gold potatoes seasoned to perfection. This recipe highlights the simplicity of cooking potatoes in saltwater, a technique that allows the flavors to shine through. Served with a vibrant Mojo Picón sauce, these potatoes make an excellent appetizer or side dish that captures the essence of Canary Island cuisine. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, these zesty potatoes are sure to impress your guests!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Yukon Gold potatoes
2 lbs (Choose egg-sized or smaller.)
Thin lemon slices
5 slices (Freshly cut.)
Sea salt
1/4-1/3 cup (Fine or coarse, to taste.)
Water
sufficient to cover half of the potatoes (Fresh water.)
Instructions
1
Begin by selecting a wide, shallow soup pot to allow for even cooking.
2
Arrange the baby Yukon Gold potatoes in the pot in a single layer when possible, ensuring there’s enough space to cook evenly.
3
Pour in enough water to cover the potatoes halfway, being careful not to submerge them entirely.
4
Layer the thin lemon slices on top of the potatoes before adding the sea salt evenly over the surface.
5
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot with a damp kitchen towel before placing the lid on tightly. This creates steam, which helps to cook the potatoes.
6
Reduce the heat to medium, and let the potatoes cook for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the water level and ensure it evaporates until the skins of the potatoes start to wrinkle.
7
Once done, remove the pot from heat and carefully drain any excess water, if necessary. The potatoes should appear wrinkled and nicely seasoned.
8
Serve warm alongside a generous portion of Mojo Picón sauce for dipping, enhancing the overall flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wrinkled Canary Potatoes?
Known traditionally as Papas Arrugadas, they are a classic dish from the Canary Islands featuring potatoes cooked in salt water until their skins wrinkle.
Which type of potatoes is best for this recipe?
Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended, specifically those that are egg-sized or smaller.
Why do the potatoes become wrinkled?
The wrinkling occurs as the salt water evaporates during the cooking process, leaving a fine salt crust and drawing moisture from the skin.
What is the purpose of the lemon slices?
The thin lemon slices add a zesty, fresh flavor to the potatoes as they steam.
How much sea salt should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 to 1/3 cup of sea salt, depending on your taste preference.
What is the traditional sauce served with these potatoes?
They are traditionally served with Mojo Picón, a vibrant and flavorful sauce.
How much water is needed for cooking?
You should add just enough water to cover the potatoes halfway.
Why is a damp kitchen towel used?
The damp towel is placed under the lid to create a steam-rich environment that helps the potatoes cook evenly.
How long do the potatoes need to cook?
They typically cook for about 20 minutes over medium heat.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What kind of pot should I use?
A wide, shallow soup pot is best to allow the potatoes to sit in a single layer.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the potatoes are cooked and eaten with their skins on to enjoy the wrinkled texture and salt crust.
Can I use table salt instead of sea salt?
While sea salt is traditional for the specific crust texture, fine or coarse sea salt is preferred over standard table salt.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for beginners.
What category of dish is this?
It is classified as a potato side dish or an appetizer.
What should I do if there is excess water after 20 minutes?
If water remains after the skins have wrinkled, you should carefully drain it before serving.
Can I use larger potatoes for this recipe?
Smaller potatoes are preferred because they cook faster and achieve a better skin-to-flesh ratio for the wrinkled effect.
Are these potatoes served hot or cold?
They are best served warm immediately after cooking.
How do I arrange the potatoes in the pot?
Arrange them in a single layer whenever possible to ensure even cooking.
Does the salt make the potatoes too salty?
The salt primarily affects the skin, creating a delicious savory crust without making the interior overly salty.
What flavor profile does Mojo Picón add?
Mojo Picón adds a vibrant, often spicy or garlicky kick that complements the salty potatoes.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While lemon is specified for this zesty version, lime would provide a different but similar citrus note.
What is the origin of Papas Arrugadas?
The dish originates from the Canary Islands in Spain.
Should I boil the water first?
You should bring the water to a boil with the potatoes and salt already in the pot.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are tender and the skins appear visibly wrinkled.
What is the total weight of potatoes needed?
You will need 2 lbs of baby Yukon Gold potatoes.
Can I make this for a party?
Yes, it is an excellent appetizer for gatherings or cozy dinners.
What is the key technique for this dish?
The key is steaming the potatoes in a small amount of highly salted water until it evaporates.