Papas Arrugadas con Mojos Recipe (Canary Wrinkled Potatoes with Dips)

Papas arrugadas con Mojos (English: Wrinkled Potatoes with dips) is a typical dish of the Canary Islands and either served as tapas or a side dish. Check out our papas arrugadas recipe and prepare it at home.

Potatoes are a versatile and beloved ingredient in many cuisines around the world, and in the Canary Islands, they hold a special place in the culinary tradition.

One iconic dish that showcases the unique flavors and cultural heritage of the Canary Islands is Papas Arrugadas con Mojos, which translates to “Canary Wrinkled Potatoes with Dips.”

This delightful dish consists of small, salt-crusted potatoes served with vibrant and flavorful dipping sauces known as “mojos.”

In this article, we will explore the rich history, traditional recipe, serving suggestions, variations, nutritional benefits, and more about Papas Arrugadas con Mojos.

Introduction to Papas Arrugadas con Mojos

Papas Arrugadas con Mojos is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa.

Potatoes were introduced to the Canary Islands by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century and quickly became a staple crop due to the islands’ volcanic soil, which provides optimal growing conditions.

As a result, potatoes have become an essential ingredient in the local cuisine, and Papas Arrugadas con Mojos has emerged as a beloved and iconic dish.

Read also: Best Spanish tapas food that you have to try or click here for more Spanish vegetarian tapas recipes.

Types of Mojos

Papas Arrugadas are traditionally served with two types of mojos: Mojo Rojo and Mojo Verde.

These vibrant sauces add a burst of flavor and complement the mild, earthy taste of the wrinkled potatoes.

Let’s explore each of them:

Mojo Rojo

Mojo Rojo is a spicy red sauce that derives its vibrant color from the local red peppers and paprika.

Mojo Rojo is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat and pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as a dip for crusty bread.

Mojo Verde

Mojo Verde is a vibrant green sauce with fresh cilantro, garlic, green peppers, and spices. It offers a refreshing and herbaceous flavor profile that complements the potatoes beautifully.

Mojo Verde is an excellent choice for those who prefer a milder, herb-infused sauce. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, fish, or as a dip for crispy fried snacks.

Serving and Enjoying Papas Arrugadas con Mojos

When serving Papas Arrugadas con Mojos, presentation is key.

Here are some tips to make your dish visually appealing and enjoyable:

• Place the wrinkled potatoes on a rustic platter, leaving the skins intact.
• Serve the Mojo Rojo and Mojo Verde in separate bowls or small dishes, allowing each person to choose their preferred dip.
• Garnish the platter with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to add a pop of color.

To enhance the flavors and create a well-rounded meal, consider serving Papas Arrugadas con Mojos with grilled fish, roasted meats, or a fresh salad.

Don’t forget to accompany the dish with a glass of local Canarian wine or a refreshing tropical fruit juice for a truly authentic experience.

Variations and Innovations

While the traditional Papas Arrugadas con Mojos recipe is delightful on its own, you can also experiment with variations and innovative twists to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Here are a few ideas:

• Add additional spices or herbs to the mojos, such as smoked paprika, dried chili flakes, or fresh mint.
• Incorporate roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes into the Mojo Rojo for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve the Papas Arrugadas with a creamy aioli or a tangy yogurt-based dip as an alternative to the traditional mojos.
• Top the potatoes with grated cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped scallions for added texture and indulgence.

Remember, culinary creativity knows no bounds, so feel free to experiment and adapt the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences or to cater to dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Benefits and Health Considerations

Potatoes, the star ingredient of Papas Arrugadas, are delicious and offer several nutritional benefits.

They are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.

Potatoes are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, which promote a healthy immune system, proper nerve function, and good digestion.

Regarding health considerations, it’s worth noting that the salt crust on the potatoes can contribute to their unique flavor, but it also means they can be high in sodium.

If you are watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the salt used during cooking.

Additionally, those with specific dietary restrictions can make suitable substitutions.

For example, gluten-free individuals can ensure the sauces are made with gluten-free ingredients, and vegetarians can enjoy Papas Arrugadas con Mojos as a tasty meat-free dish.

How to prepare Papas Arrugadas con Mojos?

To prepare Papas Arrugadas, you will need a special variety of small potatoes known as “papas bonitas” or “papas arrugadas.”

These potatoes have a thin skin that becomes beautifully wrinkled when boiled in heavily salted water.

The salt crust that forms on the potatoes during cooking enhances their flavor and gives them a unique texture.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this traditional dish:

1. Add the potatoes with plenty of sea salt to a pot and add just enough water to cover them.

Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for around 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are ready.

While the potatoes are cooking, start preparing the mojos.

Mojo Verde:

1. Add three gloves of garlic, green chili (half a chili or more, depending on your preferred spiciness level), coriander (roughly chopped), a drizzle of sherry vinegar, 3 oz (around 90 ml) of extra virgin olive oil, cumin and sea salt to a blender or food processor.

2. Blend well until it is very thin and smooth. Add some extra olive oil and blend again until it is really fine.

Mojo Picon

1. Heat extra olive oil in a pan and add a slice of bread. Coat it on both sides in olive oil and toast it until both sides are crispy.

2. Cut the bread in about 1 cm dice and do the same with the garlic. It is important that you cut all ingredients in the same size so that they will blend evenly.

3. Add the bread dice, garlic, a drizzle of sherry vinegar, 3 oz (around 90 ml) of extra virgin olive oil, half a tablespoon of sweet paprika, 2 dried cayenne chilies, sea salt, and cumin to the blender or food processor.

4. Blend everything into a thin puree. Add some more olive oil and blend the mixture a bit more.

Meanwhile, the potatoes should be ready. Drain them and put them back into the pot to dry them on medium heat for around three minutes. Stir them occasionally.

Serve the potatoes in a big bowl once they are dry and with a salty crust.

Tip: I recommend crushing the potatoes on a separate plate and then covering with the mojo Verde and the mojo picon.

Let me know in the comments how you liked the recipe and tag @spanishfoodguide when you share a photo on Instagram!

Papas Arrugadas con Mojos is a beloved traditional dish from the Canary Islands that showcases the region’s unique flavors and cultural heritage.

Combining salt-crusted wrinkled potatoes with vibrant and flavorful mojos creates a delightful culinary experience.

Whether you’re exploring Canary Islands cuisine or simply looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy potatoes, Papas Arrugadas con Mojos will impress your taste buds and transport you to the sunny shores of the archipelago.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor the authentic taste of Papas Arrugadas con Mojos.

Get ready to peel those wrinkled potatoes, dip them into the vibrant mojos, and embark on a culinary journey celebrating tradition, flavor, and the joy of good food.

Frequently Asked Questions