Side dishes

Papas Arrugadas

⏱ 60 min👤 3 pp★★☆☆☆

The Iberian cuisine is one of the most delicious in Europe, offering a reinterpretation of traditional Mediterranean cooking with innumerable inviting flavours and aromas. Today we are in Spain, although in reality we have gone to an autonomous community for this recipe for papas arrugadas - the Canary Islands. It is here that these ‘shrivelled’ potatoes are prepared with great skill, combining the sweet taste of the potatoes with the salt in which they are cooked. Actually, the dish is not only available in this wonderful archipelago, but can also be found in other parts of the Iberian Peninsula, especially in larger cities. But what is common to all the recipes for papas arrugadas, wherever you go, is their appearance - they look like small pebbles. Are you ready to discover an Iberian delicacy?

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
6.5g
Carbohydrates
63g
Fat
0.3g
Fiber
5.8g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Total time
Serves 3 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Wash the potatoes in water. In a large saucepan bring lots of water to the boil, to which you have added ½ kg of salt. Cook the potatoes in this water until they are al dente. Transfer the potatoes to a second saucepan and cover with the remaining ½ kg of salt and cook until they start to get all wrinkled! Remove from the salt and eat your papas arrugadas hot with the garlic sauce!

Tips
To make a lovely plate of papas arrugadas in true Canarian style you'll have to buy some potatoes of the variety "papa bonita".
Trivia
Papas arrugadas are often considered an appetizer: in practice, however, they are used as a side dish for meat and fish, and are also served as a main dish.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Wrinkled Potatoes with Alioli Sauce

One of the tastiest variations of Wrinkled Potatoes is undoubtedly the one served with alioli sauce. This preparation enriches the dish with a thick and flavorful cream made from garlic, oil, and eggs, which pairs perfectly with the flavor of the wrinkled potatoes. To prepare the alioli, simply blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. The sauce not only enhances the taste of the potatoes but also offers a contrast of textures that makes each bite even more interesting. Serving Wrinkled Potatoes with alioli is a way to bring a touch of Spanish tradition to your table, making the dish perfect for an appetizer or a side to share.

Canarian Wrinkled Potatoes

Wrinkled Potatoes are a typical dish from the Canary Islands, where they are prepared in a traditional way. This regional variant uses local potatoes, often smaller and more flavorful. The cooking takes place in salted water, but the true peculiarity is the formation of the salty crust that occurs during the cooking process. The potatoes, after being cooked, are covered with coarse salt and left to dry until they wrinkle. This preparation method not only gives a characteristic appearance but also enriches the flavor, making Wrinkled Potatoes a must-try dish for anyone visiting the Canaries or wanting to bring a bit of Spanish sunshine home.

Light Wrinkled Potatoes without Salt

For those who desire a lighter version of Wrinkled Potatoes, it is possible to prepare them without adding salt. This variant is ideal for those on a low-sodium diet or for anyone who simply wants to enjoy the natural flavor of the potatoes. The preparation remains the same: the potatoes are cooked in water until tender. Even without salt, the dish can be accompanied by light sauces made from yogurt or herbs, which add freshness and flavor without compromising health. Thus, light Wrinkled Potatoes become a healthy and tasty side dish, perfect for those who care about their diet without giving up on taste.

The Benefits of Potatoes in Wrinkled Potatoes and Calories

Potatoes, the main ingredient in Wrinkled Potatoes, are a food rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, particularly vitamin C and B6. These nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and for the health of the nervous system. Additionally, potatoes provide long-term energy, making them an excellent choice for those who engage in physical activity. A serving of Wrinkled Potatoes (about 150 grams) provides approximately 130-150 calories, depending on the preparation and accompaniments. By opting for light sauces, it is possible to keep the dish nutritious but not excessively caloric, making it suitable even for those who are mindful of their diet.

Can Wrinkled Potatoes be Frozen?

Freezing Wrinkled Potatoes is not recommended, as the texture of the potatoes may deteriorate during the freezing and thawing process. However, if you wish to preserve already cooked potatoes, you can freeze them before completing the final preparation with salt. This way, you can thaw them and finish cooking at the time of use. It is important to remember that, to achieve the best result, the potatoes should be frozen in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. In any case, to enjoy Wrinkled Potatoes at their best, it is advisable to consume them fresh, just cooked, and accompanied by your favorite sauce.