How to cook canarian potatoes
Canarian potatoes, also known as papas arrugadas, are a traditional Spanish dish that originate from the Canary Islands. These small, wrinkled potatoes are typically served as a side dish and are loved for their unique texture and flavor. The secret to their deliciousness lies in the way they are prepared and cooked.
To cook canarian potatoes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: baby potatoes, sea salt, and water. The first step is to wash the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of sea salt. This is the key ingredient that gives the potatoes their distinctive taste.
Next, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Once the potatoes are done, drain the water and return them to the pot. Place the pot back on the stove over low heat to remove any excess moisture.
Now comes the fun part – creating the signature wrinkled texture. Sprinkle more sea salt over the potatoes and gently shake the pot to coat them evenly. Stir gently, until a white layer of salt forms on the potatoes’ surface. This is what gives them their characteristic wrinkled appearance. Serve the canarian potatoes hot, alongside a flavorful dipping sauce or as an accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Get ready to experience the taste of the Canarian Islands with these delicious canarian potatoes. Their unique texture and flavor make them a culinary delight that you won’t soon forget.
The Secrets
1. Choosing the Right Potatoes
One of the key secrets to making delicious Canarian potatoes is selecting the right type of potato. Look for small, firm potatoes with a thin skin, such as baby potatoes or new potatoes. These varieties have a high starch content and a smooth texture, which makes them perfect for boiling.
2. Salty Water is Key
Papas arrugadas are known for their unique wrinkled skin and salty taste. The secret to achieving this signature flavor is boiling the potatoes in heavily salted water. Add a generous amount of sea salt to a large pot of boiling water before adding the potatoes. The salty water infuses the potatoes with flavor as they cook.
3. Don’t Overcook Them
Canarian potatoes are traditionally boiled until they are tender, but not overly soft or falling apart. To achieve the perfect texture, cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, depending on their size. Use a fork to test their doneness – they should be easily pierced but still hold their shape.
4. The Salt Crust
One of the final secrets to achieving authentically Canarian-style potatoes is creating a salt crust. After the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the hot pot. Lightly sprinkle them with sea salt and cover the pot with a lid. Shake the pot gently to coat the potatoes evenly in the salt, creating a thin crust on their wrinkled skin.
5. Dip and Enjoy
Canarian potatoes are traditionally served with a fiery red or green sauce called “mojo.” To enjoy them to the fullest, dip each potato into the sauce before taking a bite. The combination of the tender, salty potatoes and the flavorful, tangy sauce is what makes Canarian potatoes a true culinary delight.
Traditional Canarian Potato Recipe
The traditional Canarian potato recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that is a staple of Canarian cuisine. It features small, waxy potatoes that are boiled and cooked with a generous amount of sea salt. The result is tender potatoes with a perfectly seasoned taste.
To make traditional Canarian potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Small waxy potatoes | 2 pounds |
| Sea salt | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Water | Enough to cover the potatoes |
Here’s how you can prepare the traditional Canarian potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- In a large pot, add enough water to cover the potatoes.
- Add the sea salt to the water and bring it to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the potatoes to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well.
- Serve the traditional Canarian potatoes hot as a side dish or as part of a tapas spread.
The traditional Canarian potato recipe is a perfect complement to a variety of dishes, such as grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. The simplicity of the dish allows the flavors of the potatoes to shine through, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Next time you’re in the mood for a taste of Canarian cuisine, give this traditional potato recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Preparation
Before starting to cook Canarian potatoes, gather all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 kilogram of small Canarian potatoes
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Water, for boiling
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Parsley, for garnish
Step 1: Cleaning the potatoes
Start by cleaning the Canarian potatoes. Scrub them with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris on the skins. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
Step 2: Boiling the potatoes
Place the cleaned potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the pot.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked but still firm.
Step 3: Crushing the garlic
In the meantime, peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. You could also crush them using a garlic press or mortar and pestle, if desired.
Step 4: Adding flavor
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, one at a time, place each potato on a serving plate and press down gently with a fork to slightly crush them.
Sprinkle the crushed garlic and a pinch of salt on top of each potato. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil to add flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Finally, garnish the canarian potatoes with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve them warm as a side dish or tapas.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking Canarian potatoes, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here is a list of what you will need:
Potatoes
| Large Potatoes | 500 grams |
| Sea Salt | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | enough to cover potatoes |
Garlic Sauce
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 120 ml |
| White Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | to taste |
Make sure to grab these ingredients so you can have everything ready before you start cooking. Once you have everything gathered, proceed to the next step of the recipe.
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