Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce, perfectly wrinkled, salt-crusted baby potatoes, locally known as "Papas Arrugadas," paired with the tempting Mojo Sauce that represents the essence of Canarian cuisine.
Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce, a dish that is an example of the Canary Island’s culinary cultural richness. It is translated as "wrinkled potatoes," these small, unpeeled baby potatoes are made super delicious with a unique preparation method.
The magic of Papas Arrugadas lies in their distinctive texture, achieved by boiling the potatoes in heavily salted water until their skins wrinkle and develop a delightful, salt-crusted exterior. The result is a savory and slightly salty taste that perfectly complements the tender interior of the potatoes.
This dish is often served as a tapa (appetizer) or as a side dish, The Papas Arrugadas is served with Mojo Sauce in two varieties: Mojo Verde (green) and Mojo Rojo (red).
If you like to see some more ideas for appetizers then check this Lemon Pepper Chicken, Tuna Croquettes and Spanish Omelette on this site which are great comfort food.
Here you will also find a couple of dessert recipes like Flan and Banana Pudding that you can serve with this appetizer.
Jump to:
- ⭐Why You'll Love This Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce Recipe
- 🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
- 📖Variations of Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce
- 👩🏻🍳How to Make Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce
- 🔪Kitchen Tools Required
- ❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
- 💭Tips for Making Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce
- ❓Frequently Asked Questions for Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce
- 🍛More Comfort Food Recipes!
- 🎥My Latest Video
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐Why You'll Love This Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce Recipe
Ultimate Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce is an ideal appetizer or can be served as dinner too, here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Uses Basic ingredients: You can find the ingredients easily at your local supermarket.
- Quick, Simple and Easy to Prepare: This potato dish offers simplicity in preparation, ensuring they are an easy choice for cooks at any skill level.
- Flavorful Mojo Sauces: Indulge in the unique flavorful mojo sauces. The red variation delivers a spicy punch with a fusion of garlic, cumin, paprika, and chilli pepper while the green alternative provide a burst of freshness from cilantro, making a delightful fusion of flavors.
- Balanced Spice Levels: Customize the spiciness to suit your preferences, guaranteeing an ideal blend of warmth and flavor in both the red and green mojo sauces, catering to a diverse range of tastes.
- Textural Delight: Savor the distinct and delightful texture of papas arrugadas; small, waxy potatoes that are transformed into a wrinkled exterior that introduces a nice crunch to each bite.
- Simple Elegance: Embrace the elegance of simplicity with a recipe that uses a select few good quality ingredients, letting the earthy flavors of the potatoes and mojo sauces take center stage.
- Authentic Canarian Experience: Dive into the culinary heritage of the Canary Islands through this genuine recipe, capturing the very spirit of Canarian tastes.
- Memorable Culinary Journey: Embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, making more than just a dish.
- Visual Appeal: Impress your guest with a visually striking display of wrinkled potatoes adorned in lively red and green sauces.
- Perfect for Sharing: Invite your loved ones to gather at the table and enjoy this delightful dish.
- Suitable for Any Occasion: Perfect for a variety of occasions such as festivities, special holidays, brunch gatherings luncheons, dinners, and more.
If you want more Spanish food you should check out Spanish Omelette, Pintxos Spanish Tapas and Garlic Shrimp.
🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
Ingredients for this Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce Recipe are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:
Ingredients for Red Mojo Sauce:
- Red Bell Pepper: The base of the sauce, red peppers contribute sweetness and add a bold red color.
- Garlic Cloves: A pungent and aromatic ingredient, garlic brings depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors, salt enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
- Paprika: Intensifies the red color, paprika introduces smoky, earthy flavors that beautifully complement the peppers’ natural sweetness.
- Cumin: Infuse the sauce with an earthy and nutty essence, cumin brings a warm, spicy undertone that seamlessly combines with the sweet notes of red peppers and the smokiness of paprika.
- Chilli Pepper: For heat and a subtle fiery kick, adding chilli pepper allows you to adjust the spiciness to your preference.
- Vinegar: A dash of acidity, often from red wine vinegar, provides a zesty kick that brightens the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Sunflower Oil: Serving as a mild and neutral foundation, sunflower oil steps back to let the vibrant notes of red peppers, garlic, and spices shine.
Green Mojo Sauce Ingredients:
- Green Bell Pepper: Contributes a mild, slightly sweet taste, complementing the cilantro.
- Bunch of Cilantro: The base of the sauce, cilantro provides a bright and citrusy flavor, adding a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: A pungent and aromatic ingredient, garlic brings depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
- Cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor, complementing the freshness of the herbs in the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors, salt enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
- Vinegar: Providing a gentle acidity, vinegar adds tartness to the sauce, balancing the other flavors.
- Olive Oil: The unifying force, olive oil bestows a smooth and luxurious consistency, wrapping each element in a silky coating.
Ingredients for Papas Arrugadas:
- New Baby Potatoes: Add a mild and buttery flavor. These potatoes have as waxy texture.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
Here are some substitutions for Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce recipe:
- New Baby Potatoes:
- Baby Potatoes or Fingerling Potatoes: Opt for these varieties to maintain the small size and waxy texture, ensuring a similar visual appeal and taste.
- Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist, adding a delightful touch of sweetness to complement the savory Mojo Sauce.
- Royal Purple Potatoes: Elevate the visual appeal by using vibrant purple potatoes, infusing a subtle nutty flavor.
- Sea Salt:
- Kosher Salt: Swap sea salt for kosher salt during boiling to achieve a textured crust on the potatoes.
- Olive Oil and Sunflower oil:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides an intense flavor compared to olive oil and sunflower oil.
- Avocado Oil: Provides a mild flavor and smooth texture, offering a different flavor compared to olive oil.
- Cilantro:
- Parsley: Add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
- Basil: Incorporate basil for a different herbal note. Basil brings a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📖Variations of Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce
Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauces invites culinary possibilities, encouraging diverse variations of this iconic dish.
Here are a few variations:
- Sweet Potato with Avocado Mojo: Pair sweet potato arrugada with an avocado-base Mojo Sauce. Elevate the sauce with the velvety richness of avocado, transforming it into a delicious complement to the traditional flavors.
- Mixed Potatoes with Citrus Herb Mojo: Combine a mix of potato varieties with a Mojo Sauce infused with citrus and herbs.
- Spiced Potato with Chipotle Mango Mojo: Infuse the potatoes with a spicy kick and serve them with a Mojo Sauce that combines the heat of chipotle with the sweetness of mango.
Get creative and make Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce variations by adding and experimenting with different ingredients, spices, and herbs. Get it your twist!
👩🏻🍳How to Make Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
How to Make the Red Mojo Sauce:
1. Chop a quarter of a red bell pepper into small pieces and put them in a beaker.
2. Put garlic cloves, salt, cumin, paprika, chili pepper, vinegar, and sunflower oil into the beaker.
3. Use a hand blender to mix the ingredients until they are well combined and smooth.
4. Put the Red Mojo Sauce into a small bowl and set it aside.
How to Make the Green Mojo Sauce:
1. Dice a quarter of a green bell pepper into small pieces and put them in a beaker.
2. Chop a bunch of cilantro into small pieces and put them in a beaker.
3. Put garlic cloves, cumin, salt, vinegar, and sunflower oil into the beaker.
4. Use a hand blender to mix the ingredients until they are well combined and smooth.
5. Put the Green Mojo Sauce in a small bowl and set it aside.
How to Make Papas Arrugadas:
1. Put the potatoes in a big pan and sprinkle in the sea salt.
2. Fill the pan with water until it covers the potatoes about ¾ of the way, then cover it and bring it to a boil.
3. Let the potatoes simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Take off the lid and check if the potatoes are tender by poking them with a knife.
5. Pour out the water but leave a bit behind.
6. Put it back on medium-low heat and cook until all the water evaporates from the pan.
7. Shake the pan every 10-15 seconds for around 4-5 minutes, or until the potatoes look slightly wrinkled and are entirely coated in a fine layer of sea salt.
8. When they're ready, take the potatoes off the heat and put them on a serving plate.
9. Serve the potatoes with Red Mojo Sauce and Green Mojo Sauce on the side.
🔪Kitchen Tools Required
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store!
Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making this Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce.
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Small Bowl
- Hand Blender
- Pan
❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored with some precautions to maintain their creamy texture and flavor.
Here is how you can manage its storage:
Storing:
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the Papas Arrugadas to cool to room temperature.
- Store the potatoes and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Consume with 2-3 days for the best quality.
Freezing:
- Freezing Papas Arrugadas:
- While potatoes can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze the cooked potatoes by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a freezer bag, removing excess air.
- Label and date the bag.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Freezing Mojo Sauce:
- The texture of the Mojo Sauce may change when frozen due to the water content in ingredients like garlic and herbs.
- If freezing, portion the sauce into ice cube trays for smaller servings. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
- Label and date the bag.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Defrosting:
- Papas Arrugadas: Thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight.
- Mojo Sauce:
- Thaw frozen Mojo Sauce in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Stir well to recombine any separated ingredients.
Reheating:
- Papas Arrugadas:
- To maintain their texture, it’s best to reheat the potatoes by steaming or boiling briefly until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to preserve their wrinkled texture.
Serving:
- Freshly Made: For the best taste and texture, serve Papas Arrugadas with freshly made Mojo Sauce.
💭Tips for Making Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce
Here are some tips to help you make the best Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce:
Potato Selection: Choose small, waxy potatoes like baby or fingerlings for the wrinkled texture.
Don’t Peel the Potatoes: Keep the potato skins intact during boiling to absorb the salt and contribute to the wrinkled skin appearance.
Heavily Salted Water: Add a generous amount of sea salt to the boiling water, this will transform the potato skins into a savory, textured crust.
Dry Before Serving: Allow a brief drying period after boiling to enhance the salted crust, ensuring a pleasing texture before serving.
Balance the Garlic: Adjust the quantity of garlic to your taste preference.
Select Quality Olive Oil: Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to bring a rich flavor to the Mojo Sauce.
Fresh Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro for its vibrant color and flavor, blending both leaves and stems for a lively herbaceous flavor.
By following these tips, you can make Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce that is sure to please your family and guests.
❓Frequently Asked Questions for Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce
Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce:
Opt for petite, waxy potatoes like baby potatoes or fingerlings. These types maintain their form and produce the distinctive wrinkled texture that defines the dish when boiled.
Simmer the potatoes in a generously salted water. As they cook, the water gradually evaporates, depositing a savory crust on the potato skins.
Certainly, you have the flexibility to prepare Papas Arrugadas and Mojo Sauce in advance. Keep the boiled potatoes and sauce in separate containers in the fridge, and when ready to serve, simply reheat. It’s worth nothing that Mojo Sauce is most flavorful when freshly made.
Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce can be served as a tapa or side dish. These potatoes complement perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or alongside a crisp side salad, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
🍛More Comfort Food Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite comfort food recipes! Try these:
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🎥My Latest Video
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making this fantastic mouthwatering Super Loaded Baked Potato with Shrimp!
📖 Recipe
Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce
Ingredients
Ingredients for Red Mojo Sauce:
- ¼ red bell pepper
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 chilli pepper
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 100 ml sunflower oil
Ingredients for Green Mojo Sauce:
- ¼ green bell pepper
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- 4 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 100 ml olive oil
Ingredients for Papas Arrugadas:
- 750 g new potatoes
- 2 tablespoon sea salt
Instructions
How to Make the Red Mojo Sauce:
- Cut ¼ red bell pepper into small pieces and place in a beaker.
- Add garlic cloves, salt, cumin, paprika, chilli pepper, vinegar, and sunflower oil.
- Blend the ingredients with a hand blender until combined and smooth.
- Place the Red Mojo Sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
How to Make the Green Mojo Sauce:
- Cut ¼ green bell pepper into small pieces and place in a beaker.
- Cut a bunch of cilantro into small pieces and place in a beaker.
- Add garlic cloves, cumin, salt, vinegar, and sunflower oil.
- Blend the ingredients with a hand blender until combined and smooth.
- Place the Green Mojo Sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
How to Make Papas Arrugadas:
- Place the potatoes in a large pan and add the sea salt.
- Submerge ¾ potatoes with water, cover, and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer the potatoes for 20 minutes.
- Remove the cover and check if the potatoes are tender by pierce the potatoes with a knife.
- Drain the water and leave a little water.
- Heat back to medium-low heat and cook until the water has evaporated completely from the pan.
- Shake the pan every 10-15 seconds for about 4-5 minutes or until the potatoes are lightly wrinkled and completely covered in a fine layer of sea salt.
- Once done, remove the potatoes and place them on a serving plate.
- Serve the potatoes with Red Mojo Sauce and Green Mojo Sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
Never had potatoes like this before! The salty, wrinkly skin and the flavorful mojo sauces are a perfect combo. I'm hooked!