Jump to content

Papas arrugadas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Papas arrugadas
Papas arrugadas with red mojo sauce
CourseAppetiser or side dish
Place of origin Spain
Region or state Canary Islands
Serving temperatureWarm
Main ingredientsPotatoes
  •   Media: Papas arrugadas

Papas arrugadas ([ˈpapas aruˈɣaðas] lit.'wrinkly potatoes') is a traditional boiled potato dish eaten in the Canary Islands. It is usually served with a chili pepper garlic sauce, called mojo rojo. While often served as a side dish to meat or fish, they are also commonly eaten on their own as a tapa. [1]

The dish is traditionally made from specific local varieties known as papas antiguas (ancient potatoes), such as the papa bonita or papa negra, which are cleaned (but not peeled) and boiled in salt water. [2] These unique varieties, originally from the Andes, have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in the archipelago. [3]

Originally, seawater was used, but today it is more common to use tap water with a very generous amount of salt added. After cooking, the water is removed and the potatoes are briefly left in the pot on the stove to dry off, until they become shrivelled with a fine salt crust. [4] Due to the thin skin of these varieties, they are typically eaten unpeeled. [5]

Papas arrugadas are considered a signature dish of Canarian cuisine. [6] The dish is sometimes served with conejo en salmorejo, a common Canarian rabbit stew. [7][8]

In 2016, Papas arrugadas were proclaimed a gastronomic wonder of Spain in a contest promoted by Allianz Global Assistance, securing first place via an online public vote. [9]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Romashko, Natalya (2025-08-17). "The Canarian potato: A treasure of the islands". Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  2. ^ "Papas arrugadas : simplicity and delicacy". fuerteventuractiva.es. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  3. ^ "The potato: from the Andes to Gran Canaria". www.grancanaria.com. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  4. ^ "Papas Arrugadas". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  5. ^ Workman, Derek. "The Best and Worst of Canarian Food". Smithsonian. Retrieved 2018-01-20.
  6. ^ "Canarian Cuisine". Official Tourism Website of the Canary Islands. Archived from the original on 28 March 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  7. ^ Islands Magazine. Vol. 14, No. 3. May-Jun 1994. p. 178. ISSN 0745-7847
  8. ^ Berlitz: Tenerife Pocket Guide. Berlitz Pocket Guides. APA. 2015. p. 153. ISBN 978-1-78004-897-0. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
  9. ^ Press, Europa (2016-08-23). "Las papas arrugadas, la primera de las 'Las 7 Maravillas Gastronómicas' de España". elDiario.es (in Spanish). Retrieved 2026-01-05.