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Papas Arrugadas | Traditional Potato Dish From Canary Islands, Spain | TasteAtlas

Papas arrugadas

Papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) is the signature dish of the Canary Islands. This incredibly simple specialty is made with whole, unpeeled potatoes that are thoroughly cleaned and then cooked in salted water. The dish was traditionally prepared with seawater, but nowadays, the water is usually just heavily salted.


When cooked, the potatoes are put in the same pot without the water. The process allows any additional moisture to evaporate, leaving the potatoes somewhat dry while the skin attains its specific wrinkly appearance—hence the name—and a thin layer of salt.


The dish is found in most traditional restaurants, and it is typically served as an accompaniment to hearty stews, though the potatoes can be served on their own as a simple and filling snack. Usually, the potatoes will come drizzled with mojo verde or mojo rojo—two typical Canarias sauces.


The dish is best prepared with two potato varieties found on the Canary Islands, papas negra and papas bonita.

Pairing tips

Wine Variety

Listán Negro

Listán Negro is a Spanish grape variety that is mostly cultivated on the Canary Islands, though its origin is generally associated with the Spanish mainland.... Read more

Serve with

Sauce

Mojo

This pungent, acidic sauce is a specialty of the Canary Islands. It can be used as a sauce, baste, marinade, or dip. Traditionally, mojo sauce is made with a base of vinegar,... Read more

Sauce

Mojo rojo

Mojo rojo or red mojo is a flavorful Spanish sauce that is especially popular in the Canary Islands. It is believed that it has origins in Spanish cuisine, which ... Read more

Sauce

Mojo verde

Mojo verde or green mojo is a flavorful sauce that is especially popular in the Canary Islands. It consists of coriander, parsley, green peppers, olive oil, vinegar,... Read more

WHERE TO EAT The best Papas arrugadas in the world (according to food experts)

Mojo verde

4.1
Canary Islands, Spain

Mojo rojo

4.3
Canary Islands, Spain

Bienmesabe

3.1
Canary Islands, Spain

Pescado seco

n/a
Canary Islands, Spain

Caldo de papas

2.8
Canary Islands, Spain

Puchero canario

n/a
Canary Islands, Spain

Conejo en salmorejo

n/a
Canary Islands, Spain

Sancocho canario

n/a
Canary Islands, Spain

Ratings

4.2
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73%
Indifferent
25%
Don't like
2%
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