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Canarian potatoes, also known as “Papas Arrugadas,” are a traditional dish from the Canary Islands, Spain. They are small, wrinkled potatoes typically served with a delicious and flavorful sauce called “mojo.” Here’s a basic recipe for making Canarian potatoes and mojo sauce:

Ingredients for Canarian Potatoes:

  • Small new potatoes (preferably with thin skin) – about 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
  • 3/4 tablespoons Sea salt – coarse salt is traditionally used
  • Water

Ingredients for Red Mojo Sauce:

For the sauce, you can make both red and green variations. Here’s a recipe for the red mojo sauce:

  • Red chili peppers (dried or fresh) – 2 to 3 (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
  • Garlic cloves – 3 to 4, peeled
  • Paprika (smoked or sweet) – 1 teaspoon
  • Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt – to taste
  • Red wine vinegar – 2 tablespoons
  • Olive oil – 1/4 cup

Instructions:

1. Canarian Potatoes:

  1. Wash the new potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
  2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
  3. Add a generous amount of coarse sea salt to the water. You want the water to be quite salty, similar to seawater.
  4. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are tender. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but cooking times may vary based on the size of the potatoes.
  5. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and return the pot to the stove on low heat. Shake the pot gently to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate and the potatoes to develop their characteristic “wrinkled” appearance.

2. Red Mojo Sauce:

  1. If using dried chili peppers, soak them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes until they soften. If using fresh chili peppers, remove the seeds for a milder sauce.
  2. In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, combine the chili peppers, peeled garlic cloves, paprika, cumin seeds, and salt. Crush or process until you get a rough paste.
  3. Gradually add the red wine vinegar and olive oil while continuing to mix until you achieve a well-incorporated sauce.

3. Serving:

  1. Arrange the cooked and wrinkled potatoes on a serving plate.
  2. Serve the potatoes with the red mojo sauce on the side. You can drizzle the sauce over the potatoes or dip the potatoes into the sauce while eating.

Canarian potatoes are often served as a tapas dish or as a side dish to accompany various meals. Enjoy the unique flavor and texture of this traditional Canarian dish!