How to make Wrinkled Potatoes in 40 minutes

Welcome to Paulina Cocina’s blog and new recipes. If we are going to walk around the Canary Islands (demonstrating…) this is a dish that we will surely find because it captures the essence of the place. Eating wrinkled potatoes is an experience in which the key is to enjoy each potatodip it in the mojo sauce and savor the combination of the crunchy texture of the wrinkled skin with the vibrant and aromatic flavor of the mojo.

Tempted? We are going to give you the recipe and tips to make the best ones.

On wrinkled potatoes

Wrinkled potatoes with mojo are a traditional dish from the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. This dish has become an icon of Canarian gastronomy and is highly appreciated by both locals and visitors. It consists of small, thin-skinned potatoes cooked in water with sea salt until they shrivel and their skin becomes wrinkled and crispy.

The recipe for wrinkled potatoes is simple but requires special care. The potatoes are washed and placed in a pot with cold water and sea salt, then cooked over medium heat until the water evaporates.

As the water reduces, the salt adheres to the skin of the potatoes, creating that characteristic wrinkled look. Once cooked, they are removed from the heat and served with mojo and a final touch of coarse salt.

How to make the best wrinkled potatoes

Preparing wrinkled potatoes is a relatively simple process but requires attention to details. It involves choosing small, thin-skinned potatoes like pretty potatoes and cooking them in water with sea salt until they are tender and their skin wrinkles.

The key is to use enough salt as it adheres to the skin of the potatoes during cooking, creating the characteristic wrinkled texture. Once cooked, they are drained and left to dry a little before serving with a delicious mojo sauce.

Mojo sauce, accompanying the wrinkled potatoes

One of the most popular accompaniments for wrinkled potatoes is mojo. Mojo is a spicy sauce that is generally served in two varieties: red mojo and green mojo.

Red mojo is made with dried red peppers, garlic, cumin, olive oil and vinegar, while green mojo contains cilantro or parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and a touch of green pepper. These sauces provide a unique flavor and each diner can choose their favorite according to their preferences.

This dish is a delicious example of Canarian cuisine and is appreciated for its simplicity and authentic flavor. The wrinkled potatoes with mojo are ideal as an accompaniment to other typical Canarian dishes, such as fresh fish, grilled crayfish or gofio, a toasted cereal flour that is also emblematic of the region.

Another variant: mojo picón

As for potatoes with mojo picón, this is another popular variant. Mojo picón is a spicier version of mojo rojo with the addition of hot pepper, usually cayenne pepper or chili pepper. This sauce adds a touch of spiciness that enhances the flavor of the potatoes and is appreciated by those who like food with a spicy touch.

Why are they called wrinkled potatoes?

The name “wrinkled potatoes” is due to the distinctive appearance of this Canarian dish. The most striking feature is its wrinkled and wrinkled skin, which forms during the cooking process. During cooking, small, thin-skinned potatoes are soaked in water with a generous amount of sea salt. As the water evaporates, the salt adheres to the skin of the potatoes, resulting in that rough, wrinkled texture that gives the dish its name.

The word “wrinkled” is used to describe this texture that covers the potatoes and is a distinctive characteristic that makes them unique. This appearance is not only visually appealing but also adds a crunchy, salty texture to the potatoes, making them a delicious and different snack.

How to eat wrinkled potatoes?

Wrinkled potatoes are enjoyed in a quite characteristic and authentic way. To eat them, you usually use a fork or a toothpick to pierce the potatoes. since its wrinkled and crunchy skin makes it easy to grip. Once you have a potato on your fork, it is dipped into the mojo sauce, which is usually served in a separate container.

Mojo, whether red or green, provides a vibrant, delicious flavor that perfectly complements the simplicity of the potatoes. When you dip the potato in the mojo, you can ensure that every bite is infused with the savory flavor of the sauce.

It is important to remember that these potatoes are a dish that is best enjoyed in company, sharing a table with friends or family. In addition, they are often a popular accompaniment to other Canarian dishes, such as fresh fish or grilled meats, allowing for an even richer gastronomic experience.

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Recipe for wrinkled potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 kg pretty potatoes (or thin-skinned potatoes)
• 250 gr of sea salt
• Enough water to cover the potatoes

Wrinkled potatoes in 5 easy steps

1. Wash the potatoes well to remove any dirt.
2. Place them in a pot and cover them with cold water. Add the sea salt.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cook 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. Once cooked, drain in a colander and let them dry.
5. Place the wrinkled potatoes on a plate with mojo sauce (red or green) as an accompaniment.