Authentic Canarian Potatoes (Papas Arrugadas) with Mojo Sauce – Local Recipe & Tips
🥔 Local tip
Papas arrugadas con mojo is one of the most famous Canarian dishes. You’ll see it in Tenerife everywhere, from local bars to proper restaurants. Below you’ll find the Canarian potatoes recipe, plus how to order it like a local.
What Are Canarian Potatoes?
If there is one dish that defines Canarian food, it’s without doubt Canarian potatoes, locally known as papas arrugadas. These small, wrinkled potatoes served with mojo sauce are a true icon of Canarian cuisine and a must-try when visiting Tenerife. The history of papas arrugadas goes back to the 16th century, when potatoes were brought from South America to Spain and later introduced to the Canary Islands. Thanks to island cooking methods, they became the unique Canary Islands potato dish you see today.
Available in Almost Every Restaurant in Tenerife
At first, locals weren’t sure what to do with these potatoes, and they were even displayed in botanical gardens. Today, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce are served in almost every restaurant in Tenerife, from small local guachinches to beachfront spots.
Canarian Potatoes Are Naturally Gluten-Free
Canarian potatoes are gluten-free and vegan. If you want to cook them yourself, most large supermarkets in Tenerife sell the right potatoes. You can also buy ready-made mojo, but homemade mojo rojo and mojo verde tastes way better.
Mojo Sauce The Soul of Canarian Potatoes
Mojo sauce is a traditional sauce from the Canary Islands and comes mainly in two versions: mojo rojo (red) and mojo verde (green). Both are served with meat, fish, and of course papas arrugadas.
Outside the Canary Islands, authentic mojo can be hard to find, which is why many people search for a proper mojo sauce recipe. Here’s a classic base recipe you can tweak to taste.
Mojo Sauce Recipe
Red Mojo Sauce (Mojo Rojo)
1 piece of bread torn into small pieces
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 large red peppers, chopped
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 small chillies, chopped
6 cloves of garlic, chopped
Green Mojo Sauce (Mojo Verde)
1/2 cup fresh chopped coriander or parsley
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 slice of bread torn into small pieces
2 large green bell peppers, chopped
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 cloves of garlic, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour the mojo into a jar and keep it in the fridge. Homemade mojo stays fresh for up to two months.
Canarian Potatoes Recipe (Papas Arrugadas)
If you’re wondering how to make Canarian potatoes, the traditional method uses seawater. At home, this easy version gives the same wrinkled salty finish. For best results, use Papa Negra (Tenerife), Papa Bonita (Gran Canaria), or any small quick-cooking potatoes.
- 1 kg small potatoes
- ¼ cup coarse sea salt
- Large stockpot
Canarian Potatoes with Mojo Sauce (Papas Arrugadas Recipe)
Make authentic Canarian potatoes (papas arrugadas) with red mojo rojo and green mojo verde. A simple Tenerife recipe using small potatoes and coarse sea salt, served as a classic Canarian tapa.
Type: Tapa / Side dish
Cuisine: Canarian / Spanish
Keywords: canarian potatoes, papas arrugadas, canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, mojo rojo, mojo verde, mojo sauce recipe, canary islands recipe, tenerife food, spanish potatoes, wrinkled potatoes
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: PT15M
Cooking Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 kg small potatoes (quick-cooking)
- 60 g coarse sea salt
- Water (enough to cover)
Recipe Instructions:
How to Make Canarian Potatoes:
Wash the Potatoes
Wash the small Canarian potatoes thoroughly without peeling them. Keeping the skin on is essential for authentic papas arrugadas.
How to Make Canarian Potatoes:
Add Potatoes to the Pot
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them completely with cold water.
How to Make Canarian Potatoes:
Add Sea Salt
Add a generous amount of coarse sea salt to the water. This helps create the signature salty crust.
How to Make Canarian Potatoes:
Boil the Potatoes
Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes, until just tender. Add a little water if too much evaporates.
How to Make Canarian Potatoes:
Drain the Water
Carefully pour off all the water, making sure no liquid remains in the pot.
How to Make Canarian Potatoes:
Dry and Wrinkle the Potatoes
Place the pot back on very low heat and gently shake it until the remaining moisture evaporates and the potatoes develop their wrinkled, salty skin.
How to Make Canarian Potatoes:
Prepare Mojo Rojo
Blend all red mojo ingredients until you get a smooth, rich sauce.
How to Make Canarian Potatoes:
Prepare Mojo Verde
Blend all green mojo ingredients until smooth and slightly thick.
How to Make Canarian Potatoes:
Serve
Serve the papas arrugadas hot with mojo rojo and mojo verde on the side.
How to Order Canarian Potatoes Like a Local
Sitting on a sunny terrace and want to order confidently? Use this:
“Una ración de papas arrugadas con mojo, por favor.”
Want both sauces? Add: “Con mojo rojo y mojo verde.” In more local places, you’ll also hear: “Papas con mojo.”
Where to Eat Papas Arrugadas in Tenerife
If you want a proper local experience, the best move is to visit smaller Canarian restaurants, especially outside the most touristy strips. We have a full guide with scenic stops and tips for nice local places here: Tenerife Road Trip Guide .
Finish Like a Boss: Barraquito Coffee
After Canarian potatoes with mojo, many locals finish with a Barraquito. It’s a layered coffee that’s famous in Tenerife and honestly addictive. We wrote the full recipe here: How to Make Barraquito Coffee .
🥔 Final Thoughts
Canarian potatoes are simple, salty, and seriously addictive. Try them at least once while you’re in Tenerife, and if you’re into cooking, use this Canarian potatoes recipe at home with your own mojo sauce.
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