Tenerife is known for its sunny beaches, volcanic landscapes, and unique culinary traditions. One of its most beloved and iconic dishes is Papas Arrugadas, or “wrinkled potatoes.” This dish, served across the Canary Islands, is especially popular in Tenerife and has been a local staple for centuries. Papas Arrugadas are small, wrinkly potatoes boiled in saltwater until the skin becomes shriveled and covered in a thin crust of salt. Traditionally, they’re served with a mojo sauce, typically either green (mojo verde) or red (mojo rojo). Both sauces are made with local ingredients and add a vibrant punch of flavour to the dish, making these potatoes the perfect addition to any meal. Here’s our guide for how to cook traditional Tenerife potatoes.
Origins of Papas Arrugadas
The origin of Papas Arrugadas goes back to a time when sea salt and potatoes were easy to come by on the island. Tenerife’s volcanic soil provides ideal growing conditions for potatoes, which were introduced to the islands from South America hundreds of years ago. With saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean easily available, the locals devised a simple but flavourful way to cook their potatoes. The result was a method that preserved both the potatoes’ taste and nutrients while giving them a unique, appealing texture. Over time, Papas Arrugadas became a culinary symbol of the Canary Islands, appreciated for its distinctive preparation and delicious, salty taste.
The ingredients you need for Papas Arrugadas
To make traditional Tenerife wrinkled potatoes, you only need a few basic ingredients:
- Small, new potatoes
Ideally, use small, waxy potatoes with thin skins, like baby potatoes or fingerlings. These varieties cook well with this technique and hold their shape. - Coarse sea salt
Coarse salt is essential for creating the iconic “wrinkled” texture of the potatoes. The salt will absorb into the skin, forming a thin crust that makes the dish unique. - Water
Traditionally, Papas Arrugadas are boiled in seawater, but regular tap water with added salt works just as well. - Mojo sauce (optional)
While optional, mojo sauce is commonly served with the potatoes. Mojo verde (made with cilantro and green peppers) or mojo rojo (made with red peppers and paprika) are popular choices, adding a bold, tangy flavour to the potatoes.
With these simple ingredients, you can recreate a taste of Tenerife right in your own kitchen. This could be the perfect after visiting the best of the island:
Click here for the five best Tenerife attractions to visit
Click here for the five best Tenerife excursions and activities
Preparing Tenerife potatoes
The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm, making Papas Arrugadas an easy dish to prepare with impressive results. Follow these steps for perfect wrinkled potatoes:
- Clean the potatoes
Rinse the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Do not peel them; the skin is key to the texture and flavour of the dish. - Boil with salt
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a generous amount of coarse salt—about 2 tablespoons per litre of water. - Cook until tender
Boil the potatoes over medium-high heat until they are soft, which should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on their size. - Evaporate the water
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain most of the water from the pot, leaving just a small amount. Return the pot to the heat and let the remaining water evaporate. The salt will coat the potatoes, creating a white crust. - Serve with mojo sauce
Serve the potatoes hot with mojo sauce on the side for dipping.
These potatoes are delicious as a side dish to grilled meats, fish or even as a snack with some wine or beer.
Final thoughts
Tenerife wrinkled potatoes, or Papas Arrugadas, may be a local delicacy of the Canary Islands, but they’re surprisingly easy to recreate anywhere. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish offers a taste of Tenerife’s unique culinary heritage. These salty, wrinkled potatoes are versatile and make an excellent side for nearly any meal, adding both texture and flavour. Simple, delicious and unique, Papas Arrugadas bring a bit of Canary Island warmth to your table, wherever you may be.
