Mojo Picon Wrinkly Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is an absolute favorite because the delightful kick from the Mojo Picon sauce transforms simple new potatoes into a culinary adventure packed with bold and vibrant flavors. Plus, the whole process makes me feel like a total chef, creating a dish that’s simple yet impressively delicious every time!

I adore creating one-of-a-kind recipes, and my version of Mojo Picon Wrinkly Potatoes takes perfectly cooked new potatoes and combines them with a delightful sauce. To say the least, this sauce packs a flavorful punch that hits all the right notes.

Paprika and ground cumin deliver a smoky richness that melds oh so well with the heat from dried red chiles. Garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar serve up a potent Mediterranean twist that takes these potatoes from ho-hum to despléndido.

Ingredients

New potatoes offer a wealth of carbohydrates, which deliver energy in the most gratifying form.

Coarse Sea Salt: Provides crucial minerals and boosts the flavor of the potatoes.

Olive oil: Fats that promote heart health and have antioxidant characteristics.

Garlic: Provides a rich taste and an abundance of possible immune-boosting advantages.

Red dried chilies: Provide a spicy kick and have capsaicin, which revs up metabolism.

Cumin: Provides a rich, earthy flavor and may help with digestion.

Smoked Paprika: Delivers a smoky depth and is rich in antioxidants.

Vinegar from Red Wine: Yields a sharp acidity that encourages well-balanced flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) small new potatoes
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) coarse sea salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1-2 dried red chilies (or 1 tsp red pepper flakes)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp water
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the small new potatoes very well to eliminate all dirt. You may use an old toothbrush to assist with this if necessary. Do not peel them.

2. Put the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. To the water, add 1/4 cup of coarse sea salt.

3. Put the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the water simmer. Allow the potatoes to cook in the water for about 20 minutes. Check with a fork to ensure they are tender.

4. Prepare the Mojo Picon sauce while the potatoes are cooking. In a blender or food processor, combine the following ingredients:
– olive oil
– garlic cloves
– dried red chilies (or red pepper flakes)
– ground cumin
– smoked paprika
– red wine vinegar
– water

5. Combine the sauce ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste for salt and add to your preference.

(Bliss, 2005, p. 232)

6. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drain the potatoes and put them back in the pot after you’ve cooked them.

7. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and place on low heat. Shake the pot gently to dry out the potatoes and create a wrinkly texture.

8. Move the wrinkled potatoes to a dish suitable for baking or an oven-safe serving dish. If you wish, drizzle them with a bit more olive oil.

9. Evenly pour the Mojo Picon sauce over the potatoes, and then toss gently to coat.

10. Warm the potatoes and serve them with a garnish of additional smoked paprika or chopped fresh herbs, if you like. Then, partake of them with gusto!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Old toothbrush (optional)
3. Fork
4. Blender or food processor
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Oven
7. Baking dish or oven-safe serving dish
8. Stove (for drying potatoes)

FAQ

• What are Mojo Picon wrinkly potatoes?Potatoes Mojo Picon, or “Papas Arrugadas,” are a traditional dish in the Canary Islands made with small, new potatoes that are boiled in heavily salted water. The result is a unique wrinkled texture that sets these potatoes apart from any others. They’re often served with a sauce called Mojo Picon, and if you can’t handle the heat that comes with this dish, you might want to have a glass of milk on standby.
• Can I use regular potatoes instead of new potatoes?Although it’s optimal to use small new potatoes for authenticity and texture, you can substitute with small baby potatoes or fingerlings, if necessary.
• What can I substitute for dried red chilies?If dried red chilies are not within reach, using 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes will provide similar heat in the Mojo Picon sauce.
• How do I achieve the wrinkled effect on the potatoes?The potatoes should be boiled in plenty of coarse sea salt until the water has evaporated. As they dry, the salt works its magic, forming a wrinkled, crusted surface.
• Is the sauce very spicy?Mojo Picon’s heat can be adjusted. If you want a sauce with less kick, use either fewer dried chilies or red pepper flakes.
• Can this dish be made ahead of time?Certainly, you have the option to prepare the sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge. For peak potato performance, however, cook the tubers fresh, then plate them up with the already-made sauce from earlier in the day.
• Can I make this dish without salt?Salt is crucial for both taste and the signature wrinkled effect, but you can reduce the salt in the sauce to your liking.

Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: For a different flavor, use either avocado oil or sunflower oil.
Coarse sea salt: You can use kosher salt or Himalayan pink salt instead.
Dried red chilies: Use fresh red chilies in their place (adjust quantity for desired heat) or substitute 1 tsp cayenne pepper.
Red wine vinegar: Substitute with equal amounts of apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar.
Smoked paprika: Use ordinary paprika or ancho chili powder for a smokier flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Infuse the Olive Oil Before blending the sauce, consider gently heating the olive oil with the garlic and chilies for a few minutes. This can infuse the oil with deeper garlic and chili flavors, enhancing the Mojo Picon sauce.

2. Chili Pepper Spice Control Adjust the intensity of the sauce by deseeding the dried chilies if you prefer a milder heat, or adding extra chilies or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicier kick.

3. Perfect Potato Texture Ensure the potatoes are truly dry and wrinkled before finishing them in the oven. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and helps the sauce adhere better.

4. Advanced Flavor Boost Let the Mojo Picon sauce sit for at least 30 minutes after blending to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. This rest time can deepen and improve the overall taste.

5. Serving Suggestions For an extra layer of flavor, serve the potatoes alongside a dollop of aioli or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This can add a creamy or tangy contrast to the spicy sauce.