Papas arrugadas
Papas arrugadas is a traditional boiled potato dish eaten in the Canary Islands. It is usually served with a chili pepper garlic sauce, called mojo rojo. While often served as a side dish to meat or fish, they are also commonly eaten on their own as a tapa.
The dish is traditionally made from specific local varieties known as papas antiguas, such as the papa bonita or papa negra, which are cleaned and boiled in salt water. These unique varieties, originally from the Andes, have a Protected Designation of Origin status in the archipelago.
Originally, seawater was used, but today it is more common to use tap water with a very generous amount of salt added. After cooking, the water is removed and the potatoes are briefly left in the pot on the stove to dry off, until they become shrivelled with a fine salt crust. Due to the thin skin of these varieties, they are typically eaten unpeeled.
Papas arrugadas are considered a signature dish of Canarian cuisine. The dish is sometimes served with conejo en salmorejo, a common Canarian rabbit stew.
In 2016, Papas arrugadas were proclaimed a gastronomic wonder of Spain in a contest promoted by Allianz Global Assistance, securing first place via an online public vote.