Papas Arrugadas & Gambas al Ajillo

Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Verde & Mojo Picón + Gambas al Ajillo

These two classic Canarian and Spanish dishes are a must-try if you love bold flavors! Papas Arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) are small salt-crusted potatoes served with mojo verde (green sauce) and mojo picón (spicy red sauce), while Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) is a sizzling tapas dish loaded with garlic and chili flavors.

🥔 Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Verde & Mojo Picón

Ingredients:

✅ For the Papas Arrugadas:

• 1 kg small new potatoes (preferably Canarian or baby potatoes)
• ½ cup coarse sea salt
• Water (enough to barely cover potatoes)

✅ For Mojo Verde (Green Sauce):

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro (or parsley)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp water

✅ For Mojo Picón (Spicy Red Sauce):

• 2 dried red chili peppers (rehydrated in warm water)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp sweet or smoked paprika
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the Potatoes:

• Wash the potatoes but do not peel them.
• Place in a pot with enough water to just cover them and add salt.
• Boil until water evaporates and potatoes develop a wrinkled, salty skin (~20-25 min).

2️⃣ Prepare the Mojo Verde:

• Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust salt and consistency with water.

3️⃣ Prepare the Mojo Picón:

• Blend ingredients into a thick sauce, adjusting heat by adding more chili.

4️⃣ Serve:

• Drain the potatoes and let them dry in the pot for a few minutes. Serve with both sauces on the side.

🦐 Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)

Ingredients:

• 300g fresh shrimp (peeled, tails optional)
• 4-5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 small red chili (or ½ tsp red pepper flakes)
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 2 tbsp white wine or dry sherry (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the garlic and chili and sauté until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic!).
3️⃣ Add the shrimp, season with salt & paprika, and cook until pink (~2-3 min).
4️⃣ Deglaze with white wine, if using, and let it reduce slightly.
5️⃣ Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

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🔥 Serving Tips:

🥖 Serve both dishes with crusty bread to dip into the sauces!
🍷 Pair with a crisp white wine like a Canarian Malvasía or a Spanish Albariño.
🌞 Perfect for a tapas night or a taste of the Canary Islands at home!