Fried Papas Criollas (Colombian-style Creamy Fried Potatoes)

Name: Fried Papas Criollas (Colombian-style Creamy Fried Potatoes)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: Serves 6
Cuisine: latin american
Ingredients: 1 pound small yellow potatoes, preferably papas criollas (available in some Latin specialty stores) (see note); 2 cups vegetable oil; Kosher salt; 1 recipe ají (Colombian-style salsa)

⏱ 15 mins 🍽 Serves 6 🌶 latin american 🏷 Side dish

These fried papas criollas are a beloved Colombian appetiser or side dish, featuring small yellow potatoes cooked gently in oil until their interiors become wonderfully creamy. The potatoes develop a wrinkled exterior without browning, resulting in a unique texture. They are generously seasoned with salt and served alongside a vibrant, homemade Colombian ají salsa for a fresh and spicy contrast. This dish is remarkably straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients and about 15 minutes of cooking time to achieve its signature comforting quality.

Ingredients

1 pound small yellow potatoes, preferably papas criollas (available in some Latin specialty stores) (see note)
2 cups vegetable oil
Kosher salt
1 recipe ají (Colombian-style salsa)

Method

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer within a suitably sized saucepan. Pour in enough vegetable oil to cover roughly two-thirds of the potatoes. Set the pan over high heat until the oil maintains a steady, gentle bubble, then adjust the heat to keep it at that temperature. Partially cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until a sharp knife pierces the potatoes without resistance and their skins are wrinkled but not browned.
Use a slotted spoon to move the potatoes to a plate lined with paper towels. Apply a generous amount of kosher salt for seasoning. Present the potatoes immediately with the prepared ají salsa.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium629000 mg

Recipe details

CategorySide dish

Cuisinelatin american

AuthorJ. Kenji López-Alt