Papas Saladas
Colombian Salted Potatoes
A simple yet essential Colombian side dish where small potatoes are boiled in intensely salty water, resulting in a flavorful crust and tender interior. Perfect for serving with traditional fritanga or as a standalone snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) Small potatoes (e.g., fingerling, new potatoes, or baby Yukon Golds)(Choose potatoes of similar size for even cooking. Scrub them clean, but no need to peel.)
- 1/2 cup (about 120g) Kosher salt or coarse sea salt(This amount is crucial for creating the salty crust. Do not reduce.)
- Enough to generously cover the potatoes Water(Approximately 6-8 cups, depending on the size of your pot.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potatoes: Thoroughly wash and scrub the small potatoes. If any are significantly larger than others, you can cut them in half or quarters to ensure uniform cooking.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Boil the potatoes in salty water: Place the cleaned potatoes in a large pot. Add the 1/2 cup of salt. Pour in enough cold water to cover the potatoes by at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Bring to a boil and cook: Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high to maintain a vigorous simmer. Cover the pot loosely.
⏱️ 25-30 minutes - 4
Check for doneness: Pierce a potato with a fork or skewer. It should slide in easily with little resistance, indicating it is tender all the way through. If it's still firm, continue simmering for another 5 minutes and re-test.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 5
Drain and rest: Carefully drain the hot, salty water from the pot. Return the potatoes to the empty pot, still warm. Let them sit, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and helps a salty crust to form on the skins.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Serve: Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish. They can be served warm or at room temperature. The skins will be noticeably salty and flavorful.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The salt in the water is essential for flavoring the potatoes and creating a delicious, slightly crusty exterior. Don't be alarmed by the amount of salt; most of it stays in the water.
- ✓Serve these potatoes alongside traditional Colombian dishes like 'bandeja paisa', 'fritanga', or grilled meats.
- ✓For a simple snack, serve with a dollop of ají (Colombian hot sauce) or a side of hogao (tomato and onion sofrito).
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For an extra salty crust, you can add another tablespoon of salt directly to the drained potatoes and toss gently.
- Toss the drained potatoes with fresh chopped cilantro, parsley, or chives for added freshness.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the water for a subtle smoky or earthy flavor.