Potatoes Steamed with Herbs

Potatoes Steamed with Herbs

Papas Empapeladas
Steaming foods in banana leaves, corn husks, or other kinds of food wrapper is one of the techniques used to cook foods in Mexico. Modern cooks and restaurant chefs, too, frequently use foil as a convenient way to steam many different foods. Tiny red potatoes are found in markets throughout Mexico, and they are excellent steamed with fresh herbs. Our red potatoes are usually a bit larger, so I cut them in half.
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

  • 1 piece of foil large enough to hold all the potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 12 small unpeeled red potatoes about 2 pounds, scrubbed and halved
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste

Instructions

  • Lay a large piece of foil on a flat surface.
  • Spread the butter on the foil in the center.
  • Slightly lift the foil edges to prevent the potatoes from rolling off and put the potatoes on the foil.
  • Top with the remaining ingredients.
  • Fold the foil like an envelope and make a tight seal to prevent any water from getting inside.
  • Bring about 1 cup of water to a boil in the bottom of a steamer.
  • Place the potato package on the steamer rack, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook over boiling water about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  • Transfer the potatoes to a bowl with the steaming juices.
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Cuisine; Mexican
Diets; Vegetarian

Chipotle Mashed Potatoes

Chipotle Mashed Potatoes

Papas al Chipotle
A mixture of creamy-soft mashed potatoes and smoky chipotle chiles is a Mexican-American favorite and an easy dish you'll love.
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

Instructions

  • Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover by about 2 inches with cold water.
  • Bring to a boil and cook, partially covered, until the potatoes are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes into a colander and return them at once to the pan.
  • With a potato masher, mash the hot potatoes with the milk.
  • Add the chiles, and sour cream.
  • Mash until fluffy.
  • Add more milk, if needed.
  • Stir in salt, and taste.
  • Adjust as needed.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve hot.
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Cuisine; Mexican
Diets; Vegetarian

Potatoes in Ranchera Sauce

Potatoes in Ranchera Sauce

Papas en Salsa Ranchera
A bubbling cazuela (casserole) of tender potatoes slowly cooked in tomato-rich ranchera sauce is a dish from northern Mexico's beef country to serve with grilled steaks.
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

  • Ranchera Sauce
  • 4 large potatoes peeled and sliced crosswise (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste
  • ⅓ cup crumbled cotija or mild feta cheese

Instructions

  • Prepare the sauce.
  • Reserve in the pan off heat.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°.
  • Put the sliced potatoes in a large bowl.
  • Add the oil, salt, and pepper and toss to coat the potatoes.
  • Transfer to an ovenproof casserole dish and roast the potatoes, uncovered, in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Reheat the sauce and pour over the potatoes.
  • Cover and cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 35 to 40 minutes more.

Notes & Wine Advice

Sprinkle with the cheese and serve hot.
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Cuisine; Mexican

Pan-Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Pan-Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Papas y Zanahorias Asadas
Pan-roasting is a frequent technique used in the Mexican kitchen to enhance the flavor of everyday foods. Cumin and cilantro give these vegetables a little Mexican flair.
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

Instructions

  • In a medium pan of boiling water, cook the carrots, uncovered, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.
  • Scoop out with a slotted spoon, and put into a bowl.
  • Add the potatoes to the same pan of boiling water, and cook until barely tender, about 4 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and add to the bowl with the carrots.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet, over medium heat.
  • Add the carrots, potatoes, cumin, and salt.
  • Cook, covered, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove the lid, raise the heat to high, and cook the vegetables until they start to brown, about 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the cilantro.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve hot
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Cuisine; Mexican
Diets; Vegetarian

Fried Potatoes with Tomatoes and Jalapeños

Fried Potatoes with Tomatoes and Jalapeños

Papas Fritas con Jitomates y Jalapeños
Food stall cooks and street vendors in Mexico sometimes prepare potatoes this way, then wrap them in tortillas for tacos. The fried potatoes are braised in broth until soft and served with a topping of sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and pickled jalapeño chiles. This is a great side dish for grilled meat and poultry.
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Equipment

  • large nonstick skillet

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

Instructions

  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes and onion, stirring frequently, until the potatoes are almost tender and start to brown.
  • Stir in the salt and pepper.
  • Add the broth.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and simmer until the potatoes are soft and the liquid is absorbed.
  • (If the liquid cooks away before the potatoes are soft, add a little more broth and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender.
  • ) Mound the potatoes on a warm serving platter.
  • Drizzle with sour cream and scatter the tomatoes and chiles over the top.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve hot.
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Course; Side Dish
Cuisine; Mexican

Fried Potatoes with Poblano Chile Strips

Fried Potatoes with Poblano Chile Strips

Papas Fritas con Rajas
Potato fans really take to this combination of potatoes, onions, and green chile strips from northern Mexico, fixed the way Mexican ranch-hands cook them on the range. This everyday dish is great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, at home or camping. Mexicans like the flavor lard imparts to the fried potatoes, and you may, too.
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

  • 3 large poblano chiles roasted and peeled
  • 4 medium unpeeled red potatoes about 1½ pounds
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
  • 1 medium white onion thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the chiles and set aside.
  • Then, in a medium saucepan, boil the potatoes in water to cover until barely tender.
  • Cool under running water.
  • Peel, and cut into 3⁄4-inch pieces.
  • Set aside.
  • Remove the seeds and veins from the chiles and cut them into thin strips.
  • Set aside.
  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and cook the onion until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the potatoes, chile strips, salt, and pepper.
  • Raise the heat to medium-high and cook until the potatoes are lightly browned, stirring frequently, so they don’t stick, about 10 minutes.
  • Add more oil, if needed.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve hot
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Cuisine; Mexican
Diets; Vegetarian

Chard with Chickpeas

Chard with Chickpeas

Acelgas con Garbanzos
Chard, one of the healthy cruciferous vegetables, is a good source of iron, and vitamins A and C. Choose chard with leaves that look tender and fresh with crisp stems. The large green leaves are used as tamale wrappers in many regions of Mexico, and in soups or in nourishing vegetable dishes like this one. Chickpeas add richness to make this a wonderful filling dish.
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

Instructions

  • Put the chard into a large saucepan.
  • Add ¾ cup water, cover, and cook until wilted and tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Drain well, transfer to a bowl and reserve.
  • Rinse and dry the saucepan, and in it heat the oil over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and garlic.
  • Cook until they begin to brown, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the tomato, chickpeas, and the reserved chard.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, and cook, stirring frequently, until completely heated through, 4 to 5 minutes.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve hot
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Cuisine; Mexican
Diets; Vegetarian

Chard with Potatoes

Chard with Potatoes

Acelgas con Papas
Chard is a staple in Mexican home cooking. It is raised in agricultural areas and in family gardens in many parts of Mexico. Chard with white or red stems can be used for this recipe.
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

Instructions

  • Cook the potato in water to cover until tender, but not soft, about 4 minutes.
  • Drain and reserve in a bowl.
  • In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat and cook the onion, garlic, and jalapeño until the onion is translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the chard, pushing it down into the pan.
  • Add ⅓ cup water.
  • Cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until the chard is wilted and tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the reserved cooked potato, the remaining oil, salt and pepper.
  • Stir to mix.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve hot.
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Cuisine; Mexican
Diets; Vegetarian

Chard with Poblano Chiles

Chard with Poblano Chiles

Acelgas con Rajas de Chile
Swiss chard often serves as a wrapping for tamales (see Tamales Wrapped in Swiss Chard), and is added to stewed vegetable dishes. Chard can often be overcooked. I prefer it cooked until just tender. It's wonderful served with Barbecued Pork Steak Marinated in Red Chile Paste.
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

Instructions

  • Prepare the chiles.
  • Then, cut out the stem end section of the chiles.
  • Discard the stems and cut the chiles open.
  • Remove the seeds and veins.
  • Rinse the chiles, blot with paper towels, and cut into thin strips (about 2 inches × ¼ inch).
  • Cut the chard leaves crosswise about 1⁄2-inch wide.
  • Put into a large saucepan and add ½ cup water.
  • Cover and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the leaves are cooked down and tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Drain the liquid left in the pan and set aside off heat.
  • In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and cook the onion and garlic, stirring, until they begin to brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and thyme.
  • Cook, stirring, until bubbling and juicy, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Transfer the mixture to the pan with the chard.
  • Add the chile strips, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat through, over medium-low heat.
  • Adjust seasoning.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve hot.
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Course; Side Dish
Cuisine; Mexican

Cauliflower with Tomatillo and Sweet Pepper Salsa

Cauliflower with Tomatillo and Sweet Pepper Salsa

Coliflor con Tomatillo y Salsa de Chile Dulce
Here's a simple vegetable dish that makes a full presentation. It goes very well with Fried Fish in a Fluffy Egg Coat, Seared Tuna with Oregano and Garlic, or just plain grilled fish fillets.
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Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

  • Mild Tomatillo and Sweet Pepper Sauce
  • 1 medium cauliflower about 1½ pounds, cut into florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the salsa and reserve in a bowl.
  • Cook the cauliflower in a large pan of boiling water until barely tender, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Drain and return to the pan.
  • Add the olive oil and the salt.
  • Mix gently.
  • Serve the cauliflower hot or at room temperature with the sauce spooned on the top.
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Course; Side Dish
Cuisine; Mexican