Papas Chorreadas

Papas Chorreadas Recipe from Colombia | Red Potatoes, Tomatoes, Cheese, and More

Region / culture: Colombia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Papas Chorreadas is a traditional Colombian dish that features red potatoes smothered in a creamy tomato and cheese sauce. This dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

Papas Chorreadas has its roots in Colombian cuisine, where it is a popular comfort food dish enjoyed by many. The creamy sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, milk, and white cheese, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of small or medium red potatoes
2 medium tomatoes
1 cup of milk
a bunch of cilantro
a bunch of scallions
white cheese
table salt

How to prepare

Peel the potatoes partially, leaving some skin on.
Boil the potatoes until they are tender.
Finely chop the onions, cilantro, and tomato.
Shred approximately 0.5 cup of white cheese.
In a frying pan, sauté the onions, cilantro, and tomato.
Add the milk, cheese, and salt to taste.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until it thickens.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or chorizo for a meaty twist.
Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
Add a touch of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to partially peel the potatoes to add texture and visual appeal to the dish.

- Boil the potatoes until they are just tender to ensure they hold their shape in the sauce.

- Use a good quality white cheese that melts easily for the best results.

- Adjust the salt to taste, as the cheese can add saltiness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Papas Chorreadas can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Papas Chorreadas is to simmer the sauce on low heat until it thickens and coats the potatoes perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have red potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Papas Chorreadas can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Papas Chorreadas with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Papas Chorreadas pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of avocado slices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Papas Chorreadas in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Papas Chorreadas contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Papas Chorreadas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Papas Chorreadas contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Papas Chorreadas contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Papas Chorreadas is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.

Alergens

Papas Chorreadas contains dairy in the form of milk and cheese.

Summary

Papas Chorreadas is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Papas Chorreadas is a delicious and comforting Colombian dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Try this recipe for a taste of traditional Colombian cuisine at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Papas Chorreadas. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Colombia. My grandmother, Mama Rosa, was known throughout the village for her delicious cooking and she had a special talent for creating mouthwatering dishes using simple, fresh ingredients.

One day, Mama Rosa came across a group of travelers passing through the village. They were a family of farmers from a neighboring town and they had brought with them a basket full of ripe tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. Mama Rosa struck up a conversation with them and they shared stories of their travels and the different dishes they had sampled along the way.

As the sun began to set, the travelers offered to cook dinner for Mama Rosa and her family as a token of gratitude for her hospitality. They rummaged through their basket and pulled out a bag of potatoes, along with a handful of tomatoes and some cheese. Mama Rosa watched with curiosity as they set to work, chopping and sautéing the ingredients with skill and precision.

I remember the mouthwatering aroma that filled the kitchen as the potatoes simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with the flavors of garlic, cumin, and cilantro. The cheese was grated and sprinkled on top, melting into a creamy, gooey blanket over the potatoes. Mama Rosa and I sat at the table, eagerly awaiting the first bite of this new and exciting dish.

As we dug into the Papas Chorreadas, I was struck by the burst of flavors in my mouth. The tangy tomatoes, the earthy potatoes, and the creamy cheese all mingled together in perfect harmony. Mama Rosa smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride as she savored each bite.

After dinner, the travelers bid us farewell and continued on their journey. Mama Rosa asked them for the recipe for Papas Chorreadas and they gladly shared it with her, passing down their culinary knowledge from one generation to the next.

From that day on, Papas Chorreadas became a staple in our household. Mama Rosa would make it for special occasions, for Sunday dinners, or simply whenever she wanted to treat us to something delicious. She would tweak the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that, until she had perfected her own version of this savory dish.

As I grew older, I began to help Mama Rosa in the kitchen, learning the ins and outs of cooking from her experienced hands. I watched as she lovingly prepared each ingredient, tasting and adjusting as she went along. I learned the importance of patience and attention to detail, of letting the flavors develop and meld together over time.

Years passed and Mama Rosa grew older, her hands becoming a bit more shaky and her movements a bit slower. But her passion for cooking never wavered and she continued to whip up delicious meals for our family, always with a smile on her face.

Today, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Papas Chorreadas for my own family, I can't help but think back to that day so many years ago when I first tasted this incredible dish. I am grateful to Mama Rosa for passing down her love of cooking to me, for instilling in me a curiosity and appreciation for different flavors and ingredients.

As I take a bite of the Papas Chorreadas, I am transported back to that small village in Colombia, to the warmth of Mama Rosa's kitchen and the laughter of my family gathered around the table. I close my eyes and savor the memories, knowing that this recipe will continue to be passed down through the generations, a delicious reminder of the love and tradition that binds us together.