The allure of comfort food is universal, and few dishes embody this concept better than the hearty, soul-satisfying ‘Papas Chorreadas.’ This traditional Colombian dish, with its tender potatoes bathed in a rich, tomato-based sauce, speckled with the vibrant hues of fresh herbs and the creamy tang of cheese, is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.

My journey to making Papas Chorreadas was sparked by a longing for connection—a connection to culture, to tradition, and to the shared experience of a meal that transcends boundaries. The dish, with its humble roots and robust flavors, seemed like the perfect bridge between the familiar and the exotic, an opportunity to explore the culinary heritage of Colombia while providing a comforting embrace to those gathered around my table.

There’s a certain joy in the simmering of the sauce, the anticipation as the aromas begin to fill the kitchen, signaling that soon, a dish full of warmth and generosity will be ready to serve. It’s a celebration of the communal table, a reminder that some of the most cherished memories are made when we break bread—or in this case, share potatoes—together. With each bite of Papas Chorreadas, we savor not just the flavors but the stories and the love that are cooked into every morsel.

Papas Chorreadas Recipe

Papas Chorreadas is a classic Colombian dish that offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures, combining the heartiness of potatoes with the richness of a tomato and onion sauce, often enriched with cream or cheese. This dish is a celebration of Colombia’s culinary traditions, embodying the spirit of home cooking and the joy of sharing a meal with family and friends.

The preparation involves boiling potatoes until tender, then smothering them in a savory sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices such as cumin and sometimes achiote for color. Cream and cheese are added to create a creamy consistency and depth of flavor. The result is a warm, inviting dish that is both simple and satisfying, perfect for any occasion where comfort food is desired.

Papas Chorreadas is not just about the taste; it’s about the experience of gathering around the table, the act of spooning generous helpings onto plates, and the feeling of connection that comes from enjoying a dish steeped in tradition. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, and it encapsulates the essence of Colombian hospitality and the pleasure of homemade cuisine.

Papas Chorreadas

“Papas chorreadas” or Potatoes Drizzled with Creamy Sauce, is a rich, delicious recipe of our Colombian gastronomy! It is a traditional dish whose origins are from the Central region of Colombia; born in the Andean region where due to its climate, Colombia has many varieties of potatoes. The two mayor producers of potatoes are Cundinamarca and Boyacá departments. By cooking potatoes this way, you will always come up with creamy delicious potatoes and you can accompany them with any type of beef or chicken. I remember my mom baking flank steak every time she made “papas chorreadas”.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Colombia

Servings 6 people

Calories 325 kcal

Equipment

1 pan

Ingredients

12 Red potatoes
1 tablespoon grape seed oil
1 yellow onion diced
½ cup scallions cut into 1 inch julienne strips
2 Tomatoes peel and chopped
1 cup of milk or sometimes I use heavy cream rich and delicious!
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of annatto to give that red color like saffron
2 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
2 tablespoon coriander finely chopped
2 tablespoon of grated cheese mozzarella, feta, parmesan

Instructions

PEEL partially the potatoes
COOK the potatoes with enough water, season with salt to taste to cover them, and cook them until tender. Approximately 40 minutes.
PREPARE the tomato sauce in a pan, heat the oil and add the onion until softens and transparent, add the tomato and scallions, keep cooking until all the vegetables are soft
ADD the milk (or heavy cream), annatto, salt and pepper and cook in low heat for about 10 minutes.
ADD the cooked and drained potatoes to the sauce and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.
SERVE in a tray and add the cheese, parsley and coriander in top of the potatoes as garnish.
Tips for “papas chorreadas” or Potatoes Drizzled With Creamy Sauce
There are different options about peeling the potatoes. Some people like to partially peel them, other like to peel the whole potatoes. Either way, the flavor given to the potatoes by this sauce, it will not make any difference if you boil them with or without skin!

Video

Keyword potatoes, scallions

How to make Papas Chorreadas using air fryer

The air fryer, a beacon of culinary innovation, offers a novel approach to the beloved Colombian dish, Papas Chorreadas. Embracing this method felt like a gentle nod to tradition while stepping into the modern world of cooking. The air fryer’s ability to crisp the potatoes with minimal oil was a delightful surprise, providing a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor.

As the potatoes cooked to golden perfection, I prepared the signature chorreadas sauce, a creamy, tomato-based embrace that would soon cloak each tender piece. The fusion of the air fryer’s efficiency with the rich, comforting flavors of this classic dish was a testament to the adaptability of traditional recipes in today’s health-conscious era. Serving these Papas Chorreadas became not just a meal but an experience—a blend of heritage and contemporary lifestyle, a true feast for the senses.

Tips for making Papas Chorreadas

Receta de papas crocantes ¡purébalas! | Recetas Nestlé

Cooking Tips

Crafting Papas Chorreadas is like weaving a tapestry of flavors, each thread an essential part of the whole. My approach is to select potatoes that are firm and waxy, as they hold their shape beautifully when bathed in the rich, tomato-based sauce. Gently simmering the sauce allows the onions and tomatoes to meld into a velvety blanket that lovingly coats each potato slice. The addition of cheese should be just enough to create a creamy texture without overwhelming the dish’s delicate balance. This process isn’t just about cooking; it’s an act of love, a way to honor the simplicity and robustness of Colombian cuisine, ensuring that every bite is infused with tradition and care.

Serving suggestions

Papas doradas al horno - Mundos Jumbo

Serving Papas Chorreadas is an act of cultural homage, a way to bring the essence of Colombia to the table. I like to serve them in a communal dish, allowing the vibrant sauce to be the centerpiece. Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that complements the creamy sauce. Accompanying the potatoes with a side of grilled meat or a simple salad can turn this beloved side into a hearty main course. It’s a dish that encourages sharing and conversation, embodying the spirit of togetherness that is at the heart of Colombian dining. Each serving is not just a meal but an experience, a celebration of flavors that are as rich in history as they are in taste.

Top 5 FAQs about Papas Chorreadas

What are the key ingredients in Papas Chorreadas? The dish typically includes boiled potatoes, a sauce made from tomatoes, scallions (spring onions), and sometimes garlic. Cheese is a crucial component of the sauce, usually a fresh Colombian cheese like quesillo or a more accessible substitute such as mozzarella or feta. Cream may be added for richness.
How do you make Papas Chorreadas? To prepare Papas Chorreadas, potatoes are boiled until tender. Meanwhile, a sauce is prepared by sautéing tomatoes and scallions with spices. Once the sauce is cooked down, cheese and possibly cream are stirred in until melted and creamy. The potatoes are then either mixed with the sauce or the sauce is poured over the potatoes before serving.
Are there regional variations of Papas Chorreadas? Yes, this dish can vary by region. Some variations include the addition of chorizo (a type of sausage), different types of cheese, or the inclusion of additional vegetables like bell peppers. The consistency of the sauce and the spiciness level may also vary.
What do you serve with Papas Chorreadas? It is commonly served as a side dish with grilled meats or as part of a larger meal including rice and salad. However, it can also stand alone as a vegetarian main course if portioned accordingly.
Can Papas Chorreadas be made ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can partially prepare Papas Chorreadas in advance by boiling the potatoes and making the sauce separately. Before serving, reheat the sauce, add the cheese, and combine with the potatoes to ensure the dish is creamy and warm.

Papas Chorreadas is a dish that embodies the heart of Colombian comfort food, bringing together the simplicity of potatoes with the richness of a tomato and cheese sauce. It’s a culinary expression of warmth and generosity, where each element complements the others to create a sumptuous whole. The dish is versatile, serving as either a satisfying main or a delightful side, adaptable to various accompaniments and occasions.

The joy of Papas Chorreadas lies not only in its flavors but also in its ability to gather people around the table, fostering connection and conversation. It’s a recipe that encourages sharing, both of food and of stories, reinforcing the bonds that meals can create. In conclusion, Papas Chorreadas is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of culture, a comfort to the palate, and an invitation to come together in the spirit of good food and good company.

Step By Step – How To Prepare Papas Chorreadas?