Papas Con Chile (Printable Version)

Tender potatoes in a mildly spicy chile sauce, a classic comforting Mexican dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1.5 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced

→ Peppers & Chiles

05 - 2–3 jalapeño or Anaheim chiles, seeded and finely chopped

→ Spices & Seasonings

06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Oil & Garnishes

09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and chopped chiles. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Add the diced tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
05 - Add the cubed potatoes, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly in the sauce.
06 - Pour in 3/4 cup water, just enough to partially cover the potatoes. Bring to a simmer, then cover the skillet.
07 - Cook covered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with warm tortillas or use as a taco filling.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It costs almost nothing to make and feeds a crowd without feeling like you cut corners.
  • The sauce thickens around the potatoes into something that tastes like it took hours, not minutes.
02 -
  • Cut the potatoes into even pieces or some will turn to mush while others stay hard in the center.
  • Do not skip the covered simmering step, because that is what transforms thin tomato water into a rich clinging sauce.
03 -
  • Let the onion and tomato mixture cook undisturbed for a minute or two at a time so it develops real caramelization and depth.
  • A pinch of sugar added with the tomatoes balances acidity and rounds out the sauce without making it sweet.

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