Mexican Potatoes with Chile (Printable)
Tender potatoes in a savory, mildly spicy chile sauce. A comforting Mexican classic.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium Roma tomatoes, chopped (optional)
→ Chiles and Spices
05 - 2-3 fresh jalapeño or serrano chiles, seeded and chopped
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
08 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Other
09 - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 - 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth or water
11 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
02 - Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic, chopped chiles, and tomatoes if using. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the chiles begin to soften.
04 - Add the diced potatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika if using, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to evenly coat the potatoes in the spice mixture.
05 - Pour in the vegetable broth or water, stir gently, then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
06 - Remove the lid and taste the dish. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, allowing any remaining liquid to cook off for 1-2 minutes if desired.
07 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm as a side or main course.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It transforms the humblest ingredients into something you will genuinely crave at midnight.
- The dish stretches to feed a crowd or lasts all week as leftovers without losing any of its charm.
02 -
- Do not rush the covered simmering step because undercooked potatoes will ruin the entire texture of the dish.
- Cutting your potato cubes to a uniform size is the single easiest way to ensure even cooking without mushy surprises.
03 -
- Let the skillet sit uncovered for the last 3 minutes of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate and the edges to crisp.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens every single flavor on the plate.