Aconcagua Papas Fritas Con Rajas Recipes

PAPAS CON RAJAS (POTATOES AND PEPPERS)

Steps:

• Boil potatoes whole in salted water until done.
• Put poblanos on a cookie sheet and broil until black. Turn and blacken on all sides. Remove poblanos and put right into a plastic bag and seal so no steam escapes. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet on medium high heat.
• Add onions and cook until wilted and slightly browned.
• Peel and cube cooked potatoes (about 1/2-inch cubes).
• Turn skillet temp up to high and add potaotes.
• You may need to add more oil. Potatoes tend to suck it all up and you want the potatoes to kind of "fry". You want to get some color on the potatoes, so stir and then let them cook and brown before stirring again. The potatoes will fall apart and kind of mash, but that's OK.
• Add lots of salt and some pepper to taste--do taste to make sure it is salty enough.
• Under running water, peel skins off of poblanos and remove stems and seeds.
• Coarsely chop poblanos.
• When potatoes have some nice color on them, add poblanos, garlic and queso fresco. Cook for another 5 minutes.
• Note: I use this as a filling for vegetarian tacos or for quesadillas, but they would be good as even a side dish or for breakfast instead of hashbrowns.

POTATOES WITH ROASTED POBLANO CHILES AND MEXICAN SOUR CREAM (PAPAS CON RAJAS Y CREMA ÁCIDA)

Steps:

• On an ungreased comal or in a cast-iron skillet over high heat, roast the chiles, turning them over every couple of minutes using tongs or your hands (carefully, so you don't get burned). You're looking for uniform blistering, but you don't want them to become too soggy in the process, especially if you intend to stuff them, since they need to hold their shape. The process will probably take 10 to 15 minutes. Once they are well blistered and before the flesh is completely charred through in any spots, place the peppers in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or in a bowl that you can cover with a plate (not a towel or anything porous) and set aside to "sweat" for about 10 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle.
• Remove the charred skin from the whole chiles. Once you have removed and discarded the skin and seeds, cut them into rajas, or strips, about the width of fettuccine.
• In a small saucepan, cover the potatoes with 2 inches / 5cm water and add the salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease to low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove one of the potatoes and taste it. The piece should be soft but not falling apart, still holding its cube shape. Cubed like this, they will cook quite quickly, so be attentive. Once they have the right texture, drain the potatoes and set aside in a medium bowl with a lid or cover the pan with a plate to keep them warm.
• Using the same comal or skillet in which you toasted your chiles, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it's hot but not smoking. Add the onion and sauté until it's translucent but not browned.
• In a saucepan, combine the potatoes, chiles, onion, and crema or crème fraîche. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. As the mixture cools, the starches will absorb some of the melted cream and help it firm up. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve as you wish!
• Do Ahead: These potatoes can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

ACONCAGUA: PAPAS FRITAS CON RAJAS

Steps:

• AT HOME: 1. Cut onions into 1/4" pieces; place into sealable bag. 2. Devein peppers and cut lengthwise into 1/4" strips; place into sealable bag. AT CAMP: 1. Heat skillet on medium heat; add oil and onion; cook until soft (about 2-3 minutes). 2. Cut potatoes into 1/4" slices; add to skillet with salt and pepper; toss until potatoes start to brown (about 8-10 minutes). 3. Add pepper strips and reduce heat to medium low. 4. Cover and cook approx. 7-10 minutes until potatoes are tender and brown. Quote: "In the mountains there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can't." - Rusty Baille