Papas Locas Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

15 Oct, 2023

Papas Locas is a popular Mexican street food dish that consists of crispy fried potatoes topped with a variety of savory and spicy ingredients.

Papas Locas

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: Mexican
Category: Appetizer, Main Dish, Side Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 400 calories

About this recipe

Papas Locas, which translates to "crazy potatoes" in English, is a popular street food dish in Mexico that is loved for its unique combination of crispy fried potatoes, flavorful toppings, and zesty sauces.

This dish is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, as the colorful toppings and sauces make it a true work of art.

The dish starts with crispy fried potatoes that are dusted with a mix of cornstarch and salt, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft and fluffy interior.

The potatoes are then topped with a variety of savory and spicy ingredients, including black beans, chorizo or crumbled tofu, queso fresco or grated cheddar cheese, cilantro, red onion, and fresh jalapeno peppers.

These toppings add layers of flavor, texture, and color to the dish, making it an exciting and vibrant experience.

But what really sets Papas Locas apart is the delicious and tangy sauces that are drizzled over the top.

A generous helping of sour cream and salsa adds a creamy and spicy finish to the dish, making it a flavor explosion in every bite.

One of the great things about Papas Locas is that it is so versatile. It can be served as a side dish, a main course, or even as an appetizer for a party or gathering. And with so many toppings to choose from, it's easy to customize the dish to your liking, making it the perfect meal for everyone.

Papas Locas is a true gem of Mexican cuisine, a dish that captures the essence of the culture and its love for bold flavors and colors. Whether you're a fan of potatoes or just looking to try something new, this dish is definitely worth a try. So go ahead, grab a plate, and get ready for a wild and crazy ride.

Origin of Papas Locas recipe

Papas Locas is believed to have originated in the northern state of Sinaloa, where it is known as "Papas a la Francesa Locas" or "Crazy French Fries". The dish is said to have been inspired by French fries, which were introduced to Mexico by French immigrants in the late 19th century.

Over time, the dish evolved to include a variety of toppings and sauces, giving rise to the Papas Locas that we know and love today. The dish has become especially popular in Mexico City, where it is often sold by street vendors and in food markets.

While the exact origins of Papas Locas are uncertain, what is clear is that it has become an important part of Mexican cuisine and culture, a dish that represents the creativity, boldness, and flavor that the country is known for.

Why make this recipe?

There are several reasons why you should try making Papas Locas at home:

Delicious and satisfying: Papas Locas is a mouthwatering dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The combination of crispy fried potatoes and flavorful toppings and sauces creates a unique and delicious taste that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Easy to make: While Papas Locas may seem like a complex dish, it is actually quite simple to make at home. The recipe requires only a few ingredients, most of which are easy to find at your local grocery store.
Versatile: Papas Locas can be served as a side dish, a main course, or even as an appetizer for a party or gathering. You can customize the toppings to your liking, making it a dish that everyone can enjoy.
Mexican street food experience: Making Papas Locas at home is a great way to experience the flavors and culture of Mexican street food. The dish is a popular street food in Mexico and making it at home is a fun way to recreate that experience in your own kitchen.

In the end, Papas Locas is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and sure to impress. So why not give it a try and discover the delicious flavors of Mexican street food?

What does Papas Locas taste like?

Papas Locas is a flavor explosion in every bite! The crispy potatoes offer a satisfying crunch, while the bold toppings like tangy lime, savory chorizo, and spicy jalapenos add a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds. It's a party in your mouth that you don't want to miss!

What is in this recipe?

Here is a list of the ingredients needed to make Papas Locas, along with a brief description of each ingredient:

Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are good choices for this recipe, as they are starchy and make for crispy fries.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to dust the potatoes before frying. This helps to create a crispy exterior.
Salt: a teaspoon of salt is added to the cornstarch to season the fries.
Black beans: Canned black beans, drained and rinsed, are used as one of the toppings for the Papas Locas. They add protein and texture to the dish.
Chorizo or tofu: Cooked chorizo or crumbled tofu (for a vegetarian version) is used as a topping for the Papas Locas. Chorizo adds a spicy, smoky flavor, while tofu provides a protein-rich alternative.
Queso fresco or cheddar cheese: Crumbled queso fresco or grated cheddar cheese is used as a topping for the Papas Locas. Queso fresco is a soft, mild cheese commonly used in Mexican cuisine, while cheddar provides a sharper, more tangy flavor.
Cilantro: Also, chopped cilantro is used as a garnish for the Papas Locas. It adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Red onion: Chopped red onion in this recipe is used as a topping for the Papas Locas. It adds a sweet, crunchy flavor.
Jalapeño peppers: Fresh jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced, are used as a topping for the Papas Locas. They add a spicy kick to the dish.
Sour cream: Sour cream is used as a topping for the Papas Locas. It adds a tangy, creamy flavor.
Salsa: Any of your favorite salsa can used as a topping for the Papas Locas. It adds a spicy, tomatoey flavor.

Equipment needed in the recipe

Large pot or Dutch oven for frying
Spider strainer or slotted spoon for removing potatoes from hot oil
Paper towels or wire rack for draining excess oil
Mixing bowl for tossing the potatoes with cornstarch and salt
Cutting board and knife for preparing toppings

As you can see, the equipment needed for making Papas Locas is minimal, and the ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores. So go ahead and give it a try!

How to make Papas Locas

Ready for a delicious and easy-to-make Papas Locas recipe? Our step-by-step guide includes all the ingredients and tips you need to make this popular Mexican dish at home. Discover the perfect balance of crispy potatoes, savory toppings, and zesty seasonings with our Papas Locas recipe today.

Ingredients

4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin wedges
2 tbsp cornstarch
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
1/2 cup cooked black beans
1/2 cup chopped cooked chorizo or crumbled tofu
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh jalapeno peppers
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa

Instructions to follow

Rinse the sliced potatoes in cold water and dry them with paper towels.
In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch and salt.
Add the potato wedges to the bowl and toss them until they are coated evenly.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
Fry the potatoes in batches until they are golden brown and crispy.
Drain the fried potatoes on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle them with a little more salt.
Arrange the fried potatoes on a serving platter.
Top the potatoes with black beans, chorizo or tofu, queso fresco or cheddar cheese, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeno peppers.
Drizzle sour cream and salsa over the top.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Papas Locas!

How do you serve Papas Locas recipe?

After making Papas Locas, here are some tips for serving the dish:

Serve the Papas Locas hot and fresh out of the fryer, if possible, for the best flavor and texture.
To serve, place a generous portion of the hot, crispy potatoes on a large serving platter or individual plates.
Top the potatoes with your desired toppings, such as black beans, chorizo or tofu, queso fresco or cheddar cheese, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño peppers, sour cream, and salsa.
You can arrange the toppings in separate bowls or containers for guests to add their own toppings, or you can pre-arrange the toppings on top of the potatoes.
Serve the Papas Locas with extra salsa, sour cream, and jalapeño peppers on the side for guests who want to add more spice or creaminess to their dish.
If serving as an appetizer, you can also offer small bowls or plates for guests to share the Papas Locas.
Enjoy the dish with your favorite beverage, such as a cold beer, margarita, or soda.

Remember to have fun and get creative with the toppings and presentation of the dish. Papas Locas is a fun and delicious dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Papas locas video

Papas Locas

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Recipe Tags: Papas Locas, Papas Locas Recipe, Recipe

What to serve with?

Papas Locas is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways, depending on your preferences and occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

Appetizer: Papas Locas can be served as a fun and flavorful appetizer for parties and gatherings. You can arrange the potatoes and toppings on a large platter or individual plates, along with some tortilla chips or a side of guacamole.
Main course: Papas Locas can also be served as a satisfying main course. You can serve it with a side of rice and beans or a green salad to make it a complete meal.
Side dish: Papas Locas can be served as a delicious side dish for grilled meats or tacos. You can also serve it with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.
Brunch: Papas Locas can be served as a creative and filling brunch dish. You can top the potatoes with a fried egg or scrambled tofu, along with some avocado and salsa.
Vegetarian option: If you want to make a vegetarian version of Papas Locas, you can omit the chorizo and add some crumbled tofu or seitan instead. You can also add more vegetables, such as roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms.

The possibilities for serving Papas Locas are simply endless. You can get creative and add your own spin to the dish, depending on your taste and occasion. Enjoy!

My recommendations and tips for you

Be sure to cut the potatoes into thick matchsticks or wedges, as this will help them to stay crispy after frying.
When dusting the potatoes with the cornstarch and salt mixture, be sure to coat them evenly to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.
Fry the potatoes in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pot, which can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and make the fries greasy instead of crispy.
Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to remove the potatoes from the hot oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain any excess oil.
Customize the toppings to your liking! You can add or omit any of the suggested toppings to make the dish your own.
If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you can use crumbled tofu or seitan in place of the chorizo.
You can use store-bought salsa or make your own by blending together canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and your favorite spices.
For a healthier version, you can bake the potatoes in the oven instead of frying them.

How to store Papas Locas

Papas Locas is best served fresh and hot, but if you have leftovers or want to prepare the dish ahead of time, here are some tips for storing it:

Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing them. You can leave them at room temperature for up to 2 hours to cool down, but after that, they should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Store the potatoes in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the potatoes from drying out.
If you have added toppings, such as chorizo or cheese, you may need to store them separately to prevent them from getting soggy or spoiling.
To reheat the potatoes, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and crispy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to freeze the potatoes for longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

It's best to consume Papas Locas as soon as possible for the best taste and texture, but with proper storage and reheating techniques, you can still enjoy the dish for a few days.

Potential ingredients substitutes

There are several possible ingredient substitutes for Papas Locas recipe, depending on your preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are a few suggestions:

Potatoes substitute - You can substitute sweet potatoes, yams, or even butternut squash for a different flavor profile.
Oil substitute - You can use any vegetable oil for frying, such as canola, corn, or peanut oil.
Salt substitute - You can use sea salt or kosher salt instead of regular table salt.
Chili Powder substitute - If you don't have chili powder, you can use a blend of cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Lime Juice substitute - You can use lemon juice or vinegar for a similar acidic flavor.
Cilantro substitute - If you don't like cilantro, you can use parsley or green onions for a milder flavor.
Queso Fresco substitute - You can substitute feta cheese, cotija cheese, or shredded cheddar cheese.
Chorizo or Ground Beef substitute - You can use cooked shredded chicken, black beans, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Jalapenos substitute - You can substitute other chili peppers, such as serrano or habanero, or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

Final Remarks

In conclusion, Papas Locas is a fun and flavorful dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. With crispy fried potatoes and a variety of toppings, it's a dish that can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences.

Even if you're serving it as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, Papas Locas is sure to be a hit at any occasion. With the tips and recommendations provided, you can easily make this dish at home and enjoy it any time. So gather your ingredients, heat up your fryer, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of Papas Locas!