Mexican Potatoes

These Mexican Potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and loaded with Mexican spices like cumin and cayenne. They're the perfect side to any Mexican-inspired meal.

Comfort food means different things to different people. There's often a big nostalgia factor, so where and how you grew up will obviously have a major influence on the foods that make you feel safe and grounded. Part of being a witch is understanding your energy and how it interacts with the world around you. So tuning in to how different foods make you feel, both physically and spiritually, can definitely be part of your kitchen witchcraft practice.

For me, there's nothing as grounding as a potato. But because I grew up in Eastern Washington in the 80's and 90's, working in my mom's shave ice stand across from a local taco place, Americanized Mexican flavors hold deep memories for me. Anything doused in cumin, garlic, and chili powder is going to take me straight back to my late childhood and remind me of easier times.

What makes these Mexican Potatoes so awesome?

These Mexican Potatoes are freakin' delicious. Parboiled potatoes are then sauteed in spice-infused oil to give you the most dreamy texture and maximum flavor. These are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And every single bite is infused with that signature Mexican spice blend.

I like to serve these with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a bit of crunch and a pop of brightness. You can serve them alongside grilled chicken made with Mexican Marinade, or add them to your Chorizo & Potato Breakfast Burritos. They make an excellent addition to any Mex-inspired meal.

Magical Properties of Paprika

Paprika is made from dried and ground chili peppers, so it definitely packs a fiery energy. Ruled by Mars and the Sun, it also has masculine or projective vibes. Digging a little deeper, you'll also find that it's sacred to war gods Ares and Mars, and it's tied to the zodiac signs of Aries and Scorpio. So this is definitely a more forceful ingredient. Use it in spells for love and lust, as well as hex breaking. You can also call on paprika to boost your personal energy and speed up spells.

To learn more about the magical properties of the ingredients in this recipe, check the Kitchen Magick page.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make this dish. The full details are in the recipe card below.

• Potatoes - Look for a medium starch variety so you can get the fluffy insides without them falling apart.
• Olive oil - or whatever oil you usually cook with
• Green onions - We'll use the whites and greens in different parts of the recipe
• Garlic - Fresh or garlic paste will work. Or if you're feeling lazy or can't get fresh garlic, add some garlic powder to your spice mix.
• Chili powder
• Paprika - I like to use smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Cayenne - This is where you can really control the heat, so add more or less depending on your personal preference.
• Salt and pepper
• Sour cream - For topping. You could also substitute creme fraiche or plain yogurt, whatever you've got in your fridge.

Tips for making Mexican Potatoes

These are surprisingly easy and totally achievable for a weeknight meal. Chop your potatoes into big bite-size pieces, no need to peel them. You could do this bit ahead of time and stash them, submerged in water, in the fridge. Then add your potatoes to a pot of salted water, bring them to the boil, and let them boil for 5-10 minutes. You want them softened but not mushy.

Then drain your potatoes and heat some oil in a skillet. Add the whites of your green onions, along with the garlic and spices, and let this cook for a few minutes to infuse the oil with your Mexican flavors. Then add your potatoes to the skillet and toss them with the spices. Let them cook, stirring regularly, until they're cooked through and crispy on the outside. Serve hot with sour cream and the green parts of your green onions.

I can't wait for you to try these Mexican Potatoes. I hope you think they're as awesome and comforting as I do.

Looking for more awesome potato recipes? Try this Za'atar Potato Salad or some Ham & Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes.

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Recipe slightly adapted from BBC Good Food.