Papas Rancheras (Ranch Style Potatoes)
Golden fried potatoes simmered in a chunky tomato and jalapeño sauce until they soak up every bit of flavour.
Made with Salsa ranchera. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time40 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.38 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Boil the potatoes in salted water for 6 minutes until just tender but firm. Drain and let them steam dry for 2 minutes.
6 min - 2
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat. Fry the potatoes for 8 to 10 minutes, turning, until golden and crisp at the edges.
9 min - 3
Sprinkle over the cumin and stir for 30 seconds.
- 4
Pour in your ready made salsa ranchera (see the base recipe) and the water. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce clings to the potatoes.
7 min - 5
Scatter with the coriander and serve hot as a side, in tacos or with fried eggs.
Tips
- Parboiling first gives soft middles and crisp edges.
- Waxy potatoes like Charlotte or Maris Peer hold their shape better than floury ones.
- Add a little more water if the sauce thickens too fast.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 2 hours. Keep in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
What do you eat papas rancheras with?
They are a classic side for grilled meat and eggs, and are also good stuffed into warm corn tortillas for potato tacos.
Can I roast the potatoes instead?
Yes. Roast the cubes at 220C for 30 minutes, then toss them through the hot sauce.
More made with salsa ranchera
Pizzas de Tortilla Mexicanas (Crisp Tortilla Pizzas with Salsa Ranchera)
EFNFAlbondigón Relleno de Huevo con Salsa Ranchera (Mexican Meatloaf Stuffed with Egg)
DFNFHPChiles Rellenos en Caldillo de Jitomate (Stuffed Poblanos in Tomato Broth)
NFVChuletas de Cerdo Rancheras (Ranch Style Pork Chops)
DFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.