Abuelo Mexican Restaurant's Papas con Chile, By Chef Luis - Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes Recipe

"These amazing potatoes are a great Tex-Mex side that is served at Abuelo's restaurants here in the states from Arizona to Virginia. Everyone is always requesting the recipe, so Chef Luis finally spilled the beans, and here it is for all of us to try. We LOVE them! These are great served with a recipe I posted for #recipe11918 over the top. Yum!"

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Wash and scrub potatoes until clean.

Step 2

Place potatoes in a pot covered with water, and boil until soft, about 25 minutes.

Step 3

Drain potatoes.

Step 4

Add the rest of ingredients and mash. Be sure all ingredients are incorporated well.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

When selecting red potatoes, look for ones with a smooth, unblemished skin.
When selecting Velveeta cheese, look for a block that is creamy and free of lumps.

Ingredient substitutions

For a healthier version, substitute the cream cheese and Velveeta cheese with Greek yogurt and low-fat cheese. This will reduce the fat content of the dish while still providing a creamy texture.
For a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese, heavy cream, Velveeta cheese and sour cream with vegan alternatives. This will make the dish animal-free while still providing a creamy texture.

Variations

Cheesy Jalapeno Potatoes Replace the red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and green chilies with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of jalapeno slices. Increase the amount of jalapeno to 1 tablespoon. Add the shredded cheese and jalapeno slices to the potatoes along with the rest of the ingredients and mash until everything is well incorporated.

Cheesy Bacon Potatoes Replace the red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and green chilies with 1 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Add the bacon and cheese to the potatoes along with the rest of the ingredients and mash until everything is well incorporated.

Serve with

Mexican Street Corn Salad - This delicious, zesty salad is the perfect accompaniment to Abuelo Mexican Restaurant's Papas con Chile, as it pairs the creamy, cheesy potatoes with the bright, citrusy flavors of the corn salad. The combination of flavors and textures will be sure to please everyone at the table!

Grilled Shrimp Tacos - These flavorful tacos are the perfect addition to Abuelo Mexican Restaurant's Mexican Street Corn Salad. The smoky, grilled shrimp are a great complement to the zesty flavors of the corn salad, and the crunchy corn tortillas provide a nice contrast to the creamy potatoes. Plus, the tacos are easy to assemble and make a great appetizer or main dish.

FAQ

Q: How long do I need to boil the potatoes?

A: Boil the potatoes for about 25 minutes, or until they are soft.

Q: What is the best way to store potatoes?

A: Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. Keep them away from direct sunlight, and store in a paper or mesh bag.

Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: The dish Papas con Chile is believed to have originated in Mexico in the 1800s, and is a popular Tex-Mex dish in the United States.

Fun Fact 2: Abuelo Mexican Restaurants are popularly known for their delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and were featured in the hit TV series "The Big Bang Theory" in 2015.