Squid Ink 'Papas Arrugadas' Spark Fiery Debate Over Canarian Culinary Tradition

Valencia, Spain – A recent culinary creation by chef Valertina has ignited a passionate debate across social media, challenging traditional notions of the beloved Canarian dish, 'Papas Arrugadas.' Chef Valertina, based in Benimaclet, Valencia, unveiled his unique rendition of the classic wrinkled potatoes, finishing them with squid ink to achieve a striking black, 'charcoal' appearance and aroma. The video, which quickly garnered over 100,000 views, shows the chef preparing the potatoes and serving them with two distinct mojo sauces: a vibrant green pistachio mojo and a rich red dried tomato mojo. Valertina described his creation as 'tremendous,' emphasizing the innovative color and scent imparted by the squid ink. However, the chef's modern twist has drawn sharp criticism from many, particularly those from the Canary Islands, who view the dish as a departure from its authentic roots. Comments flooded the video, with users expressing dismay at the reinterpretation. One user remarked, 'From the moment he said 'patatas arrugadas,' they stopped being Canarian.' Another added, 'This is like when they show 'paellas' on TikTok,' drawing a parallel to similar controversies surrounding Spain's iconic rice dish. Conversely, some viewers defended Valertina's creativity, suggesting that culinary fusion is a natural evolution. 'God, what's wrong? They are wrinkled potatoes and he gives them his touch as he wants in his restaurant,' one comment read, highlighting the artistic freedom in cooking. The chef himself responded to the controversy, stating, 'We call them charcoal wrinkled potatoes. We are in Valencia and there are people who don't know they are from the Canary Islands. I make them with a creative touch, that's it.' This culinary dialogue underscores the deep cultural significance of traditional dishes and the strong emotions evoked when they are reinterpreted, sparking a broader conversation about authenticity versus innovation in gastronomy.

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2 days ago

Las papas arrugadas como nunca las habías visto: negras y con un toque de calam…

Un restaurante valenciano se fija en este plato canario para crear su propia versión