One of our favorite Malaga style potato recipes has to be papas a lo pobre, or poor man's potatoes! I find these to be similar to the home fries I grew up eating at brunch in the United States. These thinly sliced potatoes are cooked with onion and green pepper for a wonderful flavor!
Love Spanish potato recipes? Try these recipes for cod and potato stew, Spanish tortilla, and Canarian papas arrugadas.
Introduction
Papas a lo pobre, or "poor man's potatoes" is a humble dish from Spain that's become one of my favorite potato recipes! This recipe is based on the traditional one from Malaga, and is a perfect side dish when served with fried eggs. Grab a few simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering comfort food!
Ingredients
Wondering what ingredients you need to make papas a lo pobre? Fortunately, nothing fancy! Here's the most important ingredients.
- Potatoes: I recommend using a firm, waxy potato for this recipe so they won't fall apart during the cooking process.
- Vegetables: A combination of onion, garlic, and green pepper add color and flavor to this simple dish.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Papas a lo Pobre
If you’d like to see the full ingredients and instructions, scroll to the bottom of the post for the printable recipe card.
- Thinly slice the potatoes, then cook them in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium-low heat until they're softened a little. Stir frequently to prevent them from browning. (image 1)
- Add the green pepper, onion, and garlic and cook until the aromatics are softened. (image 2)
- Remove any excess oil from the dish and season to taste with salt and pepper. (image 3)
- Serve hot with fried eggs on the side, or enjoy as is! (image 4)
Recipe FAQs
Papas a lo pobre (or patatas a lo pobre) is a simple dish made from thinly sliced potatoes cooked gently with onions, green pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper. It sounds plain, but is absolutely delicious and is a wonderful Spanish comfort food!
Potatoes are called patatas in Spain, but all other Spanish-speaking countries typically use the term papas for potatoes.
This dish will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. However, it's so tasty that I don't think it will stick around that long!
Serve
Papas a lo pobre can be enjoyed on their own, or served along with fried eggs to make a delicious and filling meal! Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Thinly slice the potatoes so they cook quickly and have a good texture, and use a generous amount of olive oil so they don't stick to the pan.
- Stir the potatoes and veggies frequently as they cook to prevent them from browning or frying.
Papas a lo Pobre (Poor Man's Potatoes)
Ingredients
- olive oil for sautéing
- 4-6 medium sized potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 onions diced
- 2 green peppers diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pour a good amount of olive oil into a skillet and place over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook until they begin to soften, stirring them frequently so they don't brown.
- When the potatoes begin to soften, add the green peppers, onions, and garlic and cook until soft, stirring frequently.
- Drain the excess olive oil, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy as a side dish!
Notes
- Thinly slice the potatoes so they cook quickly and have a good texture, and use a generous amount of olive oil so they don't stick to the pan.
- Stir the potatoes and veggies frequently as they cook to prevent them from browning or frying.
Nutrition
Photography by Giulia Verdinelli
Barb Sage
This is the most authentic version I've found when I was looking to cook it at home, we love it when we're on holiday in Spain. Today I'm going to try it as a main dish by adding some bite sized pieces of cooked Chicken and Bacon with a handful of green beans added half way through the cooking time.
Barb Sage
We love it when we're on holiday in Spain. I think this is the most authentic version I've found when looking to try it at home. Today I'm going to make it into a main dish with some bit size pieces of cooked Chicken and Bacon, plus a handful of green beans added half way through the cooking time.
Bill Martin
it is a typical dish in ALL of Andalucia..... the garlic cloves should be in the oil while it is heating.....before adding the potatoes remove the garlic... Almost everywhere here they fry a few eggs in the same oil and cur them through when served.... also sliced up in strips... ham (serrano). In almost every village in the south you´ll find it.... been here for 22 years,,,, you all must come back again...so much to see....Always use extra virgin olive oil (AOVE) no apologies needed as olive oil is the best and should not compare to any other oils...also before going to bed a good tablespoonfull is great....
Christine Cross
Apologies to Spain but these are rather heavy on the oil so I have developed a slightly lighter version .
Slice and par boil the potatoes for five minutes until just softening put onions and peppers in to blanch for a couple of minutes. Drain the mixture well and drizzle with good olive oil and season to taste.Spread thickly on a good roasting tin and put in a hot oven for 30 to 40 mins.
You might get a few crispy edges but same delicious flavour and kinder to the waistline .
Elle | Spain Buddy
This is one of my favourite dishes. I eat it 3 to 4 times a week for lunch. It's amazing in a bowl with plenty of cracked black pepper with a poached egg (make sure that yolk is runny) on top.