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    Home / Recipes / Vegan Sides

    Mexican Potatoes

    Published: Nov 6, 2024 · Modified: Nov 6, 2024 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Low in fat and flavorful, these Mexican potatoes are show-stoppers. The potatoes are marinated in a tasty Mexican blend of spices, and lime juice, then roasted to perfection. This Mexican potato recipe is so easy with only a few ingredients.

    Mexican potatoes in a bowl on the counter

    Yesterday, while prepping a Mexican extravaganza, I thought of a way to incorporate Mexican potatoes into the menu.  I'm always looking for a new way to flavor and spice up my potatoes. So, my Mexican potato recipe became a reality. Although I'm partial to my garlic-roasted potatoes, these Mexican Potatoes tasted fabulous.

    Jump to:
    • How to Parboil Potatoes Before Roasting
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Recipe Ingredient Substitutions
    • How to Make the Potatoes
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • Other Great Vegan Mexican Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Not only are these little potatoes healthy, but they are also easy to make. First, it is important to parboil the potatoes. Since I did not use oil or any added fat, it allows the potatoes to penetrate flavors when marinated. 

    How to Parboil Potatoes Before Roasting

    Potatoes cut int quarters on the counter

    Parboiling is a blended word "partial" and "boiling," which means partially boiling potatoes.  Basically, it involves boiling potatoes until they are partially cooked, but not all the way.

    To parboil, place the cut potatoes in salted water and boil for 5 minutes or until almost cooked (they will still feel firm when pierced with a knife). Drain teh potatoes thoroughly using a colander, and allow them to cool completely.

    For a shortcut, rinse teh potatoes in cold water to stop the cooking process. 

    Once cooled, the potatoes, partially cooked, act like little sponges for any flavors they marinate in. 

    Rinsing the potatoes in cold water in a colander to stop the cooking process.

    Recipe Ingredients

    Adding lime juice to the potatoes in a bag on the counter

    For this recipe, assemble the few ingredients, and allow the potatoes to marinate for a minimum of a couple of hours or overnight if possible.   

    I prefer to prepare Mexican potatoes beforehand, so they have time to marinate with lime juice and seasonings. 

    • Baby, Yellow, or Red Potatoes: I left the skin on the potatoes, and cut them into quarters. All the potatoes should be uniform in size.
    • Fresh Lime Juice/Zest: The lime and lime zest provides flavor as well as a way for the seasoning to stick to the potatoes without using oil.
    • Chili Powder: Chili Powder is a seasoning blend of ground dried chiles and other spices. Common chiles include New Mexico chiles, Ancho chiles, or Cascabel chiles. These are usually combined with spices such as cumin, oregano, and paprika. The taste varies from blend to blend.
    • Cumin: Cumin has a slightly sweet, warming flavor with a nutty element, and these qualities mean it's often seen as a savory alternative to cinnamon. It works particularly well with chili flakes, as they bolster the natural spicy flavor and add a rich, earthier tone.
    • Salt: A little salt enhances the flavors in the Mexican potato recipe.
    • Cilantro: The cilantro plant contains duodenal, an antimicrobial compound that may help protect your body against infections and illnesses caused by tainted food. 

    Recipe Ingredient Substitutions

    • Any potatoes work well for this recipe.
    • If you don't have fresh lime juice, use bottled instead. To make up for the absence of the lime zest, add 1 additional teaspoon of lime juice.
    • For every 1 tablespoon of chili powder, use 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a scant ¼ teaspoon of cayenne.
    • For a substitute for cumin, choose ground coriander. Cumin and coriander grow from a plant in the parsley, or Apiaceae, family.
    • Substitute cilantro with other herbs such as parsley, Thai basil, or dill. Lemon and lime are also good substitutes in a pinch as they mimic the bright flavor of cilantro.

    How to Make the Potatoes

    And, then add the potatoes and all the ingredients except for the cilantro to a Ziplock bag. Next, shake it all about...do the hokie pokie, and pop it in the refrigerator.

    Adding chili powder to the bag of cooked potatoes to make the  recipe on the counter

    As a result, the magic all happens inside a large Ziplock bag or similar container while it marinates in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.  

    Mexican potato recipe marinating in a bag.

    Now, it's time to shake the potatoes again and bake. Because the potatoes are parboiled, they take only 30 minutes to roast. 

    Transfer marinated seasoned potatoes to a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and roast at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. 

    The recipe in a owl with limes and cilantro on the table

    Or, reheat teh air fryer to 400 degrees. Place potatoes in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Cook the potatoes for 8 minutes, and flip and cook another 8 minutes.

    Now, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime slices for extra lime goodness. 

    Recipe FAQs

    Is it healthy to eat potatoes?

    They're rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times because vitamin C prevented scurvy. Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte that aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system.

    Are potatoes healthier than rice?

    Potatoes are the healthier option in terms of macronutrients since they are lower in calories and fat and higher in fiber while containing about the same amount of protein as white rice.

    What's the healthiest way to eat potatoes?

    Bake potatoes with skin- It is one of the healthiest ways to cook potatoes. Whole and baked potatoes with skin on them are the purest forms as this process can minimize the loss of nutrients.

    Tips

    • Scrub the potatoes before cutting and parboiling them to remove any excess dirt and debris.
    • Cut the potatoes in similar sizes, so they parboil and roast evenly.
    • Make sure the potatoes are cool before adding them to the plastic bag.
    • Instead of a plastic bag, opt for a container with a top to reduce plastic use.
    • Allow marinating overnight for the best overall flavor.
    • Do not overlap potatoes on the baking sheet while cooking.
    • The air frying option takes half the time.
    • Serve with vegan Southwest dressing for dipping. Or, I also suggest creamy green chili sauce.

    The next time you see a potato, imagine the possibilities. Remember, parboiling makes these tasty Mexican potatoes soft on the inside and crispy on the outside with a hint of chili and lime. 

    Other Great Vegan Mexican Recipes

    • Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip
    • Quick and Easy Southwest Coleslaw
    • cauliflower taco recipes
      Easy Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
    • vegan nacho cheese sauce
      The Best Vegan Nacho Cheese

    If you love this Mexican potato recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    Mexican Potatoes

    Mexican Potatoes

    Kathy Carmichael
    Low in fat and flavorful, these Mexican potatoes are a show stopper. The potatoes are marinated in a tasty Mexican blend of spices, and lime juice, then roasted to perfection. A great side dish for any Mexican dinner, these little potatoes pop in your mouth with incredible flavors.
    4.86 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 8 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 38 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 133 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 pounds baby yellow or red potatoes (skin on; cut in halves or quarters) All the potatoes should be uniform in size
    • ¼ cup lime juice or 4 limes + zest
    • 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
    • 2 teaspoons cumin
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro

    Instructions
     

    • Wash and slice potatoes in half or quarters (leave skins on).
    • The potato pieces should be uniformin size so they cook evenly.
    • Place in pot and cover with water and 2 teaspoons salt.
    • Boil for 5 minutes, or until potatoes are slightly soft when poked with a fork. YOU DO NOT WANT TO COOK THEM ALL THE WAY THROUGH. About half way will suffice.
    • Cooking time varies based on the size of potatto pie.
    • Drain potatoes in a colinder  and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
    • Leave a few minutes to cool.
    • Add cooled potatoes to a large Ziplock bag.
    • Now, add the lime juicie, zest and seasonings.
    • Lock tthe bag, and shake potatoes, covering all the potatoes with the lime juice and seasoning.
    • DO NOT ADD CILANTRO.
    • If you make the potatoes ahead of time, put in the refrigerator and allow themto marinate overnight.

    Oven Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
    • Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
    • Put contents of marinated potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
    • Cook for 30 minutes.

    Air Fryer Instructions

    • Prehat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
    • Place the marinated potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer pan.
    • If cooking in batches, preheat an oven to 325 and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    • Place batches of cooked potatoes on the baking sheet and into the oven to keep warm while cooking the remaining batches.
    • Cook the potatoes for 8 minutes, then flip over and cook for an adiditonal 8 minutes.

    Serving

    • Place the cooked potaotes in a bowl or on a platter.
    • Add a little more lime juice and the chopped cilantro.
    • Add a little lime zest for added lime flavor.

    Notes

    • Scrub the potatoes before cutting and parboiling them to remove any excess dirt and debris.
    • Cut the potatoes in similar sizes, so they parboil and roast evenly.
    • Make sure the potatoes are cool before adding them to the plastic bag.
    • Instead of a plastic bag, opt for a container with a top to reduce plastic use.
    • Allow marinating overnight for the best overall flavor.
    • Do not overlap potatoes on the baking sheet while cooking.
    • The air frying option takes half the time.
    • Serve with vegan Southwest dressing for dipping. Or, I also suggest creamy green chili sauce

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6gCalories: 133kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 852mgPotassium: 743mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1263IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

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    Comments

      4.86 from 14 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Beverley Patterson

      May 22, 2025 at 2:51 am

      These Mexican potatoes sound absolutely delicious—crispy, zesty, and packed with bold flavors that elevate any meal. I love how simple ingredients like lime juice and classic Mexican spices can completely transform ordinary potatoes into something truly memorable. If you're looking to shake up your side dish game or add some authentic flair to your next dinner.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        May 22, 2025 at 4:40 am

        Hi Beverley, I'm so glad you liked the Mexican potatoes. Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it.

        Reply
    2. Shellie

      October 20, 2022 at 8:52 am

      I made these last night with a side of your green chile sauce for dipping. Delicious! Thanks, Kathy. Another one of your recipes we love.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        October 20, 2022 at 11:37 am

        Hi Shellie, I'm so glad you loved the Mexican potatoes. Great idea with adding green chili sauce. Thank you for the feedback. Let me know if you try any other recipes. I'd love to hear from you.

        Reply

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