New potatoes in garlic butter are a simple and delicious preparation with roots in the culinary traditions of many rural regions, where potatoes are a staple food. Originating in countries with temperate climates, new potatoes are characterized by their soft texture and delicate flavor, making them ideal to accompany a wide variety of dishes. In Latin America, this type of preparation may also be known as "butter-roasted potatoes" or "garlic potatoes," with the name varying by region, but always highlighting the freshness of the young potatoes and the intense flavor of the garlic butter.
In Mexico, for example, similar versions can be found under the name "skillet potatoes with garlic," while in Argentina and Uruguay they are usually called "potatoes in butter with garlic." In Caribbean countries, new potatoes may be prepared with added ingredients, but the essence of butter and garlic remains. This simple recipe reflects the fusion of indigenous and European influences in Latin American cuisine.