Description
At its core, Peruvian Causa Rellena is a chilled, layered potato terrine or cake that serves as a staple dish across Peru. Unlike hot potato mashes that rely on heavy butter or cow milk, this classic cold meal uses whipped yellow potatoes seasoned with tart lime juice, neutral oil, and fragrant yellow chili pepper paste.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Potato Layer
- 2 lb (900 g) yellow potatoes
- 2–3 tbsp aji amarillo paste
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- ¼ cup black olives
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and boil until completely tender, about 20–25 minutes. Drain, peel while warm, and mash until smooth.
- Season the potatoes: While the potatoes are still warm, mix in the aji amarillo paste, lime juice, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly combined. Allow the mixture to cool.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the mold: Lightly grease a round cake pan, loaf pan, or individual serving molds with a little oil.
- Build the causa: Spread half of the seasoned potato mixture into the bottom of the mold and press gently into an even layer. Add the avocado slices, followed by the chicken filling.
- Add the top layer: Cover with the remaining potato mixture and smooth the surface.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the layers firm up.
- Serve: Carefully turn the causa onto a serving plate. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs, black olives, and fresh cilantro. Serve chilled over lettuce leaves.
Notes
For a traditional flavor, use Peruvian yellow potatoes and authentic ají amarillo paste. You can replace the chicken filling with tuna, shrimp, or a vegetarian mixture of avocado and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling / Layering
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
Keywords: authentic Causa Rellena, Peruvian potato cake, layered cold potato dish, chicken Causa Rellena