Causa Rellena (Peruvian Layered Potato Cake)

About This Recipe

Causa rellena uses potato in a way rarely seen elsewhere, mashed and seasoned generously with aji amarillo and lime until it becomes almost like a dough, firm enough to be layered and shaped rather than served as a soft side. Traditionally the potato layers sandwich a filling of shredded chicken or tuna salad bound with mayonnaise and avocado, the layers pressed into a mold and chilled until firm enough to slice cleanly. Served cold, causa is as much about visual presentation as flavor, its bright yellow potato layers and colorful filling making it a striking addition to any Peruvian table, whether as a starter or light lunch.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 1 kgyellow potatoes(peeled)
• 1/3 cupaji amarillo paste
• 1/4 cupvegetable oil
• 3 tbsplime juice
• 1.5 tspsalt
• 2 cupscooked shredded chicken or canned tuna
• 1/3 cupmayonnaise
• 2celery stalks(finely diced)
• 2avocados(sliced)
• 2hard-boiled eggs(sliced, for garnish)
• 1/2 cupblack olives(for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil the potatoes

   Boil the potatoes whole until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes, then drain and mash while hot.

2. 2

   Season the potato

   Mix the mashed potato with aji amarillo paste, oil, lime juice and salt while still warm, until smooth and well combined.

   Season the potato while it's still warm — the flavors absorb far more thoroughly than into cold, already-set mash.

3. 3

   Cool

   Let the potato mixture cool to room temperature.

4. 4

   Make the filling

   Mix shredded chicken or tuna with mayonnaise and diced celery.

5. 5

   Layer

   Press half the seasoned potato into the bottom of a lined mold or loaf pan, top with the chicken or tuna filling, then a layer of sliced avocado, and finish with the remaining potato pressed on top.

6. 6

   Chill

   Refrigerate at least 2 hours until firm.

7. 7

   Serve

   Unmold, slice, and garnish with sliced hard-boiled egg and black olives.

Variations

• •

  A vegetarian version fills the layers with avocado and vegetables instead of chicken or tuna.

• •

  Crab meat is a popular, more elevated filling in some coastal versions.

• •

  Individual causa 'cups' can be made in small ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days; causa is traditionally served cold and doesn't need reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions