Causa Rellena
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Yellow potatoes, boiled and mashed — 1 kg (2.2 lb)
- Aji amarillo paste — 3 tbsp
- Lime juice — 60 ml (2 fl oz)
- Oil — 60 ml (2 fl oz)
- Cooked, shredded chicken — 300 g (10.5 oz)
- Mayonnaise — 3 tbsp
- Avocado, sliced — 1
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced — 2
- Salt — to taste
Method
- Combine the mashed potato with the aji amarillo paste, lime juice, oil and salt, mixing until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the shredded chicken with the mayonnaise, seasoning with salt.
- Line a loaf tin or ring mould with plastic wrap.
- Press half the potato mixture into the base.
- Layer the chicken salad on top, followed by a layer of sliced avocado.
- Top with the remaining potato mixture, smoothing the surface.
- Chill for at least 1 hour, then invert onto a serving plate.
- Garnish with sliced hard-boiled egg before serving.
Introduction: Layered mashed potato seasoned with aji amarillo and lime, filled with chicken or seafood salad, an elegant and beloved Peruvian starter.
Cultural Background: Causa reflects Peru's deep culinary connection to the potato, one of thousands of native varieties transformed here into a vibrant, layered dish, its bright yellow colour from aji amarillo a signature of Peruvian cooking.
Tips: Chilling thoroughly before unmoulding helps the layers hold together for a clean presentation. Season the potato mixture generously, as it's the foundation of the dish's flavour.
Variations: Use canned tuna or shrimp salad in place of chicken for a seafood version. Add a few olives as a garnish, a traditional touch.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This dish is served cold and is not reheated.
FAQs:
Q: What gives causa its yellow colour?
A: Aji amarillo paste, a signature Peruvian chilli, blended into the mashed potato base.
Q: Is causa served hot or cold?
A: Always cold or at room temperature, making it a refreshing starter.
- Yellow potatoes, boiled and mashed — 1 kg (2.2 lb)
- Aji amarillo paste — 3 tbsp
- Lime juice — 60 ml (2 fl oz)
- Oil — 60 ml (2 fl oz)
- Cooked, shredded chicken — 300 g (10.5 oz)
- Mayonnaise — 3 tbsp
- Avocado, sliced — 1
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced — 2
- Salt — to taste
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