Causa
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Created: 9/25/2023
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Causa is a traditional Peruvian dish made with mashed yellow potatoes that are seasoned with lime juice and chili pepper. The mashed potatoes are layered with a stuffing of chicken or seafood mixed with mayonnaise. This dish is perfect for a quick, light lunch or a refreshing appetizer during the summer months.
Ingredients:
Yield: 4-6 servings
4 large yellow potatoes, boiled and mashed
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 limes, juiced
1 teaspoon of aji amarillo paste (Peruvian yellow chili pepper paste) or substitute with yellow pepper paste from Asia or Africa
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of cooked chicken or seafood (shrimp, crab, or tuna)
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
1/4 cup of finely chopped celery
1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1
Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water until they are cooked and tender, approximately 20 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain the water and mash them until smooth. Allow them to cool.
Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water until they are cooked and tender, approximately 20 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain the water and mash them until smooth. Allow them to cool.
Step 2
Add the lime juice, aji amarillo paste, salt, and vegetable oil to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
Add the lime juice, aji amarillo paste, salt, and vegetable oil to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked chicken or seafood, mayonnaise, onion, celery, cilantro, salt and pepper.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked chicken or seafood, mayonnaise, onion, celery, cilantro, salt and pepper.
Step 4
Take a portion of the mashed potatoes and make a small ball the size of your palm, then flatten it to create a base for the layering.
Take a portion of the mashed potatoes and make a small ball the size of your palm, then flatten it to create a base for the layering.
Step 5
Add a generous amount of the chicken or seafood mixture on top of the mashed potatoes, then add another layer of mashed potatoes on top of the filling. Repeat this step until you have at least three layers of both the mashed potatoes and the filling.
Add a generous amount of the chicken or seafood mixture on top of the mashed potatoes, then add another layer of mashed potatoes on top of the filling. Repeat this step until you have at least three layers of both the mashed potatoes and the filling.
Step 6
Refrigerate for at least an hour so all the flavors can meld together and the dish can firm up.
Refrigerate for at least an hour so all the flavors can meld together and the dish can firm up.
Step 7
Before serving, cut the causa into small squares or circles and garnish with some fresh cilantro and a dab of mayonnaise. Serve chilled.
Before serving, cut the causa into small squares or circles and garnish with some fresh cilantro and a dab of mayonnaise. Serve chilled.