Peruvian•lunch•intermediate

Classic Peruvian Papa Rellenas

Name: Classic Peruvian Papa Rellenas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 1 kg of potatoes, peeled and quartered; 500 g of ground beef; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 50 g of black olives, pitted and chopped; 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; 1 teaspoon of cumin; 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 100 g of all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 200 g of breadcrumbs; Oil for frying

Savor the taste of Peru with these crispy and hearty Papa Rellenas filled with a savory blend of beef and spices.

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

60 min

Servings

Imagine a golden-brown orb of deliciousness, a crispy exterior giving way to a soft, flavorful center. One bite into a Papa Rellena, and you're transported to the vibrant streets of Lima where this dish is a celebrated staple. 'Papa' means potato, and 'rellena' means stuffed, a name that humbly describes these stuffed potato croquettes. The traditional filling is a savory mix of ground beef, onions, garlic, and olives, with a hint of cumin and paprika, punctuating the richness of the potatoes. They're then breaded and fried to create a contrast in textures that makes this dish a beloved comfort food in Peruvian cuisine. Gather your friends and family and get ready for a culinary adventure that will make your kitchen the most popular eatery on the block!

Ingredients

1 kg of potatoes, peeled and quartered
500 g of ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
50 g of black olives, pitted and chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
100 g of all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
200 g of breadcrumbs
Oil for frying

Instructions

1
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash until smooth, set aside to cool.
2
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onions and garlic until golden and fragrant.
3
Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown it. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4
Mix in the olives and chopped eggs into the cooked beef. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
5
With cool mashed potatoes, form palm-sized balls. Make a well in the center of each and spoon in the beef filling.
6
Seal the potatoes around the filling, forming an oval shape.
7
Roll the stuffed potatoes in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat in breadcrumbs.
8
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet. Fry the Papa Rellenas in batches until golden brown.
9
Drain on paper towels and serve while hot with a side of salsa criolla or aji sauce.

Chef's Tip

To ensure even cooking, make sure your Papa Rellenas are of uniform size. Serve them with a squeeze of lime for an extra zing!

Fun Fact

Papa Rellenas are a product of Peru's diverse culinary history, a fusion of indigenous Andean and imported European food traditions.

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fandango

I'm a web developer with a passion for cooking, especially when it comes to pasta. Spaghetti to ravioli, I love it all. I'm also fascinated by the rich tastes of Peruvian cuisine. Follow along as I combine tech and cooking, creating easy-to-follow digital recipes that highlight the pleasure of delicious food.

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