How to Make the Perfect Causa Limena Peruvian Potato Terrine
Peruvian · Medium · 55 min · 6 servings
Causa Limena is a stunning cold Peruvian dish made from layers of seasoned yellow potato filled with creamy chicken or tuna salad. It is elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday meals, showcasing the incredible versatility of the Peruvian potato.
Why this recipe works
This Causa Limena Peruvian Potato Terrine recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 kg yellow potatoes such as Yukon Gold peeled and boiled
- 3 tbsp aji amarillo paste
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 300 g cooked chicken breast shredded and mixed with mayonnaise
- 2 whole avocados sliced
- 2 tbsp neutral oil such as vegetable oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Dough
While the potatoes are still hot, mash them thoroughly until completely smooth with no lumps. Add the aji amarillo paste, lime juice, oil, and salt and knead everything together until it forms a smooth uniform dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Mix the shredded chicken with mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper until creamy and well combined. Slice the avocados thinly and set aside at room temperature for assembly.
Step 3: Assemble the Causa
Press half of the potato dough into a loaf pan or individual ring molds to form an even base layer. Arrange the avocado slices over the potato, then spread the chicken filling evenly on top.
Step 4: Top and Chill
Press the remaining potato dough over the filling to create a smooth top layer, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before unmolding and garnishing with mayonnaise, hard boiled eggs, and olives.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cooked chicken breast → canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise for a quicker and equally traditional version
- yellow potatoes → regular russet potatoes with a small pinch of turmeric added to mimic the yellow color
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Mashing the potatoes while they are cold which results in a gummy and dense texture that cannot hold its shape
- Adding too much mayonnaise to the chicken filling which makes it too wet and causes the layers to slide apart
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 18g protein, 38g carbs, 12g fat, 5g fiber.
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