Papa a la Huancaína is a basic Peruvian dish made with boiled potatoes served with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. This is a recipe for you:
Components:
- Potatoes:
- 6 medium yellow potatoes (ideally Peruvian or Yukon Gold)
- Huancaína Sauce:
- 1-2 recent aji amarillo peppers (or 2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste)
- 200 grams (about 7 oz) queso fresco (or feta cheese)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 4 saltine crackers (or 1/4 cup crushed soda crackers)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to style
- Garnishes:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- Black olives, pitted and halved
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
Directions:
1. Prepare dinner the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes totally.
- Place them in a big pot of salted water.
- Deliver to a boil, then cut back to a simmer and cook dinner till the potatoes are tender (about 20-25 minutes).
- Drain and allow them to cool. As soon as cooled, peel and slice the potatoes into thick rounds.
2. Put together the Huancaína Sauce:
- If utilizing recent aji amarillo, take away the seeds and veins, then boil the peppers for about 10 minutes to cut back their warmth. If utilizing aji amarillo paste, you’ll be able to skip this step.
- In a blender, mix the aji amarillo (or aji amarillo paste), queso fresco, evaporated milk, garlic, saltine crackers, and vegetable oil.
- Mix till easy and creamy. The sauce must be thick sufficient to coat the again of a spoon. If it is too thick, add a bit of extra evaporated milk; if it is too skinny, add extra crackers or cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to style.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- On a serving plate, place just a few lettuce leaves.
- Organize the potato slices on prime of the lettuce.
- Generously pour the Huancaína sauce over the potatoes.
- Garnish with slices of hard-boiled eggs and black olives.
Serving Ideas:
Papa a la Huancaína is usually served as a starter or a aspect dish. You possibly can take pleasure in it chilly or at room temperature.
Suggestions:
- Aji Amarillo Substitution: If you happen to can’t discover aji amarillo peppers or paste, you should use a mixture of yellow bell peppers and a pinch of chili powder, although it gained’t have the precise taste.
- Make-Forward: You may make the Huancaína sauce upfront and retailer it within the fridge for as much as 2 days.
Get pleasure from your scrumptious Peruvian Papa a la Huancaína!
