Papas rellenas: the reinvented potato

Papas rellenas are extremely popular in Perú and are served in most traditional restaurants. This dish features a potato stuffed with a preparation of onion, ground beef, eggs, and olives.

Papas rellenas are delicious and can be enjoyed as either an appetizer or a main course. Some restaurants and chefs substitute yucca for the potato, creating what is known as yuccas rellenas. Moreover, while the authentic recipe for papas rellenas is the one we're presenting here, it's perfectly possible to stuff potatoes with countless other fillings!

The origins of papa rellena in Peruvian gastronomy

Although this dish is greatly appreciated by Peruvians, there are no documented traces of its recipe before the early 19th century. It's therefore quite likely that it represents a fusion between two different dishes or cuisines. Perhaps one day, history will answer the questions surrounding its origins... In any case, we adore papas rellenas, so here's the recipe!

A quick Peruvian cooking lesson: papas rellenas recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kg potatoes
• 250 g ground beef
• 6 black olives, halved
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 onion, finely diced
• Raisins
• 2 cooked eggs, diced
• 1 beaten egg
• Salt, pepper, garlic
• Flour
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

How to prepare papas rellenas

1. Cook the potatoes. Once cooked, peel and mash them. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Dice the onion and fry until lightly browned, then gradually add garlic, salt, pepper, and the diced tomato. After 2 to 3 minutes, add the ground beef and cook for another 4 minutes, then finish by adding the eggs, olives, chopped cilantro, and raisins. Stir, remove from heat, but let the residual heat finish cooking the mixture.

3. Take a small handful of mashed potato, flatten it in your palm, place a spoonful or two of the filling in the center, and try to form a ball with the potato. Repeat as many times as needed to make all your papas rellenas.

4. Dip the balls in beaten egg, roll them in flour, and deep-fry them briefly in hot oil.

And there you have it—your papas rellenas are ready! Now it's time to sit down at the table and savor these delicious papas rellenas, just like the ones you loved during your trip to Perú.