Peruvian Causa Rellena: Chilled Layered Potato and Chicken Bites

Boil the potatoes in well-salted water for 18 to 20 minutes, until a knife slides through with no resistance. Drain thoroughly and let them steam dry for 2 minutes.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) yellow potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 3 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 2 cups (280g) cooked chicken breast, finely shredded
• 1/3 cup (80g) mayonnaise
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
• 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
• 6 black olives, halved
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes in well-salted water for 18 to 20 minutes, until a knife slides through with no resistance. Drain thoroughly and let them steam dry for 2 minutes.
2. Press the hot potatoes through a ricer or mash them very smooth while still warm. Cold potatoes turn gluey, so work fast.
3. Beat in the aji amarillo paste, oil, lime juice and salt until the mash turns a vivid, even yellow and tastes bright and slightly spicy. Cool to room temperature.
4. Mix the shredded chicken with the mayonnaise, scallions and a pinch of salt to make a loose, spreadable filling.
5. Line an 8-inch square pan with plastic wrap, leaving a wide overhang. Press half the potato mixture into an even layer using damp hands.
6. Spread the chicken filling over the potato, then fan the avocado slices across it and season with a squeeze of lime to keep them green.
7. Top with the remaining potato, pressing gently to seal, and fold the plastic wrap over the surface. Chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
8. Lift the block out by the wrap, cut into 24 squares with a hot wet knife, and finish each with a slice of egg, half an olive and a pinch of cilantro.
9. Causa takes its name from the Quechua word kausay, meaning sustenance or life itself, and Peruvians have layered these chilled potato terrines since long before the dish reached restaurant menus. Because it is meant to be eaten cold and improves after a night in the refrigerator, it is one of the world's great make-ahead party appetizers.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 590mg