When it comes to traditional Peruvian cuisine, there is one dish that stands out for its unique combination of flavors and textures – the Peruvian potato chicken salad, also known as causa rellena. This dish is a perfect example of the fusion of indigenous ingredients and Spanish influence in Peruvian cooking. It is a delicious and colorful dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. In this article, we will explore the history of causa rellena and provide you with some mouth-watering recipes to try at home. So, let's dive into the world of Peruvian cuisine and discover the wonders of causa rellena!
Main Ingredients: Potato, Chicken Breast, Carrots, Red Beets, Fresh Basil
This potato chicken salad recipe is a delicious twist on the classic chicken salad. The addition of potatoes adds a hearty and filling element, making it a perfect lunch or light dinner option. The creamy dressing, tangy pickles, and crunchy celery create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich for a satisfying meal.
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Tex Mex Potato & Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Pepper, Taco Seasoning
Take your taste buds on a trip to the Southwest with this Tex Mex potato and chicken salad. The combination of tender chicken, spicy jalapenos, creamy avocado, and crunchy red bell peppers creates a fiesta of flavors. The addition of potatoes adds a satisfying and filling element, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish at your next BBQ.
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ENSALADA DE POLLO-Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Potatoes, Apple, Frozen Peas, Onion, Hard
This refreshing and flavorful chicken salad recipe is inspired by the traditional Mexican dish, ensalada de pollo. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lime dressing and combined with crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this dish, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
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Chunky Chicken Salad in Toast Cups
Main Ingredients: White Bread Slices, Potatoes, Eggs, Turnip, Carrots
Elevate your chicken salad game with this unique recipe for chunky chicken salad in toast cups. The crispy and buttery toast cups provide the perfect vessel for the creamy and chunky chicken salad. The addition of potatoes adds a delicious and filling element to this dish, making it a perfect appetizer or light lunch option.
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Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Dijon Mustard, Dill Weed
This classic chicken salad recipe is a staple in many households and for good reason. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and tangy mayonnaise creates a simple yet satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a hearty and filling element, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a sandwich filling.
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Classic Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Mayonnaise, Sweet Pickle Relish, Celery
This classic chicken salad recipe is a go-to for many people, and for good reason. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and tangy mayonnaise creates a simple yet satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a hearty and filling element, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a sandwich filling. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Main Ingredients: Fingerling Potatoes, Chicken Broth, Chicken Breasts
Impress your guests with this beautiful and flavorful purple fingerling potato chicken salad. The combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing creates a delicious and colorful dish. The addition of purple fingerling potatoes adds a unique twist to this classic dish and makes it a perfect side for any occasion.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Fuji Apples, Red Seedless Grapes, Chopped
This recipe for Fancy Nancy chicken salad is a copycat of the popular Chicken Salad Chick restaurant chain. The tangy and creamy dressing, combined with the crunch of almonds and grapes, creates a delicious and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a unique twist and makes it a perfect meal on its own or as a sandwich filling.
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Creamy Chicken Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Garlic, Minced Ginger, Vegetable Oil, Lemon
Take your potato salad game to the next level with this creamy chicken potato salad recipe. The tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy vegetables create a delicious and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this dish, making it a perfect side for any BBQ or potluck.
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Marketside Chicken Wraps & Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Fresh Tomato, Red Onion, Salad Greens
Looking for a quick and easy meal option? These Marketside chicken wraps and potato salad are the perfect solution. The tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing create a delicious and filling wrap. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this dish and makes it a perfect meal on its own or as a side.
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Chicken, Apple, Caramelized Shallot and Sage Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Shallots, Sage, Potatoes, Endive, Granny Smith
This flavorful and unique chicken salad recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of tender chicken, crisp apples, and caramelized shallots creates a delicious and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a hearty element to this salad, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish.
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Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Chicken, Celery, Onions, Red Bell Pepper
This classic potato salad recipe is a staple at any BBQ or potluck. The combination of tender potatoes, tangy dressing, and crisp vegetables create a simple yet satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this dish, making it a perfect side for any occasion. For a twist, try adding some diced chicken to the mix.
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Spicy Chicken and Potato Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Margarine Or Butter, Salsa, Potato, Salt And
If you love a little heat in your food, then this spicy chicken and potato salad is for you. The combination of tender chicken, spicy jalapenos, and tangy dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this salad, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish.
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Poached Chicken And Artichoke Salad With Saffron Aioli
Main Ingredients: Saffron Threads, Chicken Stock, Lemon Juice, Potatoes
This elegant and flavorful salad is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy lunch. The tender poached chicken, tangy artichokes, and saffron aioli create a delicious and sophisticated dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this salad, making it a satisfying meal on its own or as a side dish.
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Garden Vegetable And Mushroom Salad
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Chicken, Pickled Cucumbers, Eggs, Potatoes
This vibrant and flavorful salad is the perfect way to use up those fresh garden vegetables. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing create a delicious and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this salad, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish.
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Layered Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Potatoes, Carrots, Boiled Eggs
This layered chicken salad is not only visually appealing but also full of flavor and texture. The combination of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy vegetables create a delicious and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this salad, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish.
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Pickled Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Potato, Carrot, Salt, Chicken Breast, Onion, Chile
This unique twist on the classic chicken salad is a must-try for pickle lovers. The combination of tender chicken, tangy pickles, and creamy dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this salad, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish. For an extra kick, add some diced jalapenos.
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Balsamic Glazed Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chicken Breast, Balsamic Vinegar, Italian
This balsamic glazed chicken salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The tender chicken, tangy dressing, and sweet glaze create a delicious and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this salad, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish. For a unique twist, try using purple potatoes for a pop of color.
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Chicken Salad with Grapes
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chopped Celery, Red Grapes, Dried Cranberries
This chicken salad with grapes is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic chicken salad. The combination of tender chicken, sweet grapes, and tangy dressing create a delicious and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this salad, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a sandwich filling.
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Spring Chicken Salad With Sauce Verte
Main Ingredients: Italian Parsley, Chopped Basil, Crushed Garlic, Anchovy
This light and refreshing chicken salad is perfect for a springtime lunch or picnic. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy sauce verte create a flavorful and satisfying dish. The addition of potatoes adds a heartiness to this salad, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish. Add some diced bacon for an extra burst of flavor.
The History of Causa Rellena
Causa rellena has been a staple in Peruvian cuisine since the colonial era. The word "causa" derives from the Quechua word "kausay," which means life or sustenance. The dish was originally made with a mashed potato base, filled with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, avocado, and chili peppers, and served cold. It was a popular dish among the indigenous people of Peru, who used potatoes as a main source of sustenance.
With the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, the dish evolved to include Spanish ingredients such as olives, hard-boiled eggs, and mayonnaise. It became a favorite among the upper class and was often served at formal events. Over time, different regions in Peru developed their own variations of causa rellena, incorporating local ingredients and flavors.
The Key Ingredients
The main ingredients in causa rellena are potatoes and chicken. Potatoes are a staple in Peruvian cuisine and are believed to have originated from Peru. They come in different colors and sizes, and each variety adds a unique flavor to the dish. For this recipe, we will be using yellow potatoes, which are creamy and ideal for mashing.
The chicken is usually boiled and shredded, but you can also use leftover roasted chicken for a more flavorful filling. Other common ingredients include avocado, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper). These ingredients give the dish its vibrant colors and add a burst of flavor to every bite.
The Recipe
To make this delicious Peruvian potato chicken salad, you will need:
- 1 kg yellow potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 3 chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp aji amarillo paste
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 10 olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with mayonnaise, aji amarillo paste, lime juice, and salt. This will be the base of your dish. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded chicken with mashed avocado and season with salt and lime juice.
To assemble the dish, take a 9x9 inch square dish and line it with plastic wrap. Spread half of the mashed potato mixture evenly at the bottom. Top with the chicken and avocado mixture, followed by another layer of mashed potatoes. Press gently to make sure the layers are compact.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, remove the dish from the fridge and invert it onto a serving platter. Garnish with the sliced hard-boiled eggs, olives, and red onion. Slice and serve cold.
In conclusion, Peruvian potato chicken salad causa rellena is a delightful dish that showcases the fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences in Peruvian cuisine. Its rich history and delicious flavors make it a must-try for anyone interested in exploring new and exciting culinary experiences. So, why not give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound Peruvian cooking skills?