Causa
Causa is a cold terrine of seasoned mashed yellow potato layered with a creamy filling of chicken or tuna and avocado. The potato is flavored with lime and aji amarillo, giving it a sunny color and gentle heat. It is served chilled, often as a starter.
Where it comes from
Causa comes from Peru, where yellow potatoes grow abundantly. It is one of the country's iconic cold dishes and appears in many forms, from layered cakes to individual rolls.
Explore the cuisine of Peru.
Recipe
Make Causa at home
Ingredients
- 2 lb yellow potatoes (Yukon Gold)
- 3 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- Black olives for garnish
- Salt to taste
How it's made
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until very tender, then peel and mash them while warm until smooth.
- Mix in the aji paste, lime juice, oil and salt, kneading into a smooth, firm dough; chill 20 minutes.
- Mix the chicken or tuna with the mayonnaise and a pinch of salt.
- Line a pan with plastic wrap and press in half the potato in an even layer.
- Spread the chicken or tuna filling, then a layer of avocado slices.
- Top with the remaining potato, press down and chill at least 1 hour.
- Unmold, slice and garnish with eggs and olives.
Variations
- Causa de atun: tuna filling.
- Causa de camarones: shrimp filling.
- Vegetarian causa with avocado and tomato.
Cook’s tip: Use starchy yellow potatoes and mash while still hot; cold potatoes turn gluey.
Related dishes
CevicheMain dishes · Peru
Lomo saltadoMain dishes · Peru
Aji de gallinaMain dishes · Peru
German potato saladSalads · Germany
About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.