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Papa a la Huancaina Potatoes in Cheese Sauce

A classic Peruvian appetizer of boiled yellow potatoes blanketed in a vibrant, spicy cheese sauce made from aji amarillo, queso fresco, and crackers, served cold on a bed of lettuce.

35 minEasyServes 4380 cal/serving

PeruvianAppetizerBlenderVegetarianHigh FiberHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs yellow potatoes (Yukon Gold)
  • 8 oz queso fresco (or feta cheese), crumbled
  • 1/4 cup aji amarillo paste (jarred)
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 8 gluten-free crackers (or 2 slices white bread)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic clove
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 8 romaine lettuce leaves (for serving)
  • 1/2 cup black olives (for garnish), halved
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs (for garnish), sliced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Boil 2 lbs yellow potatoes (Yukon Gold) in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes depending on size. Drain and let cool, then peel and slice into 1/2-inch rounds.

  2. 2

    In a blender, combine 8 oz crumbled queso fresco (or feta cheese), 1/4 cup aji amarillo paste (jarred), 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 8 gluten-free crackers (or 2 slices white bread), 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and 2 garlic clove. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and blend again. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk.

  3. 3

    Arrange 8 romaine lettuce leaves (for serving) leaves on a serving platter. Layer the sliced potatoes over the lettuce.

  4. 4

    Pour the huancaina sauce generously over the potatoes, covering them well.

  5. 5

    Garnish with 1/2 cup halved black olives (for garnish) and 2 sliced hard-boiled eggs (for garnish). Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Questions

Can I make Papa a la Huancaina Potatoes in Cheese Sauce dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (8 oz queso fresco (or feta cheese), crumbled, 1/2 cup evaporated milk) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free appetizer collection instead.

How long does Papa a la Huancaina Potatoes in Cheese Sauce keep?

Refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to four days and stir it back together before serving.

Can I halve or double Papa a la Huancaina Potatoes in Cheese Sauce?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, blend in batches rather than overfilling the jar.

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