- Cuisine Peruvian
- Course Appetizer
- Prep 30 min
- Cook 45 min
- Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic red potatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup organic shelled peanuts, roasted and lightly crushed
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 large fresh avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 small fresh lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons organic honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh coriander for garnish
Clean swaps
How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.
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Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.
What you'll need
- Cast iron skillet — Sears better than any non-stick; naturally non-stick once seasoned. Compare options →
- Chef's knife — A sharp 8" chef's knife handles 90% of prep — chopping, mincing, slicing. Compare options →
- High-powered blender — Smooth sauces, smoothies, and nut milks in 30 seconds. Compare options →
- Half-sheet pan — The workhorse of roasting and baking — get two so one is always clean.
Instructions
- Boil the red potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in ground cumin seeds, cooking for an additional 1 minute. Stir in roasted peanuts, cook for another minute, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Mash the cooled potatoes with a fork, or use a potato ricer for a more fluffy texture. Season with salt to taste.
- In a blender, combine diced avocados, sautéed onion-garlic mixture, cilantro, mint, lime juice, honey, and remaining avocado oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the huancaína sauce into the mashed potatoes until well combined.
- Serve immediately in small bowls, garnished with chopped fresh coriander.
FAQ
Is this Machu Picchu-Style Papa a la Huancaína gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I use different types of squash instead of potatoes?
While you can be creative, the creamy texture and flavor of mashed potatoes are key to the traditional dish. Squashes may not yield the same texture or result in a similar sensory experience.
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