Looking for a delightful dish that highlights the vibrant flavors of Peru? This vegetarian causa with aji sauce is a perfect blend of textures and tastes that will transport your taste buds to the heart of South America. Causa, a traditional Peruvian dish, features layers of mashed yellow potatoes seasoned with lime juice and aji amarillo, a Peruvian yellow chili pepper. Topped with a creamy avocado mixture and a zesty aji sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious and satisfying Vegetarian Causa with Aji Sauce.
**Ingredients:**
For the causa:
– 6 large yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the avocado mixture:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the aji sauce:
– 2 aji amarillo peppers, deseeded and deveined
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
– Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
– Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
– Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Allow them to cool slightly.
2. **Make the Causa Mixture:**
– Mash the cooked potatoes with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
– Stir in the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
3. **Prepare the Avocado Mixture:**
– In a separate bowl, mash the avocados with lime juice until creamy.
– Season with salt and pepper, mix well, and set aside.
4. **Make the Aji Sauce:**
– In a blender, combine the aji amarillo peppers, garlic, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
– Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. **Assemble the Causa:**
– Line a square baking dish with plastic wrap for easy removal.
– Spread half of the causa mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
– Next, layer the avocado mixture over the causa.
– Top with the remaining causa mixture and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. **Chill and Serve:**
– Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
– Once chilled, carefully invert the causa onto a serving platter and remove the plastic wrap.
– Drizzle the aji sauce over the top of the causa, or serve it on the side for dipping.
– Slice into squares and garnish with extra lime wedges or fresh herbs before serving.
This Vegetarian Causa with Aji Sauce is a delightful and colorful addition to any table, providing a balance of flavors that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, this Peruvian-inspired dish is a delicious way to experience the richness of South American cuisine. Enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece and savor every bite of its unique and savory goodness!
