Papa a la Huancaína (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce)
In short: Sliced boiled potatoes covered in a creamy, golden sauce of fresh cheese, ají amarillo and evaporated milk, topped with egg and olives. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Papa a la huancaína is a cold starter found at every Peruvian lunch counter and family table. Boiled yellow potatoes are covered in a velvety, bright yellow sauce made from fresh cheese, ají amarillo, evaporated milk and a few crackers to thicken it. Hard-boiled egg and black olives finish the plate. The sauce is mild and creamy with a gentle chili warmth, and it keeps well in the fridge.
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 20 to 25 minutes, until a knife slides in easily. Drain, cool, peel and cut into thick rounds.
- Boil the eggs for 10 minutes, cool in cold water, peel and halve them.
- Blend the ají paste, cheese, evaporated milk, crackers and garlic until smooth. With the blender running, slowly pour in the oil until the sauce is thick and creamy, like a loose mayonnaise.
- Taste the sauce and add salt only if needed, since the cheese is salty. Thin it with a splash of milk if it is too thick to spoon.
- Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter and layer the potato slices on top. Spoon the sauce over to cover them, then garnish with the eggs and olives. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tips
- If you cannot find ají amarillo paste, blend 1 roasted yellow bell pepper with half a seeded jalapeño and a pinch of turmeric. The flavor will differ but the color will be right.
- The sauce thickens in the fridge. Stir in a tablespoon or two of milk before serving.
Questions and answers
What cheese is best for huancaína sauce?
Queso fresco is traditional. Mild feta or a soft, salty farmer cheese is a good substitute. Taste the sauce before adding salt.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes. It keeps in a covered jar in the fridge for 3 days. Stir well and loosen with a little milk before using.
Is papa a la huancaína served hot or cold?
It is served at room temperature or cold, as a starter. Warm potatoes also work, but the sauce should stay cool.
How long does it take to make Papa a la Huancaína (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Papa a la Huancaína (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce)?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 14 g of protein, 33 g of carbohydrates and 21 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
