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Papa Rellena

Papa Rellena is a Peruvian street food classic — a ball of mashed potato stuffed with a savory filling, then fried until golden. The traditional version uses ground beef. This vegan version uses spiced lentils and it is absolutely killer.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs russet potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 2 tbsp vegan butter
  • Salt to taste

Lentil Filling

  • 1 cup cooked green lentils
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional but traditional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced olives

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft
  2. Add lentils and spices, cook 5 minutes
  3. Stir in raisins and olives, season and cool completely
  4. Take a handful of mashed potato and flatten in your palm
  5. Add a spoonful of lentil filling in the center
  6. Fold potato around filling and shape into a ball
  7. Coat lightly in flour
  8. Fry in hot oil 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown
  9. Drain on paper towels and serve hot
  10. Serve with aji amarillo sauce or hot sauce. These reheat well in the oven the next day

Craving more? Try Another Big Boy Breakfast: My Sweet Side — Cashew Butter Apple Waffles next.