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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 — Potato Shell:

3 lbs russet potatoes, boiled and mashed

2 tbsp vegan butter

Salt to taste

Ingredients — 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:

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft

Add lentils and spices, cook 5 minutes

Stir in raisins and olives, season and cool completely

Take a handful of mashed potato and flatten in your palm

Add a spoonful of lentil filling in the center

Fold potato around filling and shape into a ball

Coat lightly in flour

Fry in hot oil 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown

Drain on paper towels and serve hot

Serve with aji amarillo sauce or hot sauce. These reheat well in the oven the next day


Hungry for more plant-based inspiration? Head back to Vegan Good Eats for more creative vegan recipes straight from the kitchen..