Papa+Rellena

= Papa Rellena =

Papa Rellena is a baked potato stuffed with beef, onions, olives, hard-boiled eggs, cumin, and various other spices. In 1879, Peruvian soldiers were very involved in war and did not have time to stop and make a whole meal. They made papa rellena because they could carry them around and were pre-made. Over the years, they have added more ingredients for extra flavor. It later became a Peruvian delicacy. They are similar to tostones and empanadas, there are many different versions depending on what country you are in.

To make papa rellena, baked potatoes are combined with eggs and mashed to make a dough. Inside of it is a mixture of meats and vegetables such as beef, onions, and olives. Other ingredients are hard-boiled eggs and spices such as cumin. The dough is flattened and the filling is put in the center. The dough is closed in the shape of an oval. After it has been assembled, the papa rellena is fried to a golden brown and served with rice and salsa criolla.

In Peru, papa rellena is a street food you could get from a vender or a food truck similar to a hot dog in America. It is popular on the streets of large cities such as Lima and Cusco.

By: Lydia Reed