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Peruvian Papa Rellena is a delicious and comforting dish made of mashed potatoes filled with a savory ground beef mixture, then fried to golden perfection. It’s hearty, flavorful, and shockingly cheap to make!
🌟 Why You’ll Love Peruvian Papa Rellena
- Incredibly Affordable: Costs around $3 per serving.
- Filling & Flavorful: The creamy potato exterior with a rich, meaty filling is pure bliss.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Versatile: Can be adapted for vegetarians by swapping out the beef for lentils or mushrooms.
Learn more about Peruvian cuisine from Serious Eats.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 2, Cost: $3.00)
- 2 large potatoes (mashed) – ($1.00)
- 1/2 lb ground beef – ($1.20)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped – ($0.30)
- 1 boiled egg, chopped (optional) – ($0.30)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional) – ($0.20)
- 1/4 cup flour – ($0.10)
- Oil for frying – ($0.20)
- Salt & pepper to taste – (Free)
Looking for an authentic recipe? Check out this Papa Rellena recipe from Peru Delights.
🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté onions until soft, then add ground beef. Cook until browned. Add raisins, egg, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool.
- Mash the Potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender, mash, and season with salt. Let them cool completely.
- Form the Patties: Take a handful of mashed potatoes, flatten it in your palm, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and cover with more mashed potatoes. Shape into a ball or oval.
- Coat & Fry: Roll the potato balls in flour and fry in hot oil until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy with a side of fresh salsa or salad.
For more tips, check out this guide from Epicurious.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | $1.00 |
| Ground Beef | $1.20 |
| Onion | $0.30 |
| Boiled Egg (Opt.) | $0.30 |
| Raisins (Opt.) | $0.20 |
| Flour | $0.10 |
| Oil | $0.20 |
| Total Cost | $3.00 |
🌟 Tips for Perfect Papa Rellena
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are completely cooled before forming the patties.
- Fry in hot oil for a crispy exterior.
- Experiment with different fillings like cheese, mushrooms, or veggies for a unique twist.
Explore more Peruvian dishes at TasteAtlas.
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- Georgian Khachapuri – The $3 Cheese Bread That Feels Like a Feast
- South Indian Sambar for Less Than $4 – The Ultimate Comfort Food That’s Vegan
- Egyptian Koshari – The Ultimate $4 Comfort Food Made with Pantry Staples
📌 Final Thoughts
Peruvian Papa Rellena is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food. With its crispy outside and hearty, savory filling, it’s sure to become a new go-to recipe in your kitchen!
For more cheap and delicious recipes, keep visiting KateFi.com.
