Papas Rellenas Recipe Chilean Style

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 06, 2025

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Papas Rellenas: A Chilean Culinary Delight

Papas rellenas, or stuffed potatoes, are a beloved Chilean comfort food. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Learn how to make authentic Chilean-style papas rellenas with this easy-to-follow recipe. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and satisfying meal!

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed depending on the number of people you're serving.

• For the Potatoes:

  • 4 large russet potatoes (or similar starchy potatoes)
  • Salt to taste
  • Olive oil for frying (or your preferred cooking oil)

• For the Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or a mixture of ground beef and ground pork)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped (optional, but adds a nice texture)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Coating (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Chilean Papas Rellenas

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes: Wash and thoroughly scrub the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced with a fork (approximately 20-25 minutes).
2. Cool and mash: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel and mash them thoroughly. You can use a potato masher or a fork – whichever you prefer. Set aside.

Creating the Flavorful Filling

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the garlic, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (and pork, if using) to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, draining off any excess fat.
3. Combine the ingredients: Stir in the parsley, raisins, olives, hard-boiled egg (if using), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assembling and Cooking Your Papas Rellenas

1. Combine the filling and potato: Gently fold the meat filling into the mashed potatoes. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Shape the papas rellenas: Shape the potato mixture into oval or round patties, about 2-3 inches thick.
3. Coat (optional): For added crispness, you can optionally coat the papas rellenas in beaten egg, then bread crumbs.
4. Fry to perfection: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the papas rellenas in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Ensure the inside is heated thoroughly.

Serving and Enjoying Your Culinary Creation

Serve your delicious Chilean papas rellenas hot, as a main course or a side dish. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Papas Rellenas

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a spicier kick.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Cheese please!: Add some shredded cheese to the filling for extra richness.
• Baking alternative: For a healthier option, bake the papas rellenas in the oven instead of frying them.

This detailed guide will help you create truly authentic and delicious Chilean papas rellenas. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! ¡Buen provecho!