Causa or Layered Potato Casserole: This dish layers creamy mashed yellow potatoes,seasoned perfectly, and filled with your choice of chicken,tuna,or vegetables.

Whether you seek a hearty meal or a light, refreshing option, Causa offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Follow our detailed guide to make this beloved Peruvian dish in your own kitchen!

Here's a basic recipe for Causa:

Ingredients:

  - 4 large yellow potatoes, peeled and quartered

  - 2 tablespoons lime juice

  - Salt to taste

  - 2 tablespoons ají amarillo paste (Peruvian yellow chili paste), or to taste (adjust according to spice preference)

  - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  - 1 onion, finely chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast, or canned tuna, or mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn)

  - 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

  - Hard-boiled eggs, sliced (for garnish)

  - Black olives (for garnish)

  - Lettuce leaves (for serving)

Instructions:

1- Put the quartered potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, which should take about 15-20 minutes.

2- Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash them while they are still hot until smooth and creamy. Add lime juice, salt, and ají amarillo paste. Mix well to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let the mashed potatoes cool to room temperature.

3- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, tuna, or mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4- Once the mashed potatoes and filling are cooled, assemble the causa. Line a rectangular or square dish with plastic wrap or parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting.

5- Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly into the bottom of the lined dish, using a spatula to smooth it out.

6- Layer the cooked filling (chicken, tuna, or vegetables) evenly over the mashed potatoes.

7- Top the filling layer with the remaining mashed potatoes, spreading it out evenly to cover the filling.

8- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.

9- Before serving, carefully lift the causa out of the dish using the overhanging plastic wrap or parchment paper. Remove the plastic wrap from the top.

10- Garnish the top of the causa with sliced hard-boiled eggs, black olives, and chopped fresh cilantro (if using).

11- Slice the causa into squares or rectangles and serve on lettuce leaves.

Enjoy your homemade causa, a delightful Peruvian layered dish!

Nutritional Values:

I can offer approximate values for some common ingredients:

Yellow Potatoes (4 large potatoes, approximately 900g):

  - Calories: 720

  - Carbohydrates: 160g

  - Protein: 16g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 20g

benefits:

  - Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

  - Provides sustained energy due to their complex carbohydrate content.

  - Supports digestive health due to their fiber content.

  - Contains antioxidants that may help protect against cell damage.

Lime Juice (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 8

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.

  - Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and fight against free radicals.

  - Supports hydration and aids digestion.

Aji Amarillo Paste (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 30

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 2g

benefits:

  - Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting and pain-relieving properties.

  - Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

  - May help improve circulation and heart health.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 240

  - Total Fat: 28g

  - Saturated Fat: 2g

  - Monounsaturated Fat: 17g

  - Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g

benefits:

  - Provides essential fatty acids that support brain health and hormone production.

  - Contains vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties and supports skin health.

  - May help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels when used in moderation.

Onion (1 medium onion):

  - Calories: 44

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 2g

benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

  - Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and promote healthy digestion.

  - May help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Garlic (2 cloves):

  - Calories: 10

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may help boost the immune system.

  - Contains allicin, a compound with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

  - May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Chicken Breast (1 cup cooked and shredded):

  - Calories: 231

  - Protein: 43g

  - Fat: 5g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - High in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

  - Low in fat and calories compared to other cuts of meat.

  - Rich in vitamins and minerals such as niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium.

Tuna (1 cup canned):

  - Calories: 179

  - Protein: 39g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of high-quality protein with all essential amino acids

  - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and may reduce the risk of inflammation and chronic diseases.

  - Contains vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function.

Mayonnaise (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 720

  - Total Fat: 80g

  - Saturated Fat: 12g

  - Cholesterol: 60mg

  - Sodium: 800mg

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits:

  - Provides energy-dense calories that can be beneficial for individuals with high energy needs.

  - Contains healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which may help improve heart health.

  - Contains vitamin E and other antioxidants.

Hard-boiled Eggs (sliced):

  - Calories: 70 (per egg)

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 5g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium.

  - Contains choline, which is important for brain health and development.

  - Provides satiety, making you feel fuller for longer periods.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used and any variations in preparation methods. For more precise nutritional information, you may want to use a nutrition calculator or consult the packaging labels of the ingredients you use in your recipe.