Golden Causa with Smoked Tuna, Avocado, Yellow Chili and Warm Green Bean Salad
Peruvian Food
Intermediate

Golden Causa with Smoked Tuna, Avocado, Yellow Chili and Warm Green Bean Salad

An original recipe inspired by Peruvian cuisine: layers of yellow potato seasoned with ají amarillo and lime, filled with smoked tuna and avocado, served with a warm salad of green beans, red onion, and cilantro. Fresh, colorful, and balanced with creamy, bright, and smoky flavors.

30 minPrep
25 minCook
55 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 900 g yellow potatoes (peladas and cut en trozos large)
  • 45 g ají amarillo paste (divided)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 4 units limes (juice, divided)
  • 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (divided)
  • 300 g smoked cooked tuna (desmenuzado)
  • 60 g mayonnaise (for the relleno)
  • 120 g red onion (en pluma fina, divided)
  • 2 units avocado (thinly sliced)
  • 250 g green beans (without puntas and cut en mitades)
  • 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 10 g Dijon mustard (for the ensalada tibia)
  • 6 g garlic (finely chopped)

Nutrition facts

per serving

465 kcal
Calories
24 g
Protein
41 g
Carbs
23 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
35 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

EggsFishMustard

Instructions

  1. 1

    Boil the yellow potatoes in a pot with enough water and 1 teaspoon of salt for 18 to 20 minutes, until very tender. Drain well and let them rest for 2 minutes so excess steam escapes.

  2. 2

    While the potatoes are still hot, rice or mash them until smooth. Mix the mash with 2 tablespoons ají amarillo paste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the juice of 2 limes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside and let it cool slightly.

  3. 3

    In a bowl, combine the flaked smoked tuna with the mayonnaise, half of the red onion, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy.

  4. 4

    Cook the green beans in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 3 to 4 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds to set the color. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the green beans, the remaining red onion, Dijon mustard, the juice of the remaining lime, 1 tablespoon cilantro, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, just until combined and warmed through.

  6. 6

    To shape, divide the potato mixture into 8 portions. On each plate, place a ring mold or form a compact base with 1 portion of potato. Add layers of sliced avocado, then a portion of the tuna filling, and cover with another portion of potato, pressing gently to form a tall causa.

  7. 7

    For a lightly golden finish, place the causas on a lightly oiled tray and bake for 6 minutes at 425°F / 220°C, just to warm them and slightly dry the surface without losing their shape.

  8. 8

    Serve each causa with the warm green bean salad around it and finish with the remaining cilantro on top. Adjust salt and add a few extra drops of lime if desired before serving.

Chef tips

Use starchy yellow potatoes for a smoother texture. If the mash feels too moist, let it cool for a few minutes before assembling so it holds its shape better.

Substitutions

You can replace the smoked tuna with cooked bonito or shredded chicken. The avocado can be swapped for thin slices of cooked sweet potato for a different but balanced variation.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
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  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
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  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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