
Golden Shrimp Causa with Aji Amarillo, Avocado, Botija Olives, and Crunchy Toasted Corn
An original Peruvian causa served with both warm and cool elements: yellow potatoes seasoned with aji amarillo and lime, filled with sautéed shrimp, creamy avocado, and botija olives, then finished with crunchy toasted corn and fresh herbs. It balances silky, briny, and crisp textures in a fresh yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
- 900 g yellow potatoes (peladas and cut en trozos)
- 45 g aji amarillo paste (divided)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 60 ml Peruvian limes (juice fresh, divided)
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 450 g medium shrimp (pelados and desvenados)
- 9 g garlic (chopped fino)
- 100 g red onion (diced small, divided)
- 300 g avocado (thinly sliced or cubes)
- 70 g botija olives (boneless and chopped)
- 60 g mayonnaise (for unir the relleno)
- 10 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 60 g toasted cancha corn (for crocante)
- 80 g lettuce (for servir, optional)
Nutrition facts
per serving
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
Instructions
- 1
1. Place the yellow potatoes in a pot with enough water and 4 g salt. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes, until very tender. Drain well and let the steam escape for 2 minutes.
- 2
2. Mash the potatoes while still hot until smooth. Mix with 30 g (2 tbsp) aji amarillo paste, 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil, 45 ml (3 tbsp) lime juice, 2 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper, and 2 g (1/2 tsp) salt. Set aside and let it cool slightly.
- 3
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil. Add the garlic and 50 g red onion; sauté for 1 minute. Add the shrimp, 15 g (1 tbsp) aji amarillo paste, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, and 2 g (1/2 tsp) salt. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- 4
4. Combine the cooked shrimp with the mayonnaise, botija olives, the remaining red onion, and half of the chopped cilantro. Adjust with an extra pinch of salt if needed.
- 5
5. For a neater finish, place a ring mold on a plate. Spread a first layer of the potato mixture, pressing gently with a spoon. Add a layer of avocado and then the shrimp filling. Cover with another layer of potato and smooth the top. Repeat for all 4 servings.
- 6
6. Finish each causa with the remaining fresh cilantro and the crunchy toasted cancha corn on top. For a fresher presentation, serve over lettuce leaves if desired.
- 7
7. Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for 10 minutes so it firms up before serving. If you prefer a slightly warm presentation, do not chill the potato mixture and assemble the causa just before serving.
Chef tips
For a finer texture, run the potatoes through a potato ricer instead of blending them; this prevents gumminess. If the shrimp are large, chop them into medium pieces so the filling distributes more evenly.
Substitutions
You can replace the shrimp with shredded chicken or cooked artichoke hearts. Botija olives can be swapped for mild black olives, and cilantro can be replaced with parsley for a gentler flavor.
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 imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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